Today we’d like to introduce you to Zouk Army Orlando. Them and their team share their story with us below:
August 2019 Marissa Ivette and Tate Lydia first met when Marissa was asked to fill in last minute as instructor and deejay when Tate’s artist missed his flight from Brazil! On that day, two women with very different skills sets and backgrounds were brought together by the universe to solve a unique problem for the Orlando dance community.
The event went off without a hitch, and the women soon realized they not only worked well together but embodied similar values. Both women separately dreamed of providing a consistent path for local dancers to learn Brazilian zouk in Orlando! Through careful planning, Marissa was designated head of curriculum, lighting, and sound, including our specialized deejay and party services.
Her experience in musical theater, dance community building in Miami, and biomechanical understanding of the human body from her podiatry career make Marissa a triple threat we refer to as “Dancer, Doctor, DJ RISS!” With a rich history in corporate finance and dance community building in Orlando, Tate Lydia became the business manager. Her strengths in planning, logistics, technology, marketing, and finance make these two women a powerful force!
Shared values of organic growth, accessibility, and consistency led the dance company to begin monthly education and practice parties in September 2019. When the pandemic hit March 2020 and lockdowns began, Marissa and Tate utilized the unique geolocation of Orlando to host intimate, CDC-approved gatherings for dancers from all over Florida. After 5 months of careful planning, while the world isolated, Zouk Army emerged from COVID stronger than before and took up space monthly on a Saturday night to offer specialized training.
As word spread, dancers from all over Florida joined our program: Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and more. As the local and statewide program grew and students desired more training, weekly classes began in January 2021. Although the first class had one student, we humbly grew into a studio full of eager learners! October 2021 the dance company offered two nights of weekly training and partnered with another local dance community to bring the Brazilian Zouk technique to their community.
Today, Zouk Army Orlando hosts four (4) hours of weekly training with local dancers, six (6) hours of monthly training with our statewide/national students, hosting international instructors, and arranging unique travel trips. We serve as a community liaison for smaller dance communities in need of educational and party services and provide community development consulting to our sister
communities.
Marissa and Tate formed strategic alliances with strong Zouk dancers in surrounding areas. What resulted was a powerful corps of passionate and dynamic leaders in the Florida Brazilian Zouk community. Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami unite to create a Zouk Army with the beating heart-based in Orlando!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The partnership between Tate and Marissa has been smooth. Two very different women constantly learn from one another, allowing spirit to guide each decision, with transparency and communication at the core of each decision.
Collective years of experience provided the opportunity to design a cultural immersion program that embodies loving compassion, teamwork, and bold leadership to create a safe space for learning and development. Good vibes and positive energy reverberate through time and the space when these two meet and collaborate!
The greatest struggle occurs when outside forces attempt to penetrate our safe space in favor of toxic dysfunction, driven by scarcity and fear mentality. Examples of this include a competing dance group using the same event name confusing locals, gossip/drama typical of any small community, and poor treatment of local dancers, which deteriorates the dance community at large.
In the face of adversity, Zouk Army remains laser-focused on our dreams, emerging victorious from each challenge, guided by abundance and love for our community. Our local and statewide leadership teams serve as a resource on a regular basis, creating a culture of like-minded support and meaningful counsel.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets Zouk Army Orlando apart is the energy and vibes Marissa and Tate create when they partner. Marissa magnetizes people with her infectious energy, radiant smile, and compassionate relational style. Her easy-going personality and wild-at-heart spirit make her undeniably attractive. It’s common to find Marissa surrounded by men and women who adore her.
Tate grounds people in the space with her earthy nature and ability to remember your name after one meeting. She boldly stands up for what is right and acts thoughtfully. The ability to plan ahead, garner respect, set goals, and communicate clearly makes for a powerful draw. Zouk Army Orlando specializes in Brazilian Zouk dance classes for adults with little-to-no dance experience. No partner or special equipment is required!
With a cultural immersion-style program, students are exposed to Brazilian music, zouk dance and the Portuguese language in dynamic, consistent ways felt with the whole body in a family-like community. With a focus on social dancing, Zouk Army Orlando provides many ways to learn and grow in a meditative dance that promotes healing and transformation.
How do you define success?
Zouk Army Orlando defines success as healing and transformation uniquely experienced by our program.
As our student base grows and our dancers excel in their studies, we look ahead to providing teacher training, online education, growing other dance communities, and expanding our service offerings. Our students learn from a rich library, cross-train, teach each other, and grow at all levels.
Operating a female-led, successful dance company means students feel safe, supported, and inspired to share their unique skill set with our everlasting growing community. When one grows, we all grow!
Pricing:
- First-class free!!!
- 1 Class for $18
- 10 Classes for $100
- Monthly Membership $215 – Includes Unlimited classes, monthly parties, 1 Private Class per month.
Contact Info:
- Email: ZoukArmyInfo@gmail.com
- Website: www.ZoukArmy.com
- Instagram: @zoukarmyorlando, @marissa.ivette, and @_tatelydia_
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/zoukarmyorlando
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjYX6lAsoCtW2RXimP9-nkw
- TikTok: @ZoukArmyOrlando
Lauren Schoepfer
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Image Credits
DFD SHOTZ – David Rodriguez
