Zouk Style Lab

Welcome to the Zouk Style Lab: Experimenting with Choreographic Elements! This unique six-week program is designed to take your Brazilian Zouk to the next level by exploring and incorporating various choreographic elements into your dance vocabulary. Whether you're a Zouk enthusiast or an experienced dancer looking for fresh inspiration, this class will ignite your creativity and elevate your dance skills.
At the end of the 6 -week program, you will have learned to choreograph a 1-minute Zouk routine. At our last session, dancers will present their pieces to the class and have choreography professionally recorded.  
Join Zouk Style Lab and immerse yourself in the beauty and creativity of Brazilian Zouk. Discover new dimensions of movement, musicality, and self-expression, and create awe-inspiring choreography that reflects your unique artistic voice.

When:
Saturdays 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

Dates: 
Sep 28th 
Oct 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
Nov 2nd  

Where:
Soul On Fire Dance Studio 
622 N. Main St. 
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Cost:
Pre-Registered by Sept 1st for $200
Pre-Registered by Sept 22nd for $250
At the door, $300, or Drop in $50 
Space is limited* No refunds* 
Ask about payment options!

What’s included:
- 12 hours of class and guided practice 
- Copy of professionally recorded video of choreography from class 
- Small class size for individualized feedback 
- A safe, supportive environment to encourage creativity

Learning Objectives: 
- Students will learn choreographed warm-ups and drills for an improved foundation  
- Understand and execute musicality in movements 
- Learn how to arrange and create your own Zouk patterns
- Create your own 1 minute Zouk routine
- How to give and receive constructive feedback

** This is not an introduction class. Dancers should know how to lead or follow core basics for Zouk.

Meet Your Instructor: 
Marissa Rivera is a highly experienced Latin dance instructor based in Orange County. With over 17 years of dance experience, she has trained in various styles, including Contemporary, Jazz, Salsa, Bachata, and Brazilian Zouk. Marissa obtained her Dance Teaching Certification from Mt. San Antonio College in 2016 and has achieved notable accomplishments in the dance world.

She holds the 1st place Semi-pro division title from the 2017 US Zouk Open and has won multiple 1st place titles and high ranking in official Zouk Jack and Jill competitions in both the United States and Brazil. Marissa made history as the first Brazilian Zouk Dancer to win the New Face Of GFranco sponsorship.

Together with her former dance partner Rinaldo Melo, Marissa co-founded Zouk Vibes of Orange County. From 2017 to 2020, they led dance classes, organized monthly socials, and hosted weekend events, primarily focused on growing the Brazilian Zouk Dance community. Marissa's cross-training in Salsa, Bachata, and Brazilian Zouk allowed her to connect these communities and establish Zouk rooms at popular Salsa and Bachata socials in Orange County. This effort led to significant growth in the Brazilian Zouk dance community in the area.

Additionally, Marissa served as the organizer of the Zouk and Urban Kiz Experience at the Reno Latin Dance Fest from 2018 to 2020. Her involvement helped the festival attract and engage a larger audience, reaching a total of 3,000 attendees.

Throughout her career, Marissa has recognized the importance of continuous growth, diversity, and community. As a dance community leader, she takes her role seriously, aiming to create an inclusive and supportive environment for her students. Marissa encourages a mindset of lifelong learning, constantly seeking new teaching modalities, attending dance classes in various styles, and striving to develop herself as both a leader and dance instructor. Her ultimate goal is to nurture strong, confident, and authentic dancers who will contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the dance community she deeply cares about.

Outside of her dance endeavors, Marissa works as a full-time dance teacher at The School Of Arts and Enterprise, a tuition-free and audition-free Arts School located in the Pomona Arts Colony. She is currently pursuing a CTE Certification in the Arts, Media, and Entertainment field. Marissa also runs Marés Dance Company, which focuses on  creating Latin fusion choreographies for adult dancers. In her leisure time, she enjoys going for walks with her dog Frida, practicing yoga and meditation, and finding relaxation at home.