Weekly Spotlight Conversation with Luke B.
Luke is an Australian Zouker. He's featured this week because he's verrrrrrrrrry popular in Asia! Luke is easily spotted in any room, especially in Asia. He's always barefooted, always silver haired (no, we're not saying he's old), always Zouking, and is usually the tallest guy in the room. Luke is very good with his hands.
He has a knack for making intricate metal ornaments and jewelry. He is great at drawing comics, featuring Zouk and other interest topics.
Reach out to Luke here!
Who are you, and how long have you been dancing Zouk? I'm Luke (the big barefoot stupid-looking one) and I've been dancing Zouk about 9 years (I think...there were a few breaks in there).
Why did you start dancing Zouk/other latin dances, and what kept you Zouking, then travelling fervently for Zouk?
I actually started with Salsa, and the place I went social dancing to start with had a Zouk room and a Salsa room. All the Salsa dancers there looked like they were kinda bored but the Zouk dancers looked like they were having so. much. fun.
It didn't take me long to get hooked and I've been finding a lot of joy in it ever since.
What is the best thing you enjoy from dancing?
The sense of connection with others and getting into a flow state, where you have complete focus on what you are doing but are also completely relaxed.
What kind of advice would you tell a beginner dancer who is just starting their dance journey? What kind of advice would you give to a dancer who has been dancing 1-2 years?
For beginners: Don't stress too much, just go social dancing and enjoy yourself! And especially if you're a leader, always take care of your partner - make sure you are keeping them safe and having fun too.
For dancers who have been dancing 1-2 years: Practice your basics. Then do it some more. Then a bit more.
Then some more.
Some of the best dancers I know are STILL working on their basics.
What is your favourite part about Zouk/Zouk community?
Wherever I've met them, all over the world, Zoukers seem to be the most lovely welcoming people. And we're all a little touched by madness - as one of my friends says 'Zoukers are not normal'.
Do you have any current personal Zouk goals?
To be better than I was yesterday.
What do you do by day?
I make trouble. Professionally.
Any fun trivia facts about you?
a) I'm two thirds Viking
b) I was legally blind
c) I have my airplane license
(Okay, so only one of these is true)
Who are some of your favourite and most inspirational Zouk dancers/teachers?
Man, that is waaaay too hard a question. So many! Pass.
Share a Zouk video you really love!
This is an old video and eeeeevvvvveryone has seen it, but I first saw it when I hadn't been dancing very long at all and it made a big impression on me.