Communicate your head movements through a code

The HM Code is a unique system created by Lui & Larissa to document and teach head movements in Brazilian Zouk.

This code provides a clear and structured way to learn, understand, and perform head movements, allowing dancers to improve their technique and fluency in executing complex sequences.

Why was the HM code created?

The primary purpose of the HM Code is to provide a written method to describe sequences of Zouk-style head movements. This helps dancers visualize, practice, and refine their head movements both in training and social dance settings.

The structure of the HM code

The code is based on three fundamental pillars:

POSITION

Describes the body positions of both the leader and follower.

LEADER'S ACTION

Details the movements and connections initiated by the leader.

FOLLOWER'S ACTION

Describes the follower’s response or movement based on the leader’s lead.

Each step of a sequence is broken down in this format, making it easier to follow and understand the flow of the dance.

Position: Defining Body Orientation

The position column in the code defines how the bodies are aligned:

Anterior (A): Front side of the body (chest).

Posterior (P): Back side of the body.

Right (R) and Left (L): The sides of the body.

These orientations are combined to describe how the leader and follower are positioned relative to each other. For example, [AA] indicates both the leader’s and follower’s anterior sides are facing each other, while [AP] shows the leader’s anterior side is facing the follower’s posterior side.

Head positions

Additionally, head positions are indicated by directions such as:

North (N): Follower’s head facing forward, with a contracted torso.
South (S): Follower’s head facing backward, with an expanded torso.
Left (L): Follower's head above left shoulder.
Right (R): Follower's head above right shoulder.

Actions: Connecting the leader and follower

In this section, the code outlines the specific points of connection between the leader and follower. For example:

Connect (L hand – R hand):

Indicates the connection between the leader’s left hand and the follower’s right hand.

Release (R hand – R shoulder):

Indicates the release of the leader’s right hand from the follower’s right shoulder.

These connection points help define the transitions between movements, ensuring smooth and controlled execution of head movements.

Leading the different types of HM

The code also identifies the main types of head movements used in Zouk, including:

Baloon | Balão

Roasted chicken | Frango assado

Tilted turn | Giro de cabeça parada

Additional variations like Chicote Lateral (Side to side whip) and Toalha (Towel) can also be introduced, providing dancers with a broad range of movements to incorporate into their practice.

Angular amplitude and direction

The code specifies how many turns or partial turns a movement should include. For example:

2: Two complete turns of a movement.
½: A half-turn (180 degrees), not returning to the starting position.

Movements can also be performed in different directions, indicated by positive (clockwise) or negative (counterclockwise) signs.

How to use the HM code

Each action in the HM Code leads to a specific position, much like moves in a game of chess. By following the sequence of actions, dancers can flow from one movement to the next, creating a continuous, smooth head movement routine.

In the Hydra Head Movement Online Course, dancers can read the code and watch corresponding videos to ensure they are correctly interpreting the sequences. This approach makes it easier to practice, train, and master head movements in Zouk.

By breaking down the positions, actions, and leading techniques into a structured format, the code simplifies the learning process and enhances the dancer’s ability to flow through sequences with confidence and precision. With the help of the HM Code, you can elevate your head movements and bring more elegance and fluidity to your Zouk dancing.

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