Every Sunday afternoon, in the heart of Medellín, Zouk al Parque is a space where you can dance Brazilian Zouk in the open air. In the vibrant and green surroundings of Parques del Río, this weekly event has been crucial for the development and consolidation of the Zouk community in the city.

Although I wasn’t directly involved in its beginnings, I’m fortunate to occasionally teach in this space and witness the growth it has experienced. Seeing how it has flourished and become a reference for Zouk in Medellín is, without a doubt, a source of pride for all of us who are part of this community. Zouk al Parque is a place where connection and learning thrive in an outdoor environment, perfectly reflecting the energy of Medellín.

This event has a history that dates back to the pandemic when a social called KizOut of Here was held in the same park. At that time, people danced kizomba, zouk, bachata, and salsa. Camila Betancur, the pioneer of Brazilian Zouk in Medellín, was part of this initiative. However, the pandemic halted its growth. Afterward, two of Camila’s students at that time, Courtney Woodward and Sara Isaza, decided to bring back the idea in 2021 by organizing informal Zouk practices with a speaker and Spotify music.

Another boost came with the involvement of Felipe Franco, another Zouk lover who joined the project. Together with Courtney and Sara, they set a fixed schedule and gave the event a name, beginning to invite more people through flyers and social media posts.

Over time, local instructors began to see the potential of the space and took the opportunity to share their knowledge. Camila B and Camilo Molina were among the first to offer classes, solidifying Zouk al Parque’s presence as a reference event for those who want to learn and experience Zouk. After some time, more local instructors started giving classes, and when international figures visited the city, they also took part in the event. Artists like Samuel and Nina, Luana Weinmann, Caroline, and Gab have taught classes, giving the event visibility beyond the local scene.

Today, Zouk al Parque has become a meeting point where dance and the city intertwine. Each class, each social, is an opportunity to dance outdoors, surrounded by the vitality of Medellín. Being part of this event means becoming part of a growing, learning community that supports one another in an environment that encourages freedom and fluid movement.

For me as a Zouk dancer, seeing how this event has impacted and continues to strengthen our community fills me with satisfaction. Medellín, with its pleasant climate and warm people, has found in Zouk al Parque a unique way to combine culture and the art of dance in open and accessible spaces. It is a place where the essence of Zouk and the vibrant energy of the city come together.

If you ever visit Medellín and have a passion for Zouk, make sure to check out Zouk al Parque. Here, surrounded by the city, the sound of music and the movement merge into an experience that is not found in many places around the world.