Zoukaholics: Melbourne, Australia

T’was the week before Christmas, When I drove to the fam’s house;

Had to make it to Zoukaholics, For I knew it’d be grouse;

The music was chosen by the DJs with care, In hopes that The High Heeled Zouker would soon be there;

The studio, atmosphere and dancers were great, So when in Melbourne go to Zoukaholics and don’t be late!

Zoukaholics

Melbourne is my home town and I am so proud it has such a strong and growing Zouk community. It has taken a long time for a visit home to coincide with Zoukaholics, but just before Christmas I made sure not to miss it. So here is my wrap so you can make sure you shape your next visit to include an evening of Zouk in the culture epicentre of Australia.

The People

Zoukaholics is run and organised by a group of volunteer, social Zoukers. Not affiliated with any school or teacher(s) and not for profit, it means that passion keeps the event going every fortnight. This passion is evident in the attendees and the dances they share. Some dancers I knew from Prague or Casa do Zouk, others I’d get to know later in Thailand at ZouXtaZ. All of them are beautiful people, kind enough to ‘take me in’ and invite me to pre-Zouk dumplings up the road.

Loving the lead! Photo courtesy of Bryan Jeremias Llaneza

The dancers ranged from beginner to experienced, with a few more follows than leads. The ratio wasn’t too bad though, and I got to practice leading which is always fun.

The Place

Coffee tequila… the perfect pre-Zouk drink

Zoukaholics is held at the LocoMojo studio at a great location on Bridge Road in Richmond. For those not aware, Melbourne is Australia’s coffee capital, and Bridge road has its fair share of great cafes. But at 9:30 pm none are open. Sooo instead of going to Zoukaholics uncaffinated, the Annie Lewis Winehouse (ironically) came to the rescue. A Coffee House tequila on the rocks with orange peel hit the spot before heading to the studio.

When you go to Zoukaholics make sure you visit the Annie Lewis Winehouse across the road before you arrive. You’re welcome.

The studio is cosy but not small and warm but not stuffy. The floor is amazing and you can easily wear your best dance shoes there with no worries. The mirrored wall makes it feel larger- but can jump out at you if you aren’t careful. (I got danced into it. Twice. By the same person. Lucky they were great dances despite the mishap!) There is plenty of room despite there being lots of dancers: a great balance.

The Atmosphere

I often mention the global Zouk family and how it is our people that really make an atmosphere. Zoukaholics is no different. When you couple great people with a nice venue then you are really winning.

The Verdict

The wonderful Iskhandar Razak and I. Photo courtesy of Bryan Jeremias Llaneza

If you are in Melbourne be sure to check if you are there on a Zoukaholics Friday. Better yet, shape your visit to ensure you are there for a Zoukaholics Friday! Ask Bryan, Iskhandar, Darren and Anas for dances – they were some of favourites!

The Details

The best way to get the latest info is to become part of the Zoukaholics facebook page. It is a closed group, so if the link doesn’t work for you, go to the Zouk in Melbourne facebook page and request access that way.

Zoukaholics is held at LocoMojo Studio is at 23 Bridge Rd, Richmond (corner Punt Road), VIC, Australia every second Friday from 9:30 pm to midnight.

$10 at the door.