Brazilian Zouk OC –

CommUNITY Cares Program

Welcome to the world of partner dancing—and especially Brazilian Zouk! Social dancing is all about connection, communication, and having fun. Here are a few helpful tips to make your experience enjoyable—for you and everyone around you.

Mission:

The Community Cares Program is a volunteer-based initiative at Brazilian Zouk OC dedicated to making our socials and classes feel more welcoming, inclusive, and friendly—especially for new dancers. By intentionally creating warm interactions and shared experiences, we build a stronger, more connected community.


How It

Works:

1. Volunteer Engagement (30-Minute Welcome Window) - A select group of experienced dancers donates 45 minutes at the start of each Zouk Social or Kizouk Night to:

  • Dance with new or unfamiliar faces

  • Say hello, introduce themselves, and offer tips or encouragement

  • * Help newcomers feel seen, included, and invited onto the dance floor

  • * These 45 minutes help set a positive tone for the rest of the night.

2. Switch Dancing Tradition (10-Minute Rotation Set) - To encourage mixing and community bonding, we’re introducing a 10-minute “Switch Dancing” segment right after the class circle and before the social officially begins. During this time:

  • The DJ plays a few songs

  • Dancers rotate partners mid-song every 30 seconds to 1 minute

  • The goal is to break cliques, meet new people, and get used to

    dancing with different partners

  • The goal is to break cliques, meet new people, and get used to

    dancing with different partners

3. Dedicated “Zouk me Zone” - A new way to ask/show intent to dance so that you don’t have to wait to be asked.

Goals:

  • Make socials less intimidating for newcomers

  • Encourage meaningful, friendly interactions

  • Help dancers feel like part of the Zouk OC family from day one

  • Create a culture of giving back and supporting each other

Who Are the Community Cares Volunteers?

Friendly, uplifting, and approachable—Community Cares volunteers are chosen for their positive presence and willingness to connect with others. You don’t have to be the best dancer—just someone who genuinely cares.

How to Get Involved:

We’re building this team slowly and intentionally. If you’re interested in joining the Community Cares group or have questions, please reach out to a Zouk OC team member or message us on Instagram.

 

Let’s keep growing together—one dance at a time.

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