bachazouk classes in medellin
Bachazouk is an emerging and captivating dance fusion that is gaining popularity in Medellin, Colombia.
Before the 2020’s, bachazouk was virtually unknown in Medellin. While bachata and Brazilian zouk were danced individually in social events and studios, there were no formal classes or socials dedicated to the unique blend of the two styles. Dancers who wished to experiment with fusion had to rely on personal initiative or exposure to international instructors online or at congresses.
With the increasing global exposure of zouk and sensual bachata, Medellin began to see the first signs of bachazouk. International festivals, local instructors attending workshops abroad, and visiting dance professionals started planting the seeds of this new genre. Studios like DANCEFREE began to explore the potential of fusion dance classes and including zouk and bachazouk in their dance socials. Though still niche, the scene is growing, with local dancers, teachers, and visiting artists all contributing to the development of this expressive and sensual fusion style.
Here is some basic information about bachazouk, to get you started:
Bachazouk music typically uses bachata tracks that are slowed down or remixed to accommodate the flow and tempo of Brazilian zouk, zouk-influenced Latin songs, and fusion compositions created for bachazouk social dancing. The dance emphasizes musical interpretation, allowing dancers to explore both rhythmic steps and continuous motion.
Some bachazouk dancing basics include combining the basic bachata steps with zouk-inspired circular and wave-like upper body movements. Dancers often begin sequences on the one beat, similar to bachata, but will quickly transition into flowing sequences typical of zouk.
On certain beats, body isolations such as chest rolls, head movements, and hip circles are incorporated. These create a distinctive aesthetic and a more connected and expressive dance.
The leader often guides with gentle, circular motions, and the follower responds with extended body movements, leveraging techniques from both lead-follow dynamics in zouk and the musical accents of bachata.
Common bachazouk movements include traveling waves, body rolls, head tilts, isolations, pivots, and rotational dynamics with close partner connection.
As you gain experience, you may explore deeper concepts such as counterbalance and elasticity between partners, zouk-style head movements, musical expression and improvisation, use of bachata footwork with zouk upper-body flow, seamless transitions between styles, syncopation and sustained movement (‘sostenido’), floor craft and body awareness, circular motion and wave energy transfer.
DANCEFREE offers private bachazouk classes, in person in Medellin, Colombia, and online via Zoom and Google Meet. Our in-person classes are 7 days a week and our online classes are on weekdays only, subject to availability. If you would like to take private bachazouk classes, click here to view the steps for beginning private classes.