Brazilian Zouk World Championships
The Brazilian Zouk World Championships, held annually in Phoenix, USA, have become a global hub for Zouk enthusiasts worldwide. This prestigious event features workshops and social dancing, attracting dancers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, who compete in various categories like couples, teams, Pro/AM, and solo performances. The competition is a mesmerizing showcase of talent, creativity, and artistry that captivates audiences, shaping the future of Zouk and enhancing its reputation globally. With its blend of sensuality, creativity, and technical skill, Zouk transcends cultural barriers, uniting dancers and spectators to celebrate diversity.
Have you ever dreamed of training in Brazil and then performing on stage at the Brazilian Zouk World Championships?
Would you like to set off on a dance adventure only to return and perform on the world’s stage?
If you are wondering where to get started? We have just the thing you need at the Rio Zouk Immersion Course this year!
Run away to the beach in Rio de Janeiro – Brazil for a month and train every day for 30 days with an international team of traveling dance nomads. Watch as your dance skill takes flight. Level up day after day for a solid month and experience the amazing culture of Rio de Janeiro in our cultural immersion.
Each year we host a training platform in Brazil where students come to train and have the opportunity to have a custom choreography created by one of our master trainers. After you hone your craft for the month you take to the stages of Rio at Zouk in Rio festival.
Then it’s on to the world Championships where you can showcase your evolution during the month of training in Brazil.
For more info about our course check out our official website.
June 8th – July 8th 2025
Brazilian Zouk World Championships 2024
The Brazilian Zouk World Championships, held annually in Phoenix, USA, have become a global hub for Zouk enthusiasts worldwide. This prestigious event features workshops and social dancing, attracting dancers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, who compete in various categories like couples, teams, Pro/AM, and solo performances. The competition is a mesmerizing showcase of talent, creativity, and artistry that captivates audiences, shaping the future of Zouk and enhancing its reputation globally. With its blend of sensuality, creativity, and technical skill, Zouk transcends cultural barriers, uniting dancers and spectators to celebrate diversity.
Event Details
- Date: Aug 15 2024 - Aug 19 2024
- Location: The Scott Resort & Spa
- Address: 4925 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Proximity to:
- Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport - 15 min drive (12.8 miles)
- Scottsdale Fashion Square - 13 min walk (0.6 miles)
- Old Town Scottsdale - 4min drive (0.8 miles)
- Downtown Scottsdale - 5min drive (1.1 miles)
- Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail, Payson - 1 hr 38 min drive (89.9 miles)
- Sedona - 2hr drive (124 miles)
Car Parking:
- You can park your car for free at the Scott Resort & Spa.
Event Registration
Event registration will take place at ground level in front of Ballroom Heritage 2 throughout the weekend with the following schedule:
- Thursday, August 15th: 7pm to 11pm
- Friday, August 16th: 10am to 12am
- Saturday and Sunday, August 17th and 18th: 10am to 12am
Security will be present to check wristbands throughout the event, and lost wristbands cannot be replaced. Damaged wristbands can be replaced at the registration desk if the old one is brought in. If you have registered online for the Jack & Jill competition, you can pick up your competitor number and pin at the registration desk during check-in.
Brazilian Zouk World Championships Levels
Level 1
- Level 1 workshops cater to dancers with 1 month to 1 year of experience in Brazilian Zouk. These workshops are tailored for those new to Zouk, providing a solid foundation by breaking down fundamental movements and techniques. Instructors guide participants step by step, understanding the challenges and excitement that come with the initial stages of learning this dance form.
Level 2
- For dancers with 1 to 3 years of experience, Level 2 workshops offer a deeper exploration of Zouk. Participants who have mastered the basics can expect to be challenged and inspired to elevate their dancing to new heights. These workshops focus on refining technique, expanding dance vocabulary, exploring intricate movements, footwork variations, and enhancing musicality concepts through progressive exercises and combinations.
Level 3
- Level 3 workshops are designed for dancers with over 3 years of experience in Zouk. Tailored for those with a strong foundation, these workshops delve into advanced techniques, complex patterns, musicality nuances, and dynamic styling elements. Instructors renowned for their expertise guide participants through exhilarating exercises and combinations to refine skills and expand dance repertoire.
Pool party and DJ battle
Food
Food will be available at Canal Club, the resort’s bar/restaurant, until 10pm. Participants will receive a 10% discount voucher for the Canal Club. Additionally, there are several excellent restaurants near the resort.
Drinks & Alcohol
Drinks will be served at Canal Club until 11pm. Please be aware that alcohol consumed in the event ballrooms is restricted.
Attention Choreography Competitors
- Registration for the competition closes on August 1st.
- To participate, competitors must email the BZWC team at info@brazilianzoukworldchampionships.com with their performance music in MP3 format by August 1st.
- Competitors are required to attend one of the scheduled tech rehearsal sessions:
- Thursday: 7pm to 8pm
- Friday: 10am to 12pm and 7pm to 8pm
- Saturday: 10am to 11am
There will be a meeting for all competitors (Choreography, Jack and Jill, and Strictly Zouk) on Friday, August 16th at 7pm in Ballroom A. This meeting will provide an opportunity for competitors to ask questions and clarify any doubts. Please review the competition rules beforehand to ensure your choreography complies with the guidelines.
Choreography Competition Prizes
Pro showtime:
- Trophies + World Champion Title + $1000 + contract to teach at the Brazilian Zouk World Championships 2025* + 2 pairs of Gfranco sneaker shoes*
- Trophies + 2 full passes for Madrid zouk congress 2025 + Taygra shoes
- Trophies + 2 full passes for BZWC 2025
Pro originals:
- Trophies + World Champion Title + $1000 + contract to teach at the Brazilian Zouk World Championships 2025* + 2 pairs of Gfranco sneaker shoes*
- Trophies + 2 full passes for Madrid zouk congress 2025 + Taygra shoes
- Trophies + 2 full passes for BZWC
Amateur Rising/Stars:
- Trophies + 2 full passes for Rio Zouk Immersion 2025 in Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Trophies + 2 full passes for Brazilian Zouk World Championships 2025
- Trophies + 2 full passes for Zouk Heat 2025
Teams:
- Trophies + $1000
- Trophies + 15% discount on Taygra shoes for each member
- Trophies
Solo:
- Trophies + $200
- Trophies + 50% off Vidaflow clothing
- Trophies
Pro/Am:
- Trophies
- Trophies
- Trophies
Registration Details for JACK AND JILL & STRICTLY ZOUK Competitions Details:
Competitions Details:
- Registration deadline for all choreography competitions is August 1st.
- Strictly Zouk Novice and Intermediate/Advanced competitions will be held on Friday, August 16th at 5 pm.
- Jack and Jill competitions will take place on Saturday, August 17th at 2 pm.
Entry Fee:
- Entry fee for Jack and Jill and Strictly competitions is $25 if registered online before the event, and $30 if registered at the event.
Registration Process:
- Sign up at the registration desk to receive your competitor number and pin for your clothing.
- Competitors must be in Ballroom B 15 minutes before their competition for marshalling into heats.
Note: Failure to be in line 5 minutes before the competition starts will result in disqualification.
Jack and Jill Prizes:
Novice
- Trophies, BZDC points and 2 full passes for New York SBKZ Congress 2025
- Trophies, BZDC points and 2 full passes for Brazouky USA 2025
- Trophies, BZDC points
- BZDC points
Intermediate
- Trophies, BZDC points and 2 full passes for Rio Zouk Congress 2025
- Trophies, BZDC points and 2 full passes for the Brazilian Dance Festival Amsterdam 2025
- Trophies, BZDC points and 2 full passes for the Elevation Zouk Congress
- BZDC points
Advanced
1. Trophies, BZDC points and 2 full passes for Miami Zouk Congress 2025
2. Trophies, BZDC points and 2 full passes for Canada Zouk Congress 2025
3. Trophies, BZDC points Aliança Zouk 2025 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
4. BZDC points
Strictly Zouk Prizes
Novice
-
Trophies, Zouk MX 2025 (Mexico)
-
Trophies
-
Trophies
Intermediate/Advanced
-
Trophies, International Zouk Congress 2025 (Sao Paulo, BR)
-
Trophies
-
Trophies
JUDGES
TEAM JUDGES
SOLO JUDGES
RISING STAR JUDGES
PRO/AM JUDGES
International Zouk Congress (IZC)
Competition Format:
The International Zouk Congress (IZC) typically includes Jack & Jill competitions, choreography showcases, and social dancing events. Competitors are judged on musicality, connection, and creativity, advancing through preliminary rounds into finals based on scores. Both professional and amateur divisions are available, promoting inclusivity across skill levels.
Event Details:
The IZC usually takes place annually, attracting dancers from all over the world. It is known for its high-energy atmosphere, workshops, and social dancing, offering a platform for dancers to improve their skills and compete against top talent. The 2024 edition promises a blend of competitions and social nights with world-class DJs and instructors
Registration Details:
Brazil Zouk Open
Competition Format:
The International Zouk Congress (IZC) typically includes Jack & Jill competitions, choreography showcases, and social dancing events. Competitors are judged on musicality, connection, and creativity, advancing through preliminary rounds into finals based on scores. Both professional and amateur divisions are available, promoting inclusivity across skill levels.
Event Details:
Held annually in São Paulo, the Brazil Zouk Open is a prestigious event in the Zouk dance calendar, attracting both local and international dancers. The competition is open to all, though non-Brazilian dancers must partner with a Brazilian to compete. The next event will be held from July 25 to 28, 2024.
Registration Details:
Registration for the Brazil Zouk Open is completed online. Participants must select their category when registering, and all competitors are required to follow the event’s rules and guidelines.
Conclusion
The Brazilian Zouk World Championships (BZWC), International Zouk Congress (IZC), and Brazil Zouk Open are premier events that spotlight the creativity, technique, and passion of Brazilian Zouk dancers. These events feature diverse competition formats, including Jack & Jill, Pro-Am, and team divisions, providing opportunities for dancers of all levels. The Rio Zouk Immersion (RZI) Course complements these global stages by offering intense, month-long training in Brazil, where students prepare for the rigors of world-class competitions. RZI participants receive custom choreography and in-depth practice, allowing them to elevate their skills and potentially perform at these prestigious events, further connecting the immersive training in Rio with global competition platforms.