Salsa On2 and Brazilian Zouk are completely different dance genres. However, after filming and dancing both for awhile, I’ve noticed similarities between the two dances that I’d like to point out.
High Level of Dancing:
When you reach a certain level of dancing, you’re able to explore different instruments in the music. Your musicality allows you to create unique movements, patterns, and make every dance a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.
After watching many skilled dancers connect with each other, the music, the ground, etc. - their social dancing musicality is incredible. The sequences, patterns, and connection that some are able to create in the moment is amazing to witness.
Freedom:
With Salsa, dancers can do shines and dance by themselves to the music. They can express themselves individually. There are many instruments going on at the same time which gives the lead many options to choose from when playing with musicality. Dancers are able to go on or off the beat, and switch to different styles of salsa during a song.
With Brazilian Zouk, there is no defined music genre. You can literally dance to anything. However, popular music genres include ghetto zouk, hip hop/r&b, EDM, trap, future bass, lyrical, etc. The endless amounts of music genres coupled with many different Brazilian Zouk styles, well, you get the idea, the options are endless. Lead and follows are also able to swap roles during the song which really adds a different dynamic to the dance.
Basic Step
The basic step is the same. Yes, the movement, grounding, and energy is completely different. However, at it’s core, the basic is the same.
Trending
Both dance genres are hot right now. Brazilian Zouk has seen rapid growth in the US over the past 3 years. High quality video content has increased visibility on social media platforms. Salsa On2/Mambo events have been increasing over the past 2 years. Here in Los Angeles, there’s more and more mambo events as well as dance teams and students.
Both dance genres are difficult to learn and sometimes turn new dancers away because of how difficult it looks or seems. There is a slow learning curve at the beginning when learning fundamentals, technique, and musicality. However, after enough time and investment, things begin to click and you see why so many people love these dances.
—————————-
These are four similarities between Brazilian Zouk dancers and Salsa On2 or Mambo dancers. Another point I’d like to make is that many dancers who dance either dance, are dedicated solely to that dance. I know many mambo dancers that ONLY dance mambo. and Brazilian Zouk dancers that started with Brazilian Zouk and only dance that.
If you’re a Brazilian Zouk dancer and/or a salsa on2 dancer and have any insight or feedback, shoot us a message!