BRICK DANCE ACADEMY
UNDERSTANDING THE LEVELS
LEVEL 1
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Level 1 is about breaking down the Brazilian Zouk technique into its components to find clarity and balance in every traveling step, turn, and tilt. We work on preparing the body to improve the fluidity and end-range of the movement, and learning correct activation of muscles to execute moments safely with minimum effort. We start combining and layering the component into movements and short sequences by applying concepts such as A- and U-motion, the driving leg, the compass turn, the pendulum effect, and projection versus compensation methods of head movement.
A strongly-held belief in BRIC is that a leader must first understand and empathize with follower movements to be able to lead comfortably and clearly, so leaders are strongly encouraged to also take part in the follower-movement segments of classes. For followers, Level 1 teaches strong solo technique to find balance, safety, and confidence in one’s own movements, before coming together with a leader to connect on a deeper level.
LEVEL 2
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Level 2 stretches and builds on the foundations and concepts from Level 1, playing with varying proportions of travel, turn and tilt to create different effects, particularly in travelling head movements. We demystify creativity in Zouk by defining a selection of parameters for playfulness, such as reversing directions, changing holds/positions, and changing speed. We show how, by mixing and matching BRIC foundations with these parameters, nearly endless movement variations can be led and followed comfortably on the dancefloor. Concepts taught at this level include shared axis, reverse compass, and foot replacement. We also explore floor craft and play with both travelling and stationary variations of movements.
Another BRIC belief is that we want Brazilian Zouk to be enjoyed by everyone, so we aim to share ways to adapt to your partner’s size and preferences while prioritizing comfort and connection. We will also explore how followers can find space and express themselves in how they follow, and how leaders can give space for the followers to shape the dance (Bruno once said that Raiza decides 90% of the dance!).
LEVEL 3
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Level 3 builds on the solid foundations and variations from Levels 1 and 2 and goes on to breakdown and analyse more advanced Brazilian Zouk movements such as toalha, side-projection isolations, counterbalances, and single leg spins. We play with different sequencing and parameters to explore variations in these classic Zouk movements to bring freedom and adventure to the social dance floor. We will go deeper into ways to better adapt to and connect with our partner and the music. Concepts taught include the artistic bending of a few rules taught in Level 1 and 2!