About
CHRISTINA
Founder of Zouk Babes, Brazilian Zouk OC, & LA Zouk Marathon
"I wish everyone could understand the positive opportunities dance can bring. Dance gave me the ability to change my life and brought out the best in me. I invested in myself through dance because it felt good, and I am dedicated to bringing that same positive experience to others on their dance journey."
- Christina Montoya
Christina Montoya, an international Brazilian Zouk instructor based in Orange County, CA, is known for her detailed, honest, fun, and engaging instruction filled with “ah-ha” moments. Christina began to explore partner dance styles at the age of 18, leading her to find her true passion in Brazilian Zouk. With over 10 years of teaching experience, her accolades include 1st place Semi-Pro Division at the US Zouk Open in 2015 alongside her first partner and mentor Igor Fraga, winning 1st place in numerous BZDC competitions, becoming the 1st North American to enter the Advanced division in 2018, and holding the 1st place title in the Mixed Latin Cabaret Couples Division at the World Salsa Solo in 2018 alongside her current partner Alisson Sandi, where they also received the highest scores for the overall competition with their Zouk choreography. Currently, she competes in the BZDC All-Star Division.
In addition to her impressive competition achievements, Christina is known for her franchise teams, "Zouk Babes," which she established in 2017. Zouk Babes, with teams and performers across the US and internationally, emphasizes follower technique and empowerment through detailed training and solo Zouk choreography offered both in-person and online. Christina mentors Zouk Babes directors in developing their dance and teaching abilities as well as ability to nurture teams and local communities. Currently, there are Zouk Babes teams in 8 cities across North America.
In 2021, Christina founded Brazilian Zouk OC, her own dance school, with a mission to cultivate an inclusive local Zouk community. Her approachable and engaging teaching style fosters confidence and growth in dancers of all levels and has grown her local community tremendously with her efforts. Her dance school is the leading school for Zouk in Orange County offering 4 levels of classes weekly along with various Zouk parties and events.
With a commitment to spreading her passion for Zouk worldwide, Christina travels nationally and internationally, teaching, performing, coaching, judging, and competing alongside her partner Alisson Sandi. Christina's ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of those she meets by spreading her passion for Zouk to the dancer inside everyone.