Ry'El

Returning to the IZD this year is Henry Velandia, choreographer for International Zouk Flash Mob 2013.

Ry’el is a passionate teacher, choreographer and performer. His rich formal dance training in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern Dance, International Latin, and social dances like Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha and different Brazilian Zouk styles enables him to understand, share & create flavourful and fluid organic movement in each of his works as well in his teachings.

He teamed up with SYTYCD Season 1 Runner-up Ashle Dawson to create a whole series of ‘How to…Dance Zouk’ videos for howcast.com.

His expressive sensuality, trained eye for technique, as well as body and mind connection philosophies makes for a unique learning experience. He’s had the opportunity to work and train with some of the pioneer Lambaderos including Braz do Santos, Gilson, Bebe, Josey, Leo, Rominita, Natasha to name just a few. From 2014 to 2016, he was also dance captain and company member of Braz Dos Santos’ dance-drama, ‘Brazouka’.

Ry’el is the creator of ZenZouk, a method of teaching Brazilian Zouk Lambada and overall body movement through multiple exercises and philosophies based on the “elements”, including earth, water, fire and air- as symbols for analyzing dance and personal movement.