ZoukNerds: A New Experience in Learning for Dancers 🧠

Alisson Sandi
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the ZoukNerds Podcast! This is the ultimate destination for Brazilian Zouk enthusiasts and dance aficionados! Join us as we delve into the world of this beautiful dance, exploring its vibrant history, sharing inspiring stories, and connecting with the passionate community of ZoukNerds around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned pro or taking your first steps into the world of Brazilian Zouk, this podcast is your guide to the rhythm, the connection, and the joy that defines the Brazilian Zouk experience. Get ready to dance, learn, and be inspired with the ZoukNerds Podcast!

  1. Are You Sabotaging Your Own Learning? (S05 Ep50)

    12H AGO

    Are You Sabotaging Your Own Learning? (S05 Ep50)

    'The Reality Check' In this candid episode, Alisson Sandi and Gui Prada deliver a powerful "reality check" for dancers who say they want to improve but whose actions tell a different story. They expose the contradiction between wanting to be a great dancer and the behaviors that sabotage that very goal. They begin with a simple analogy: you can't run a marathon by only reading about it. The hosts argue that many dancers are caught in this trap, "talking the talk" without "walking the walk." This is especially evident in a dancer's ability to adapt, a skill many say they want but struggle to achieve in practice. Gui explains that this struggle often stems from a "fear of the silence"—an aversion to moments of pause or subtle movement where true connection can be built. He shares an anecdote about a leader in class who prioritized completing a movement over adapting to a partner's clear signals of non-compliance, highlighting how a rigid mindset can hinder growth. Alisson introduces the concept of "100/100" dancing, where both partners bring their full selves to the dance, creating a dynamic conversation rather than a one-sided lecture. He shares his personal journey of learning to prioritize his own happiness in a dance, a crucial step for a sustainable and joyful experience. The hosts offer actionable advice for dancers seeking to bridge the gap between their goals and their reality: Ask for Feedback: Overcome the fear of rejection and ask dance partners for specific, constructive feedback on what they enjoyed. Question Your Justifications: Be mindful of when you're justifying your actions to avoid trying a new technique. This "justification" is often a powerful limiting force. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your partner's body responds and adapt accordingly. A dancer who is "not happy" with your moves may not tell you verbally, but their body will. This episode is a call to honesty, encouraging dancers to reflect on their own habits and commit to the small, consistent actions that lead to big results. ________ Do you ever find your actions contradicting your dance goals? How do you overcome the mindset that holds you back? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!

    39 min
  2. Is Your Technique: Right or Wrong? (S05 Ep 49)

    AUG 20

    Is Your Technique: Right or Wrong? (S05 Ep 49)

    The 'Right and Wrong' of Technique In this episode, Alisson Sandi and Gui Prada revisit their beginner's curriculum, responding to questions about right vs. wrong technique and the seemingly countless variations of Zouk movements. They argue that in an art form like Zouk, "right" and "wrong" are not absolute, but depend on context, goal, and comfort. The hosts reflect on Zouk's evolution, noting how what was once considered good technique 15 years ago is now seen as physically demanding or unsafe. They advocate for a mindset that views technique as a tool that is always evolving, rather than a rigid set of rules. For them, a good technique is one that is safe, efficient, and inclusive for the dancer's and partner's level of experience. A key point of the discussion revolves around the importance of prioritizing what a student needs. For beginners, they stress focusing on comfort, rhythm, and flow, and layering more complex technical details as the student progresses. This approach, they argue, is key to retention and creating an inclusive community where everyone can feel successful from the start. Alisson and Gui also urge dancers to stay open and curious. They share personal anecdotes of initially rejecting a certain technique only to find it worked beautifully when they tried it with an open mind. They challenge workshop-hoppers to commit to a class, see it through, and understand that valuable lessons can be learned even from approaches they may not initially agree with. What do you consider a "wrong" technique in dance, and what makes it so? Share your thoughts and join the conversation! The episode's core message is to be a lifelong student, constantly questioning, and trying new things. This mindset not only improves your dancing but also helps you connect with a wider range of partners and ultimately builds a more cohesive and welcoming dance community.

    52 min
  3. The Qualities of a Great 'Zouk Disciple' (S05 Ep48)

    AUG 14

    The Qualities of a Great 'Zouk Disciple' (S05 Ep48)

    'Are you a Great Student?' In this imaginative episode, Alisson Sandi and Gui Prada step into the role of "Masters" searching for their ideal lifelong disciple in dance. They explore the core qualities they would seek in that one person worthy of inheriting everything they know. We identify several key attributes that go beyond just dance skills: Patience and Respect for the Process: In an age of instant gratification, they crave a student with the patience to spend an hour on a single exercise and a deep respect for the learning journey, not just the final outcome. This means trusting the teacher and the curriculum, even when the purpose isn't immediately obvious. Openness and Curiosity: Their ideal disciple would have a "cup-half-full" mentality, approaching every lesson with genuine curiosity rather than justifying their existing habits. They would be open to trying new, and even "crazy," exercises without needing to know exactly how they relate to the dance. Proactive Participation and Discipline: The masters are looking for a student who thinks critically about their own learning and contributes to the process. This includes suggesting new ideas and being disciplined enough to prioritize their training, even if it means rescheduling other life commitments. Alisson and Gui share personal anecdotes and offer a "reality check" for students, explaining that deep learning requires consistent effort and a level of commitment that goes beyond a few occasional private lessons. They even propose a simple test for future team auditions: a one-hour slow-walking exercise to vet for true patience and discipline. This episode is a call to action for students to approach their dance journey with a master's mindset. What qualities do you believe are most important for a dedicated student, and why? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!

    45 min
  4. The Beginner's Guide to Brazilian Zouk (S05 Ep47)

    AUG 6

    The Beginner's Guide to Brazilian Zouk (S05 Ep47)

    'The Beginner's Guide to Zouk' In this episode, Alisson Sandi and Gui Prada share their combined two decades of experience to create an essential guide for anyone teaching or learning Zouk basics. They dissect the most crucial skills for beginners, going beyond just movements to foster a strong foundation. The hosts break down the foundational elements they prioritize: Technique: The a, chic, chic, and the basic positioning of movements. They stress that true learning comes from feeling, not just copying what you see. Body Awareness: Understanding what your own body is doing—where your weight is, how your joints are moving, and how that affects your partner. They encourage a focus on positive feedback, telling students what to do rather than what not to do. Social Etiquette: Acknowledging that beginners often have questions about everything from inviting a dance partner to navigating a crowded floor. They advocate for a curriculum that intentionally teaches social skills and safety alongside dance patterns. Alisson and Gui emphasize that teachers should avoid overwhelming students with too many movements. They recommend using repetition, slow progression, and intentional warmups to allow students to integrate new concepts. A crucial reminder: the only person who thinks the class is too slow is the teacher. This episode is a must-listen for teachers looking to improve their instruction and for students wanting to know what to focus on in their own learning journey.

    54 min
  5. Who Are You Dancing With? Yourself or Your Partner? (S05 Ep46)

    JUL 30

    Who Are You Dancing With? Yourself or Your Partner? (S05 Ep46)

    'The Art of Adaptability in Social Dancing' How can you be everything your dance partner desires? Alisson Sandi and Gui Prada tackle this intriguing question from a recent Q&A, diving into the art of adaptability in social dancing. Gui reveals his "ease of motion" process, focusing on subtle physical cues to gauge a partner's comfort and preference, rather than mind-reading. Alisson echoes this, emphasizing an ongoing "conversation" of reactions to understand what a partner doesn't want, constantly listening for negative feedback. The hosts delve into the societal issue of lack of bodily awareness, where dancers may unconsciously push partners beyond their comfort zones. They highlight the importance of leaders focusing on reducing effort and building a dance with their partner, rather than just performing movements for them. Alisson shares a recent class exercise where students gained "fun" by focusing on their own body's desires in the dance, emphasizing that pleasing oneself first leads to better connection. The episode explores the vulnerability of true connection, especially through eye contact, revealing how shyness often stems from discomfort with showing one's inner self. It also touches on the tricky balance of managing your own energy at socials: knowing when to conserve, when to seek out trusted partners for a "recharge," and the social dilemma of saying "no" to some while saying "yes" to others who match your current energy. --- Do you prioritize what your partner wants, or what your body needs when social dancing? How do you navigate the unspoken expectations on the dance floor? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!

    47 min
  6. Epiphany, Delusion or Transformation? (S05 Ep43)

    JUL 30

    Epiphany, Delusion or Transformation? (S05 Ep43)

    'Dance Epiphanies - Moments That Changed Everything' Have you ever experienced a sudden "Aha!" moment that completely transformed your dancing? In this imaginative episode, Alisson Sandi and Gui Prada share their most profound "dance epiphanies" – those unexpected breakthroughs that fundamentally shifted their understanding and connection to movement. Gui recounts his earliest epiphany in Buenos Aires, where a dance with an older woman revealed the effortless fluidity of Tango, proving that a great dance has "nothing to do with the body necessarily, with the age, with the shape, with the height." Alisson shares his own Tango revelation in Australia, discovering a new level of bodily sensitivity and how every subtle movement communicates to a partner. They both emphasize that these kinesthetic experiences, where something is truly "felt, not just understood," leave a lasting mark. The conversation then explores other pivotal moments, including Alisson's Ballroom experience, which taught him the radical concept of not "babying" her follower and the importance of a leader's self-responsibility. This led him to embrace constant adaptability in his social dancing, aiming to meet followers' needs for space or presence. Gui reflects on the blessing of dancing with strong followers early in his journey, who elevated his understanding of connection. The hosts delve into Zouk-specific insights, including Gui's realization that one can excel in a single aspect of Zouk (like head movements) while still struggling with basics, and Alisson's journey to accept the dance's diverse interpretations despite contradictory feedback. This episode encourages listeners to embrace a mindset of continuous learning, take that "first step" with new teachers or partners, and remain open to profound "epiphanic moments" that redefine their dance journey with @everyone.

    56 min
  7. Dance Teacher VS Community Builder (S05 Ep45)

    JUL 23

    Dance Teacher VS Community Builder (S05 Ep45)

    Dance Teacher VS Community Builder – What's the Difference? In this episode, Alisson Sandi and Gui Prada dissect the roles of Community Leader and Dance Teacher, exploring how their combined efforts drive Zouk community growth. They emphasize that you don't need to be an elite dancer to build a thriving scene. The hosts highlight the "ongoingness" and emotional labor of community building, often started out of necessity. They contrast this with teaching's demands, and the importance of outsourcing tasks and recognizing individual strengths. The episode also serves as a heartfelt plea: be kind and appreciative to your local Zouk teachers and organizers. Many operate in their limited free time, fueled by passion. Their efforts, often unseen, are vital for a healthy, growing community for everyone! What qualities do you value most in your local Zouk community's leaders and teachers? Share your thoughts and join the discussion 🫶

    52 min
  8. Nationality & Pay: Zouk's Ugly Truth (S05 Ep44)

    JUL 16

    Nationality & Pay: Zouk's Ugly Truth (S05 Ep44)

    'Authenticity, Nationality, & Pay in Dance' In this candid episode, Alisson Sandi and Gui Prada challenge the notion that a dance teacher's nationality dictates their authenticity, skill, or pay. They tackle the common bias that being from Zouk's "motherland" automatically makes one a better teacher. Both hosts, having unique teaching careers primarily outside Brazil, share insights on why local teachers are often more effective for beginners. They critically examine the "perceived authority" granted by nationality, which can inflate prices and overshadow the dedication of non-Brazilian instructors. The discussion delves into the economics of event organizing, where perceived fame can unfortunately influence hiring over true teaching quality. However, Alisson and Gui emphasize that hard work, dedication, and adaptability are the real markers of a valuable teacher. They advocate for organizers to diversify lineups and invest in local communities, fostering a "homemade meal" of consistent, quality instruction over fleeting trends. What are your thoughts on authenticity in dance? Have you experienced situations where nationality seemed to influence perception or opportunities? Share your reflections and join the conversation!

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the ZoukNerds Podcast! This is the ultimate destination for Brazilian Zouk enthusiasts and dance aficionados! Join us as we delve into the world of this beautiful dance, exploring its vibrant history, sharing inspiring stories, and connecting with the passionate community of ZoukNerds around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned pro or taking your first steps into the world of Brazilian Zouk, this podcast is your guide to the rhythm, the connection, and the joy that defines the Brazilian Zouk experience. Get ready to dance, learn, and be inspired with the ZoukNerds Podcast!

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