26th December 2021-1st January 2022
Organized by Renato Ramalho & Rachel Ramalho
(Ramalho's Zouk Festival
)
Ramailhod
Ramalho’s festival was my second Zouk event in Brazil, and it was a much larger one — filled with both locals and many foreigners coming from all over. It had the buzz and excitement of a big international gathering, but it also carried a unique atmosphere shaped by the time we were in. Masks were still mandatory during the whole Rio Zouk season, and dancing with people whose faces I could barely see felt… strange.
Everyone was new to me, and not being able to read facial expressions made it harder to connect at first. It was like dancing in mystery — only the body language and music guided us. Still, despite the oddness, I was grateful to be there. The energy was beautiful, and I was happy to meet so many new people — both locals and dancers from abroad.
Renato and Rachel, the organizers, were incredibly warm and welcoming. Their kindness made the whole experience feel lighter and more human, even with the barrier of the masks. Looking back, it was a special time — not perfect, but definitely meaningful. It reminded me that even in strange circumstances, connection is still possible.
Everyone was new to me, and not being able to read facial expressions made it harder to connect at first. It was like dancing in mystery — only the body language and music guided us. Still, despite the oddness, I was grateful to be there. The energy was beautiful, and I was happy to meet so many new people — both locals and dancers from abroad.
Renato and Rachel, the organizers, were incredibly warm and welcoming. Their kindness made the whole experience feel lighter and more human, even with the barrier of the masks. Looking back, it was a special time — not perfect, but definitely meaningful. It reminded me that even in strange circumstances, connection is still possible.
