Zouk is both a dance and music genre. Zouk music has its origin in the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Zouk dance or to be precisely Brazilian Zouk (to distinguish it from the dance in the French Caribbean’s) has its roots in the Lambada famous around early 90s.

For a the ethnomusicology of Lambada listen to this audio documentary:

For a the ethnomusicology of Zouk listen to this audio documentary:

Nowadays, the Zouk rhythm is often used for remixes of R&B, Pop, Oriental and Electronic music. Also Zouk is very close and often interchangeably related with Kizomba from Angola and the Cape Verdean islands. Furthermore, Zouk can be and is danced to a wide range of lyrical and melodious sounds.
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The original Lambada has gone through different phases, which led to lineages of styles. There is a temporal causality associated with these lineages, but today all lines still exist and influence one another.
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We understand the concept of Modern Zouk as rooted in NeoZouk and Zouk Traditional, but going beyond. For us - above all - the partner connection is the essence and most important (see Philosophy). A solid technical dance foundation is a must, we hereby draw upon the above mentioned lineages and well as Contemporary and Modern Dance techniques. With “going beyond” we refer to influences from contact improvisation, somatic approaches, systemic therapy, energy work and Eastern body-mind practices. We don’t consider Modern Zouk as a style or our exclusive concept, but rather as a journey and ongoing experimentation, which we follow among other artists.

Universal Partner Dance, short UPD, combines traditional partner dance, contact improvisation, bodywork, and movement flow principles to create a deep connection between you, your partner, and the environment. By listening through touch and cultivating sensitivity, it nurtures presence and mutual connection. We use the Liberato Method to create a practice, which begins by helping you build confidence in your own body and movements, embracing your unique rhythm and expression. From there, it encourages you to carry that confidence into your interaction with your partner. As you explore the dynamics of leading and following, both you and your partner are empowered to move freely. Through this shared dialogue, you unlock creativity, discover new movements, and create space for mutual expression.

We work with a team to guarantee high quality classes, with an aim to create the highest quality of Zouk dancers in Berlin

The House of Zouk is a concept developed to answer the question: how to become a great social Zouk dancer?
It is a teaching and learning framework to show aspects that a student has to work on. It also shows the complexity of Zouk as a social dance. We consistently use this structure for our teachings. Learn more >>>