Sleep or no sleep I was ready for some zouk that night! Anthony took me
to the Lambazouk night - the "main" event of the weekly zouk nights
in the city. And the actual purpose of why I took some days to stop in London!
:D I took the two hours of classes (the ones with Joe Koniak and Solange Dias -
there are other classes too) followed by three hours of lambazouking my ass
off. Anthony and the lovely zouk & lambada guys did a good job of keeping
me burning the dance floor: and I had a fantastic time!!
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| Fuzzy zoukers |
It was a rather different style of leading than what the Helsinki guys have, much more controlled - with flexed arms and stronger grip - as if they were afraid that I would run off ;D There were some really good dancers and was a great experience! Lots of fun cambrés :) The music was more of the usual lambada stuff, athmosphere positive and you're amongst talented dancers!
When I rested my head on the pillow after that about 23h long Monday I
can assure you I slept like a log! 9 hours of sleep did good and was off at a
decent hour to do some more sightseeing in the city again on the next day (more
on that at the end of the post).
On the second zouk night, on Tuesday, it was time for some Rio style
zouk with Sarah Gibbons. The venue was also quite small, a mile off the Angel
tube station, the basement of the Cottons. But lucky for my toes there weren’t too
much people - and there was more leaders than followers. It was a bit more
casual than Monday night where people were wearing glittery dresses and lacy tops.
I took again both classes (intermediate) where Sarah was showing both leading
and following, and I think she was quite clear and rather well instructed the
moves. The music in the party was more varied (and some nice new songs) and the
dance styles also were a bit more creative. I think it has a lot to do with the
music - the Rio style songs have more different elements and breaks, highs and
lows, and a good dancer who knows how to use them can create a more interesting
dance. At least a musical girl like me gets her kicks out of that!!
About the classes: Monday £10, Tuesday £8. The sequences we did on both
nights were quite long and I felt that the leaders (possibly also the
followers) had trouble learning them in such a short time. And the sequences
had some moves that I feel will be very hard to follow in a social dance
scenario - or should I say hard to learn to lead clearly enough. I had no
trouble absorbing the info and were able to instruct the leaders if (and when) they
got lost. I'm guessing that as there's a lot of competition among the various
zouk camps in London so the teachers are pressured to come up with a lot of new
stuff every week.
What I hope they would teach (but didn't): more technique in stead of
choreography! Surely learning new moves is important but many leaders (and
maybe also followers) had troubles... what I noticed in leaders that often they
were not leading clearly or at all (they assume the girl will follow even
without any leading?) and on the other hand they could use some contact
practice (how to keep contact without a "death grip" of hands /
fingers). Sadly I also remember only one of the tens of leaders even used the
learned moves in the party!?! But classes, as always, are a vital part for
learning and getting acquainted with other dancers and fully support them -- so
shorter choreographies, more technique, please, no matter how boring that
sounds like!
All in all about zouk in London: lots of venues for different styles –
in addition to those two there are plenty more. Good teachers, great dancers.
Felt very welcome there!
Finzouk world take-over has begun! ;)
London - the sights and tourist stuff
This was my second time in London, first one was 10 years ago with my
school friends (hello to Benny, Karla, Nate and Katie!). Was a cold but sunny
two days there, the winter was in the air. And the sleep deprivation! :D I had
no other plans except to zouk zouk zouk the nights and do “something” during
the days… shopping was one idea. But actually didn’t manage to find anything
that interesting (well, clothes were plenty but none that passed thought my
budget or needs). But I admit there’s lots of cool shops. I even found on
accident a three storey book store of only travel books! Go to Stanfords at
Covent Garden if that's your thing. All the shops were definitely geared
towards Christmas - had almost forgot about the whole thing thanks to my big
trip.
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| Covent Garden Christmas shopping |
I had a second look at some of the sights I already saw 10 years ago,
with the idea “whatever I happen to stumble upon / is on the way from A to B”. London
has lots to offer... though I was really lazy in finding out how I would like
to spend my time during the days it was no trouble to find things to do and
see. And as weather was really nice - for London - sunshine most of the time,
so it was nice to just hang around.
On getting around - the city appeared to be maybe the easiest big city
to navigate in since I didn't get lost once even though my only help was the
tiny map of tube lines I picked up from the station. Loved the tube! No cell
reception though - but who needs that :P On the downside: everything is
expensive. Food, shopping, transportation will all cost you. If you're aware of
that and still feel interested about what London has to offer than it's a must
place to visit!
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