The people of Zouk Phoenix
Meet the team behind Phoenix’s Brazilian Zouk community, then book focused time with the instructor whose perspective fits your dance.
Founded in Phoenix
How we started
After winning first place at the 2015 Zouk US Open, Ben Sodenkamp and Kiki Jenkins founded Zouk Phoenix in 2017. The school paused in 2020 and was relaunched under Elijah and Deenie in 2022—carrying forward its original foundation of solid skills, genuine community, and shared joy.
Current team
Director · Instructor · DJ
“Clarity, creativity, musical choices”
Elijah began dancing in 2008 through competitive Latin and Ballroom. After discovering Brazilian Zouk, he completed 60+ hours of teacher training, earned Brazilian Zouk Dance Council certification, and went on to win Amateur and Semi-Pro US Open divisions with his former partner. He now teaches, competes, and DJs across the US and Canada.
Instructor · Movement educator
“Body mechanics, flow, confidence”
Elena fell for Brazilian Zouk in 2018 after years of teaching and competing in Ballroom and exploring a wide range of partner dances. Her training includes MAC, Zouk MX, and Bruno & Raiza’s BRiCK methodology. She brings a richly cross-disciplinary eye to technique, movement, and learning.
Instructor · Phoenix & Tucson
“Foundations, rhythm, social comfort”
Originally from Dallas, David moved to Arizona in 2021 and found Brazilian Zouk through one of his first local dance lessons. He now travels across the US for Zouk events and teaches in both Tucson and Phoenix.
Instructor · Connection & expression
“Connection, expression, body awareness”
With roots in ballet and Tucson’s social dance scene, Lahna was captivated by Zouk’s fluid, dynamic movement. She began studying with Zouk Phoenix in 2021 and moved to Phoenix in 2023. Her teaching centers connection, discovery, and the transformative side of dance.
Instructor · Creativity & community
“Playfulness, confidence, social flow”
Jenn grew up with ballet, bellydance, hula, bachata, and more. She started Brazilian Zouk in 2021 and moved to Phoenix the following year to continue studying with the community. She loves the dance’s mix of creativity, athleticism, and belonging.
Instructor · Global perspective
“Adaptability, musical range, connection”
Sandro began dancing while serving overseas and studied Latin styles throughout Asia and Europe. He discovered Brazilian Zouk in Germany, then joined congresses and festivals around the world before settling in Arizona and teaching with Zouk Phoenix.
Instructor · Body awareness
“Body awareness, comfort, expression”
Cici is a longtime bodyworker, yoga therapist, performer, and Brazilian Zouk dancer. She began teaching with Zouk Phoenix in 2021 and integrates trauma-informed bodywork, movement, and dance into a deeply attentive approach to learning.
Instructor · Detail & groove
“Detail, texture, dynamic movement”
Woody discovered Brazilian Zouk at the 2017 LA Zouk Congress and later immersed himself in the dance in Brazil with Renata Peçanha and Jaime Aroxa. He has taught with Zouk Phoenix since 2022 and is known for precise detail, distinct energy, and hip-hop-influenced style.
Instructor · Creative connection
“Technique, curiosity, musicality”
Sarah’s partner-dance journey began with Lindy Hop in 2014 and expanded across social and Ballroom styles. Her focused study of Zouk is driven by the creative joy that emerges from musicality, body control, and a responsive partnership.
Administrator · DJ Pyxiedust
“Music, welcome, community care”
Ashley began partner dancing in 2018 and took her first Zouk class in 2020. As DJ Pyxiedust, she has shaped music for the local community since 2021. She also keeps Zouk Phoenix events organized, informed, and warmly welcoming.
Community teamPrivate Brazilian Zouk lessons
Book for yourself or bring a partner—the price covers your instructor’s time, not the number of dancers.
01Choose your coachMatch your goals to an instructor’s perspective.
02Share your availabilityRequest a time, then confirm the Phoenix-area location together.
03Build your packagePay $90 once, $80 each for five, or $70 each for ten.