Interfusion XI: Brazilian Zouk Intensive
Schedule
Fri, 16 Jan, 2026 at 01:30 pm to Sun, 18 Jan, 2026 at 03:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Crystal Gateway Marriott | Arlington, VA
About this Event
Exploring Movement: Unlocking Your Body’s Potential to Connect in Zouk
The Brazilian Zouk Intensive at Interfusion Festival aims to share the essence and cultures of this unique dance, deepening connection and technique through world-renowned international instructors. This year we’re honored to have Bruno and Raiza Galhardo, cofounders of the BRICK Dance Academy, as our teachers for the intensive.
Intensive Theme: Exploring Movement: Unlocking Your Body’s Potential to Connect in Zouk
In this six-hour intensive, you’ll dive into the art of being fully present with your own body and your dance partner. We’ll explore the possibilities of movement within yourself, learning how mindful awareness of your own body can naturally lead to a deeper, more conversational connection with others. By the end, you’ll not only refine your Zouk technique but also discover how being present in your own skin can open up a world of connection and joy on the dance floor.
When I took Bruno and Raiza’s improvement courses, they allowed me to upgrade my foundations in a fun and challenging way, unlocked flow and refined my movement efficiently. I find their instruction incredibly effective and informed by body mechanics–valuable for every level of dance. It’s a pleasure to have them teach at Interfusion for the first time.
-Ebonie Lee, Partner Dance Program Director
Intensive Structure
This intensive is an additional offering to the Interfusion Festival programming, taking place throughout the festival weekend–on Friday 1/16, Saturday 1/17 and Sunday 1/18 at 1:30-3:30pm, respectively–for a total of 6 hours. Unlike the open-level workshops in the general ticket, the intensive is taught as a progressive series where the material taught in each workshop flows into the next.
Qualifications
In light of the higher complexity of the topics, the Zouk Intensive was designed for more experienced dancers, who:
- Have at least 2 years of continuous, or 4 years of total Brazilian Zouk experience
- Able to execute Brazilian Zouk fundamentals with ease and fluency
- Able to execute Brazilian Zouk basic head movement with ease and fluency.
How to Participate
In order to participate, it is necessary to have a full pass for the main Interfusion Festival (purchase here). Ticket transfers must be requested by Nov. 15; ensure the ticket holder submits their ticket transfer request with your name and email by this date.
For the application we ask for a link to a public or unlisted video of you social dancing (~3 minutes or less) Don’t worry too much about making the perfect video! Please share:
- A Brazilian Zouk social dance, training/practice or Jack n Jill competition dance.
- In the role you want to take this intensive in.
- Not a choreographed performance; not solo dancing.
Linked video options:
- A link to a Public or Unlisted video on a social media or video sharing platform (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube, Vimeo) or
- A link to a video on a file-sharing platform (Google Drive, Google Photos, Dropbox, iCloud).
The video should include most of the below fundamental movements:
- Basic (linear)
- Basic (in place)
- Laterál
- Simple Turn
- Viradinha
- Traveling Turn
- Bonus
- Yo-yo
- Cuddle
And at least the below head movements:
- Balão Apagado (Pião with head movement)
- Frango Assado / Roasted Chicken (off-axis linear basic changing directions)
After signing up, your request will be assessed by Bruno, Raiza and the Partner Dance Program Director. We might get back to you requesting more info from you if needed, and will respond within 10 days by email with our decision. If not accepted, your intensive pass will be refunded by Interfusion Festival within that time.
We’re very excited for this experience and look forward to seeing you!
About Bruno & Raiza Galhardo
Visit BRICK Dance Academy
About Bruno
About Raiza
Where is it happening?
Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 131.42







