The Summit Program is for experienced Zouk dancers who are comfortable with foundational Zouk movements. If this doesn’t sound like you, check out our Trailblazer program for newer dancers (open to all passholders – but new Zoukers can get a special deal for this program).
Introducing: Weekend Intensives
Instead of one-hour workshops, each instructor will teach one Intermediate level and one Advanced level three-hour intensive to dive deep into a specific aspect of dance through exercises, technique, drills, patterns, and games to help you grow. Each intensive has a list of prerequisites you are expected to know before attending the class, as well as a set of learning objectives for the intensive.
Where do I find Prerequisite and Objectives information?
You can view these in our Interactive Schedule by clicking on the “i” icon.
How do I know if I should take Intermediate or Advanced intensives?
There are two ways to assess which workshop you should take. The first is to look at the prerequisites; the second is to consider your general dance level.
Intermediate Intensives
For Intermediate classes, you should be comfortable and confident social dancing Brazilian Zouk foundational patterns listed in the prerequisites with at least an average degree of proficiency. If you would be at around an average Novice Jack and Jill competitive level (even if you don’t compete), you will benefit from these intensives. You can still benefit from these intensives if you dance above that level.
If you’re not familiar with Jack and Jill levels, an average Novice dancer typically knows the Zouk rhythm, foundational upright movements, isolations, and undulations (waves), and very basic head movements (for example, Raul or Chicote) well enough to execute them socially with an average partner.
Advanced Intensives
For Advanced classes, you should be comfortable and confident social dancing Brazilian Zouk foundational patterns with a high degree of proficiency, and know the listed prerequisites for the intensive. If you dance at a Jack and Jill Low-Intermediate + level of skill (even if you don’t compete), you are at the right level for these workshops.
An Intermediate dancer generally knows everything that a Novice dancer knows with more proficiency (for example, can lead basic steps more easily on new dancers, or can follow the basics with a less clear lead) and knows some more complex movements (for example, balao apagado) well enough to execute them with a similar level partner.
Do I have to compete to take intensives?
No. We use Jack and Jill levels as a general way for you to understand the intended starting level for each intensive because many dancers are used to understanding what a “Novice” or “Intermediate” competitor looks like in skill level. You can participate in the intensive you feel is right for your level as long as you know the prerequisite movements for it and as long as your skill level matches it.
Do you have Level Assessments?
We do not have formal level assessments at Zouk the North – but teachers are instructed to proceed with the workshop based on assuming that dancers understand the prerequisites. Teachers are asked to start with a very brief review of the prerequisites to allow dancers an opportunity to re-level themselves if they realize that they are missing some of the needed skills for the class. We ask that you respect this process.
You are welcome to sit and observe any workshop or bring a partner and stay on the edge of the rotation if you do not feel you are at the right level to learn the material, but still want to participate.
If you’re not sure what your level is, share this page with your teacher and ask them where they think you fit.
Can I take the Trailblazer Open/Beginner classes even if I have a regular Full Pass?
Yes! This is highly encouraged – especially if you don’t think you have the prerequisites for another intensive. The Trailblazer classes are a great way to fine-tune your foundational skills while still improving your technique.