Quality of the Brazilian Zouk Stepping

Here we will focus on what happens in the legs in all the basic stepping patterns of Brazilian Zouk. There are 3 steps to each “basic” in Zouk, so a normal basic step consists of 2 basics – a basic step forwards and a basic step backwards. The quality of each of these steps is as following:

1. The first step is a long step. The quality is PROJECTION. On this step you want to stretch the working leg as far as you can, then project a little further by relaxing the standing knee and elongating, and then transfer the weight placing first the toes, then the ball of the foot, and finally the heel down. The toes go first and the torso (hips, shoulders, head) follow in one piece.
2. The second step is a small step. The quality is SUSPENSION & CONTROL. On this step you place just the ball of the foot down, and you do not need to transfer the weight fully. Suspend the body and control the redirection of the energy. Use your core and inner thighs to control the movement. Both heels are off the floor.
3. The third step is a weight transfer. The quality is GROUNDING. On this step you place the whole foot on the floor (toes first, then ball of the foot, then the heel). You absorb the energy, prepare and reset for the next long step. Use the inner thighs to control the grounding.