Rafael Bettencourt, Decoding Happiness
RVA Zouk Movement is an organization dedicated to
raising awareness and sharing their love for Brazilian Zouk
in Richmond, Virginia and surrounding areas.
Provide well-structured, quality instruction for Brazilian Zouk, starting with strong fundamentals while supporting and respecting the hard work of aspiring and full-time artists along the way.
Inspire and unleash the dancer in everyone and bring people together through the fun, technical, and cultural social dance with deep historical roots that is Brazilian Zouk.
We are always learning, and we are always beginners.
We can dance with anyone, and anyone can dance.
We will listen to and honor one’s perspectives and boundaries.
We are responsible for our actions towards others.
Chinkee Kat appreciates many different forms of art, but dancing is one that she’s always loved with a passion. Based in Richmond VA, this proud Filipina first experienced the beauty of partner dancing in 2018 at a Salsa Bachata social, but got bit by the Zouk bug just 6 months later and was immediately obsessed. She has, since then, heav
Chinkee Kat appreciates many different forms of art, but dancing is one that she’s always loved with a passion. Based in Richmond VA, this proud Filipina first experienced the beauty of partner dancing in 2018 at a Salsa Bachata social, but got bit by the Zouk bug just 6 months later and was immediately obsessed. She has, since then, heavily invested her time in growing the Brazilian Zouk community in RVA and training with the world’s finest instructors like Ry’el & Jessica, Bruno & Raiza, Kadu & Larissa, Alex & Mathilde and more.
As a social dancer, she loves to adapt with different styles of movement on the dance floor to achieve the best connection possible. With a background in hip-hop, she mostly enjoys a fiery connection which, to her, feels most expressive. As a teacher, she strives to create well-versed dancers by drilling technique and being attentive to every person in the room. Most importantly, as a person trying to grow the scene, she aims to foster a sense of community, constantly working to fill any gaps.
In January 2020, she started her own organization called RVA Zouk Movement and wishes to continue raising awareness for Brazilian Zouk in Richmond and surrounding scenes, not just with classes but also community-building events.
Warren started to be involved with dance in 2010. Since then, he has explored a variety of genres, including hip-hop, house, salsa, and bachata. In 2018, he developed interest in Brazilian Zouk and is now solely focused on improving in that style. In January 2020, he decided to take a step further in contributing to the community’s growt
Warren started to be involved with dance in 2010. Since then, he has explored a variety of genres, including hip-hop, house, salsa, and bachata. In 2018, he developed interest in Brazilian Zouk and is now solely focused on improving in that style. In January 2020, he decided to take a step further in contributing to the community’s growth by learning to deejay and has since made his mark as DJ WarHoll from RVA. He hopes to continue to grow the local Richmond Zouk scene as well as grow in his knowledge and appreciation for the culture.
Daisy began dancing in 2019 while living in São Paulo, Brazil on a Fulbright grant. She signed up for forró classes at the local community center as a way to practice Portuguese but quickly fell in love with everything about social dancing: the close-knit community, the platform for self-expression and discovery, and especially with movem
Daisy began dancing in 2019 while living in São Paulo, Brazil on a Fulbright grant. She signed up for forró classes at the local community center as a way to practice Portuguese but quickly fell in love with everything about social dancing: the close-knit community, the platform for self-expression and discovery, and especially with movement as an avenue for healing and wellbeing. Daisy now focuses on Zouk and loves welcoming newcomers to the growing Richmond scene. Outside of dance, Daisy works as an Epidemiologist for a local health department and also enjoys rock climbing, practicing acroyoga, and hiking.
January 2, 2020
In an effort to continue growing Brazilian Zouk in RVA, Chinkee Kat, Owner & Founder of RVA Zouk Movement (RVAZM), offered to teach a series in her own apartment, prioritizing those who have a big desire to learn the dance but are not able to attend other classes offered in the area due to current life struggles with finances, work, or family.
RVAZM's first Zouk Social, and DJ WarHoll's first official DJ gig.
February 18, 2020
When the entire world transitioned into online learning due to the pandemic, Chinkee decided to use this opportunity to work with WiFi masters Ry’el & Jessica and focus on learning Brazilian Zouk WiFi to give the community a way to still dance together, even from far distances. The project eventually evolved to "Going 5G," inviting other communities from North Carolina and Washington DC.
The return of our in-person classes, which started with 7 weeks of learning the choreography for International Zouk Day!
Check out our RVA video https://fb.watch/aseYw9UNH2/ or the full Global compilation (RVA at 2:30) https://youtu.be/AQGlETrmb10
October 4, 2021 - Anna Hoekstra (Australia) stayed in RVA for 3 months to help grow the scene!
"Conscious Connection: The Anna Hoekstra Weekender" featuring DJ WarHoll (Richmond VA) and DJ Chapibol (Washington DC).
Two great instructors from opposite ends of the world have come together for one awesome weekend of workshops and dancing in RVA. Featuring Anna Hoekstra (Australia), Camilla Magalhães (Brazil), and DJ WarHoll (Richmond VA).
January 8, 2022 - Daisy Banta joins the RVAZM Team!
Featuring Elena Rovito aka DJ Rhinestone (DC), Jessica Lamdon aka The Unicorn (NY), and Warren Holly aka DJ WarHoll (VA).
Featuring Gui Prada (Washington DC), Ebonie Lee (New York NY), DJ WarHoll (Richmond VA), DJ Swift (Raleigh-Durham NC), and DJ Sprenk (Boston MA).
January 23, 2023 - Warren Holly joins the RVAZM Team!
Featuring Nhat & Gigi (TX), DJ Chapibol (DC), DJ Chuky (DC), DJ Rhinestone (DC), DJ Sprenk (MA), DJ Viscious (NY), and DJ WarHoll (VA).
March 20, 2023 - "While our purpose of raising awareness and sharing our love for Brazilian Zouk remains, the time has come for us to further identify our goals to help clear our path to the future we hope to achieve." - RVAZM Team
As the Zouk Community grew, RVA Zouk Movement recreated a new curriculum based on what they believe to be best way to learn.
Featuring Gustavo & Ayane (FL), Julie Rozen (France) DJ Afrodeshiak (DC), DJ Efosa (NY), DJ Sprenk (MA), DJ Viscious (NY), and DJ WarHoll (VA).
RVA Zouk Movement has achieved constantly offering progressive series for one year straight!
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