Workshops will be based around learning Brazilian Zouk AND Samba de Gafieira from the queen herself. Not only will Elena be your instructor for the weekend, she will also be your DJ along side DJ SIIX.
Meet your Instructor:
Originally from Northern California, Elena has a diverse background of many different arts and sports including ballet/jazz/modern/contemporary dance, parkour, and 13 years of competitive gymnastics.
She began partner dancing in 2014 and competed in collegiate ballroom before transitioning to salsa & bachata, and finally finding zouk. She has taught classes all over – from San Francisco to Mexico.
She was one of the first 7 follows to qualify for the Advanced division of Brazilian Zouk JnJ competitions in North America. She is also a BZDC-certified judge and has judged both Novice and Intermediate competitions.
Her preferred styles of dance are Brazilian zouk and samba de gafieira, but she also dances lambada, salsa, bachata, West Coast Swing, and forró.
The nickname “Rhinestone” came from her love for sparkly accessories, but now includes the way she shines in dance. She loves to incorporate HAES principles into her teaching so that people of all body types can learn to dance and find their shine as well!
In March of 2021, she followed a 3-year dream and moved across the country to DC! Currently she teaches and assists with District Zouk as well DJing various events around the DMV area.
SCHEDULE:
Friday, 2/17
• 9pm-10pm workshop
• 10pm-2am Zouk social
Saturday 2/18
• 1pm-2:30pm workshops
• 2:45pm-4:15pm workshops
• 10pm-2am social
Sunday, Feb 2/19
• 2pm-4pm workshops
WORKSHOP FOCUS:
Brazilian Zouk & Samba de Gafieira
QUESTIONS:
queencityzouk@gmail.com