2023 ARTISTS
L&L are two young Brazilian Zouk teachers from São Paulo. With an organic and innovative approach, they promote studies that contribute to Brazilian Zouk reaching new levels. They have been studying social couple dances since 2012 and in 2015 they focused their specialization on Brazilian Zouk
Their mission is to contribute to a happier and more empathetic
society through art. They work to spread what they learn with
lightness and love.
Focusing on non-choreographic methods, our classes follow a constructivist model, where learning takes place through individual discovery. In our classes, we prioritize the sharing of tools, which allow dancers to express their individuality, while connecting to their partner and the culture of Brazilian Zouk.
Among our various theoretical studies are topics such as counterbalance, frame and connection, head movements and time distribution of the steps, resulting in technical discoveries that are shared with joy and passion.
Who are our classes for?
People who wish to expand their relationship with zouk through:
-Efficiency: Achieving the desired results in a smart and cohesive way.
-Comfort: Providing you and your partner with warm and pleasant movements.
-Esthetics: Materialize on your body the esthetics, plasticity, and form that you wish.
-Structure dominance: Understand and explore the communication structure of zouk and from there develop the freedom to express yourself.
– Culture: Connect deeply with the Brazilian zouk culture.
– Flow: Constantly find that magical moment when you disconnect from the world outside and maintain such concentration that time seems to disappear.
Walter & Lari – Brazil
Walter and Larissa are celebrated Brazilian zouk artists, recognized all over the zouk world.
Walter and Larissa’s partnership started in january 2021 when they discovered a common purpose in their dance. They believe that dance is an instrument of transformation in the lives of many people, far beyond techniques, movements, conduction’s and embellishments; “this art associates intelligence and body expression in non-verbal communication between two people, and only then do we go from being mere performers of movements to dancers who feel not only themselves, but also empathize with each other.”
Walter Fernandes
Dance educated by the Jaime Aroxa dance school, Walter started his dance studies at 15 years old in the social project directed by Escola de Dança Jaime Aroxa called “Well from the head to the feet” in Rio de Janeiro. iIn 2012 he joined as a dancer at CIA Dom, a samba de gafieira dance group directed by Patrick Carvalho, winning in 2015 the Gafieira Brasil – group category. Walter dedicated himself simultaneously to samba de gafieira and to Brazilian zouk, which made him a stunning professional with excellence in both areas. He taught classes in both dance styles on an 8-month tour around Russia, Israel, Siberia, Finland and Belarus. The first of many tours that came in sequence, accounting for more than 16 countries where he has shared his dance. Walter is responsible for the introduction of Brazilian zouk in the community of Israel, which today is known as “Zouko”. Currently he travels the world teaching classes, performing shows and participating in competitions.
Larissa Secco
Larissa earned a bachelor degree in physical education from the Federal University of Santa Catarina. She has dedicated 16 years to technical training in ballet, jazz and contemporary classical dances and in 2014 she started her studies in ballroom dancing. Since then Larissa has dedicated herself to being a Brazilian zouk dance teacher and dancer. In Florianópolis / SC, she taught Brazilian ballroom dance classes to the university student population as an extension project at UFSC. Lari developed and coordinated research in dance pedagogy, students psychological factors, and using results to optimize students learning and experience the Brazilian zouk dance. She currently travels nationally and internationally, giving workshops and performing in partnership with Walter Fernandes.
Leo and Becky – Brazil / Christchurch New Zealand
Leo and Becky are world renowned Brazilian Zouk artists based in Christchurch New Zealand. They are the owners and directors of Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy and regularly teach at congress’s and events all over the world and around New Zealand, helping zouk communities grow and flourish.
Leo
Leonardo Neves is one of the Directors & owners of Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy. He started dancing at 8 years old as an after school activity and this is where his passion for Dance began. From here Leo spent the next 6 years attending various dance schools in Rio de Janeiro, studying Bolero, Soltinho, Samba De Gafieira, Samba no pé, Lindy hop, Salsa and Forro.
When he was 12 years old, Leo began learning from the Zouk creators; Renata and Adilio, in their Dance Company. Here he studied Brazilian Zouk, and other Brazilian and Latin Dance styles for 7 Years. Over this time Leo performed with the company at different events including Congresses and Theatres. He competed with various dance partners and won 1st Place in the “Onda Zouk“ Competition with his dance partner at the time; Vanessa Ferreira, which was the first Brazilian Zouk Competition in Rio de Janeiro. After some time he became the dance partner of Renata Pecanha, travelling, teaching regular classes, Workshops, and at Congresses and performing with her across Brazil at the age of 15.
From 2009 to 2012 Leo traveled both Nationally (in Brazil) and Internationally teaching and performing from small events to some of the biggest Congresses in the World With His dance partner at the time; Layssa Liebscher.
At the beginning of 2013 Leonardo started his new partnership with Becky Crystal. They traveled all around the world teaching in many countries such as Czech Republic, Brazil, Ukraine, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Cyprus, USA, Australia, Bali, Singapore, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, Belgium, Austria, Croatia and many others, where they were invited by local teachers and organizers to help the local communities and teachers grow with their dance. Leo also travels with Becky Crystal to give teachers courses around the world so the local teachers can grow their communities with quality .
Leo is an instructor in Christchurch, New Zealand, teaching Brazilian and Latin Dance Classes, specialising in Salsa, Bachata, Brazilian Zouk, Forró, Samba No Pé, Kizomba, Boléro, Soltinho, Samba De Gafieira, Merengue, Funk, Axé, Lambada and other dance styles.
He studied 3 years of Tap dance, Ballet, Contemporary, contact & Improvisation, Capoeira and other styles.
At Brazilian Beatz we have an incredible team of dance instructors, come along and meet them at our next beginners dance class!
Becky
Becky Crystal is one of the Directors & owners of Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy.
She began dancing in High School where she studied Dance as a Subject, learning to Choreograph, Document and Videograph different styles of dance. Becky then went into Latin American Dancing at Colleen Murray Dance Studio and during this time she studied a little of Samba, Jive, Cha Cha Cha, and Rumba in the Latin American Genre. She competed in local Dancesport competitions in her level and made a placing in every competition. Within 10 months of training Becky competed in one of the biggest dance competitions in New Zealand in 30 years the ISDF. The same day she was selected to go to Australia to dance on a television program called ‘Strictly Dancing’. After a few competitions over a number of years Becky started dancing more of the Street Latin Styles, studying Salsa, Street Cha, Merengue and Bachata and performing and competing for some years in these styles. In this time she entered into the South Islands (Teachers Level), the Nationals (Professional level) and even started a Bachata Team which she trained and took to the New Zealand Pacific Salsa Congress. Her team was selected to Perform in Australia at the Sydney Salsa Congress.
Becky then became interested in Brazilian dance styles and traveled to Brazil to expand her knowledge in these styles of dance. During this time she taught on a Cruise ship event organized by ‘World Salsa Tours’.
At the beginning of 2013 Becky started her partnership with Leonardo Neves. They travel all around the world teaching in many countries such as Czech Republic, Brazil, Ukraine, Netherland, Switzerland, Cyprus, USA, Australia, Bali, Singapore, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Croatia and many others. They are invited by local teachers and organizers to help the local communities and teachers to grow with their dance. Becky also travels with Leo to give teachers courses internationally so the local teachers in their countries can grow their communities with quality.
Becky Teaches Brazilian and Latin Dance Classes as an instructor in Christchurch, New Zealand. she specializes in Salsa – Bachata – Brazilian Zouk – Forró -Samba No Pé – Kizomba – Boléro – Soltinho – Samba De Gafieira – Merengue – Lambada and other dance styles.
Emily and Augusto – Brazil / Dunedin New Zealand
Emily and Augusto are well known and loved across the New Zealand zouk scene as professional instructors and amazing dancers.
Emily and Augusto started their partnership in 2019. They teach and compete together all-around New Zealand, and recently won 1st place at the Salsa Open Freestyle during the South Island Latin Championship. They also organized the Dunedin Zouk Intensive and the Dunedin Latin Fest, which are big dance events gathering artists and participants from the whole country.
Trajano and Shannon – Argentina / Auckland New Zealand
Kat and Yuri – Christchurch New Zealand
Kat and Yuri are adored by the Australasian zouk scenes as beautiful dancers and highly skilled teachers. Having developed their skills under the mentorship of world renowned zouk instructors Leo and Becky, they are about to take the zouk world by storm!
Yuri
Yuri started his dance journey in Christchurch, New Zealand, dancing Ballroom at the age of 8. Over the course of 2 years, he qualified for silver medals in both Latin and New Vogue with high commendations for the NZ federation of dance teachers inc., along with many first, second, and third placings. Over the next 10 years he danced Ballroom intermittently while focusing on his schoolwork.
Yuri then went to the University of Canterbury, and it was there in 2015 that he discovered the University Dance Club, UCanDance, which reignited his passion for dance – this time in Street Latin styles such as Salsa, Bachata, and Rueda. This eventually led to his discovery of Brazilian Zouk which was taught as a 5-week specialty course. Seeing the artists’ final demo, he was immediately hooked and took on any opportunity to learn zouk – including participation in Christchurch’s contingent of the Worldwide International Zouk Day Choreography. During this time, he also joined Latin Fire – a Latin dance school in Christchurch, to further pursue Salsa, Bachata, and Cha Cha, as well as perform and compete with their team.
Soon after, with the opening of their new school Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy, Yuri joined Leo and Becky to study Brazilian Zouk, where he was eventually invited to join the Brazilian Beatz Team, and then the Teachers Team in 2017. Being a part of this Team at Brazilian Beatz gave Yuri the opportunity to not only study the Brazilian styles of dance such as Brazilian Zouk, Samba de Gafieira, Samba no Pe, Bolero, Forro, Soltinho and Funk, but also the opportunity to grow and develop his skills as a teacher. As well as this, Yuri has also been developing his skills as a DJ over the past few years – learning both how to mix and play music to any crowd, as well as studying the theory behind the rhythms of different dance styles.
Kat Maxwell ignited her passion for dancing in 2013 when she first discovered Brazilian Zouk. Already dancing Latin styles such as Salsa, Bachata and the Brazilian dance Samba De Gafieira since 2012 in Christchurch, she soon started training in Forro, Bolero, Soltinho, Funk, and Samba no Pe with Leo and Becky at Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy in Christchurch, NZ. She has since added Cha Cha and Contemporary as an addition to her repertoire.
Kat is trained in education, she studied at the University of Canterbury in a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Primary Education. This coupled with her training with Leo and Becky at Brazilian Beatz as their student since 2015, part of their team from 2016, and then as one of their teachers since 2017, Kat has extensive experience in teaching holistically, incorporating various learning styles into her pedagogy.
Training with Leo and Becky as part of their team at Brazilian Beatz has inspired her to take the skills and techniques she has learnt to competitions in New Zealand, Australia and Brazil. She taught at Leo and Becky’s Brazilian Zouk Intensive Training Event; RioBeatz in 2019 and 2021, and is looking forward to teaching there again in 2022, along with other events throughout NZ and Australia.
At the beginning of 2020 Kat travelled to Brazil for 6 weeks of intensive training in Brazilian Zouk, to progress her own dancing and to bring back the information, flavour, and passion for her students. This trip saw her competing in the Rio Zouk Congress Intermediate Jack and Jill and completing her certificate in Renata Peçanha’s 2020 week-long Teachers Course. Since then, she has completed Kadu and Larissa’s Teachers and Judges training, and continues her mentorship with Leo and Becky, teaching, attending classes, and training every week. As she believes that being a teacher means being a student for a lifetime.
Layssa – Brazil / Adelaide Australia
Layssa is considered one of the worlds top Brazilian Zouk artists, traveling extensively as an instructor and sharing her deep knowledge of Brazilian dance technique.
Layssa Valentina has been a bubbly and happy soul since a child. Her nickname was “risadinha” which in portugues means “little laugh”.
Emma & Peter – Auckland New Zealand
Emma and Peter are a well established teaching duo from Zouk Art, Auckland. Together, they are making a strong name for themselves here in NZ with their excellent Zouk teaching style!
Emma
Emma started Salsa and Zouk over ten years ago, and later adopted Samba de Gafieira into her life, and has loved dance ever since. She grew as a Zouk dancer performing in team choreographies, then developed her teaching skills at Zouk Art – celebrating a decade with ZoukArt in 2021. Emma further developed her performance skills with her dance partner Peter, wowing audiences with their connection, and debuted her first ladies team in 2022. She has a background in music, having played piano all her life, and now uses that expertise in her local DJing and helping students understand musicality.
Peter
Peter has an extensive background in various forms of martial arts; including Muay Thai Kickboxing, MMA, Brazilian Capoeira (which is a form of fight training and dance combined) and also has experience teaching kickboxing classes. Beyond this, he has been dancing Zouk for over 8 years with Zouk Art (and later Samba de Gafieira) and developing his dance teaching alongside Emma as well as his performance skills – in teams and in duets.
For more than 10 years, Juliana and Rafael have been sharing their love for dancing through regular classes, workshops and performances around the world. In 2016, they moved to Brisbane – Australia, where they have been promoting and strengthening the Brazilian dance culture, especially Brazilian Zouk and Samba de Gafieira, through regular classes and workshops at big events such as Casa do Zouk, Brazouky and Brisbane Zouk Festival.
Juliana
Juliana has always been passionate about dance, after doing Jazz for a few years she decided to take a trial partner dance class (Danca de Salao- ‘the Brazilian Ballroom’) when she was just 14 years old and hasn’t stopped since. Being part of different festivals and events competing with Jazz and partner dance choreos, she decided to dive deeper into dancing by taking a specialization course for partner dance instructors and choreographers with a two year duration. Working as a dance instructor and choreographer with Rafael Pitarello since 2011, she also graduated in Social Communication with an emphasis on Public Relations by Cásper Líbero Foundation, SP- Brazil, and is currently studying to become an authorized Fitness Instructor in Australia. Brazilian Zouk and Samba de Gafieira, through regular classes and workshops at big events such as Casa do Zouk, Brazouky and Brisbane Zouk Festival.
Rafael
Graduated in Physical Education with specialization in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Physical Education by the Dante Pazzanese Cardiology Institute – SP, Brazil, Rafael Pitarello started partner dancing (Danca de Salao- ‘the Brazilian Ballroom’) in 2008 and has been developing his career in dance since then, being part of various events, festivals and dance congresses, including joining the Dancing Team of Costa Cruises for two seasons (2010-2011 and 2011-2012) touring around Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Rafael also worked for two years as a Fitness and Dance Instructor at YMCA Sao Paulo. Since 2011, Rafael has been working alongside Juliana as dance instructor and choreographer.
Sara & Jeff – Sydney Australia
The founders and teachers of Zouk Unity Dance School Sydney, these two stunning zoukers and highly qualified instructors are excited to bring their best to Zouk Central this year!
Sara Lim
Sara has been a regular instructor since 2013. She is the founder and teacher at Zouk Unity Dance School Sydney. She has performed and conducted workshops in several International dance festivals, namely Singapore International Latin Festival 2015-2017, Boracay International Dance Festival, Salsa Bangkok Fiesta 2016-2017, World Bachata Festival 2016, Afro Latin Festival 2017 & Zouk South East Asia Festival 2015-2017, 2019, Brisbane Zouk Festival 2018, Sydney Zouk Festival 2017. She’s also focused on choreographing and training several Zouk teams ranging from beginners to advanced, where these team performances were selected to be the opening number of Zouk SEA dance congress and many other concert events.
Jeff
Certified for completion of Brazilian Teachers Training – by Kadu & Larissa Certified BZDC Judge Jeff is currently the founder and teacher at Zouk Unity Dance School Sydney. An experienced zouk dancer of 12 years starting in 2010, Jeff has been inspired by various mentors such as Arthur & Layssa, Kadu & Larissa, and Carlos & Fernanda throughout the years. He is an avid freestyle competitor and social dancer winning or placing in 6 intermediate finals and is keen to further share his love of the dance.
Together, Jeff and Sara is focused on building choreographies and cultivating dance friendships. Under their leadership, they have formed a regular zouk team named “Balao Brothers Boneca Babes” that has performed in over 9 festivals and events. Recently, the team won 2nd place in zouk team division in Brazouky Melbourne. Certified for completion of Brazilian Teachers Training – by Kadu & Larissa Certified BZDC Judge
João & Louise – Brazil / Invercargill New Zealand
Passionate about dance and a dreamer who believes that everybody can learn how to dance, João Jezuz started his path to be a professional dance instructor more than ten years ago in Rio de Janeiro. He taught at Jaime Aroxa’s Studio, Renata Peçanha’s Studio, University of Rio and other dance studios. Jezuz has taught in many other countries and events in Europe, South America, and now in New Zealand. He has been a driving force in the Zouk Needs You System alongside Val & Vanessa, been a part of performance teams, and created and inspired communities across the world.
Louise first started dancing in Christchurch in 2012 after she saw a friends’ inspiring wedding dance and Zouk quickly became her passion. In 2019, her journey took her to Brazil with the intention of traveling as well as practising her Zouk. Louise took advantage of her time there and trained with some of the best dance teachers in Brazil.
Since arriving to New Zealand, João and Louise have created a new Brazilian dance scene in Louise’s home town, Invercargill, and taught across the country. Their journey brought them to Wellington, where they were inspired to start Karioka Dance. During 2021 they also were responsible for creating Zouktreat, a 5 day full immersion zouk retreat made to inspire and share their passion about what matters: Zouk!
Phoebe and Dharsh – Sri Lanka / Auckland New Zealand
Phoebe and Dharsh are considered excellent zouk dancers and teachers with an extensive background of training internationally and teaching both in NZ and Australia. They share their love of zouk to their students at Viva Dance in Auckland.
Phoebe started Latin Ballroom when she was 15 years old after over a decade of dance and gymnastics experience. In 2010, at the NZ Salsa Congress, she saw Zouk for the first time and immediately fell in love. Phoebe has studied extensively all over the world, training with Alex and Mathilde in Paris, Bruno Galhardo, and in Brazil with the Queen of Zouk, Renata Pecanha. She sees Zouk as a graceful conversation between two people and her love for the style has pushed her to be a skilled leader, follower, and teacher.
Dharsh
Dharshana is originally from Sri Lanka and has lived in Auckland, New Zealand for 20 years. He trained and competed in Tae Kwon Do until a friend dragged him to a Salsa class. After discovering Zouk it became his focus, and he has been training and teaching the style ever since.
Dharshana has competed nationally and overseas and won numerous titles in Zouk and Salsa. He has trained multiple performance teams that have gone on perform in several New Zealand congresses. To him, Zouk is an art form and he loves being able to share it with others in the community and see them grow in confidence and skill.
Adam and Gabrielle – Wellington New Zealand
Adam and Gabby are extremely accomplished zouk dancers and teachers based in Wellington.
Adam
Adam began dancing Cuban Salsa and Bachata in 2007, and in 2010 discovered Brazilian Zouk. Since then he has learnt from many of the world’s top instructors. Adam has been teaching regular classes in Salsa, Bachata and Zouk with Salsa Therapy and WeZouk since 2012. He has extensive experience teaching, training, competing (placing first in National competitions), choreographing, and performing these styles Nationally and Internationally. Adam also has trained in many other dance styles, including Merengue, Bolero, Forro, Samba de Gafieira, Tango, Flamenco and even Polish folk dancing. This diverse experience gives Adam an excellent understanding of the fundamentals of partner dance and the techniques specific to each style. He is a vibrant, selfless, and welcoming primary instructor of the Salsa Therapy and WeZouk teams, who brings endless energy to his teaching and dancing.
Gabrielle
Gabrielle discovered Zouk in 2018 after a 6-year break from dance, having previously trained in Ballet (18 years) and Jazz (5 years). She attended regular classes with WeZouk and soon began travelling regularly to domestic and trans-Tasman festivals to further her development and training. Gabrielle joined the WeZouk teaching team in 2020 and is passionate about further fostering the kind and inclusive WeZouk community in Wellington.
Trent & Rebekah – Marlborough New Zealand
Trent and Rebekah are the founders of Zouk Fix, the Brazilian zouk school serving the wider Marlborough/Nelson community. Having a combined experience in dancing zouk for over 12 yrs, they have enjoyed nurturing their local zouk scene for the past 3 yrs.
Trent is a Physical Training Instructor in the Royal New Zealand Airforce and brings his wealth of teaching experience into class, providing clear and positive instruction. Starting Zouk with Studio 7 in Auckland 7 yrs ago, Trent also taught classes for them and has performed in group choreographies and as a couple with his dance partners over the years.
Rebekah has danced for most of her life, starting with highland dancing, and then hip hop and Salsa. She and her sister ran a street dance school for several years teaching over 80 students of all ages and have had the opportunity to back up dance for Tiki Taane, The Black Seeds and Trinity Roots with their students. They have also coached their students to perform and compete in shows as well as national and international competitions of which many placed highly. In 2017 Rebekah discovered Zouk and this has become her passion, combining her experience in very different dance forms to help her and her students reach their potential.
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