Levels

Level changes add a vertical dimension to the dance.

The topic of levels is actually a little bit advanced, but it’s a good idea to at least get the gist of it before you continue on, because you’ll be able to see it. These levels actually almost have a different set of concepts, as if they are portals into different dimensions of dance.

Generally in zouk we have three levels:

Sink

Also known as “demi-plie” from ballet - it’s the idea of bending your knees and dropping the level of your body slightly. Don’t try to copy the ballet position. It’s more of a natural lowering. There’s a slight bend in the knee, which gives the opportunity to use the ground to push against and generate momentum afterwards or to keep balance during a CounterbalanceCounterbalance for example. Sinking is associated with PremovementPremovementExtending your foot out to a spot before shifting your weight to it..

When sunk, generally the weight of your body is equally distributed among the entirety of your foot. This prevents you from being able to pivot on it, but it gives you more power for your impulse.

Stand

Neutral standing position, essentially naturally standing up but without locking out the knees. It is relaxed and easy and it’s where you spend most of your time in zouk.

Normally, at this level, the energy is kept in the ball of your foot. This allows for pivoting.

Float

Floating is the idea of rising up a little bit higher onto your toes. However in zouk, we generally don’t do tippy-toes (although it is certainly allowed if it is your style!). What this means is he left the heels a little bit higher in order. This is also generally used in counterbalance movements.

Putting it together…

These are arbitrary, and there isn’t to say that low is exactly bringing your body 20cm down or anything like that.

Both folded and float are used to communicate certain things. In the future, you can learn about counterbalances, you’ll see how levels play into it. But for the fundamentals, it is worth keeping in mind that for most moves, right before the projection step and impulse, both partners will be in a Folded. This is discussed more in SteppingSteppingThe basics of weight transfer and foot placement — how to step with intention and control..