Founder & Head Teacher

Lorenzo Tjon

Certified Dance Teacher

15+
Years Dancing
10+
Years Teaching
Multiple
Awards Won
30+
Classes / Week
Lorenzo Tjon

The Story Behind Flowaka

I'm Lorenzo Tjon — a dancer and dance teacher with over 15 years of experience in the dance world. My journey started in Suriname at age 18, when I fell in love with breakdance and street dance.

Curiosity pulled me toward capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian dance-fight, where I also learned to play music. Through my fellow capoeiristas I discovered salsa, bachata, merengue, zouk, and classical dance — and I was hooked on all of them.

After training as an instructor at Dansclub Danzson in Suriname, I moved to the Netherlands and completed teacher certifications at Salsaventura, Dancalegria, and BrasaZouk. I started teaching across dance schools and sports clubs, and eventually founded Flowaka to bring structured, high-quality Brazilian Zouk education to the Netherlands.

My philosophy is simple: respect on the dance floor, attention to technique, and above all — fun.

The Journey

2008

The Beginning — Suriname

Started dancing at age 18 with breakdance and street dance in Suriname. The rhythm was instant — a fire lit that never went out.

2009

Capoeira & Afro-Brazilian Roots

Discovered capoeira and learned to play music alongside it. Through fellow capoeiristas, found salsa, bachata, merengue, zouk, and classical dance.

2011

Instructor Training — Dansclub Danzson

After 3 years at Dansclub Danzson, completed instructor training. Latin dance experience grew rapidly.

2012

International Recognition

Won 'Best Dancer' twice at the annual International Beach Festival in Suriname. Finished 2nd in the Surinamese 'So You Think You Can Dance.'

2014

Move to the Netherlands

Completed teacher training at Salsaventura, Dancalegria, and BrasaZouk. Started teaching across multiple dance schools and sports clubs.

2018

Flowaka is Born

Founded Flowaka to bring structured Brazilian Zouk education to the Netherlands. Philosophy: respect, technique, and above all — fun.

Now

4 Schools, 30+ Weekly Classes

Flowaka runs schools in Arnhem, Den Haag, Leiden, and Delft. Teaching zouk, salsa, bachata, kizomba, capoeira, hip hop, breakdance, samba de gafieira, tango, and more.

International Experience

Festivals & Events

Invited to teach and perform at these events across Europe — plus co-organizer of Flowaka's own festival at Dos Bailadores, Leiden.

Europe

  • Zouk Fever Budapest
  • Bachaturo Poland
  • Silesian Poland
  • Zouk Marathon Prague
  • Dance Vida Sweden

The Netherlands

  • Zwollywood Zwolle
  • Swouk Festival Amsterdam
  • Leidsedans Festival Leiden
  • Zouk Congress Amsterdam
  • Libre Zouk Festival Breda

Continued Education

To keep my skills sharp, I regularly attend classes and workshops with world-class teachers:

Claudio GomesAdilio PortoEdelmar PastyBrian van der KustGilson & NatashaCarlos & MirellaMaikel & AlineWillem Engel (Dancalegria)Lars Wensink (Zumba)

Dance Styles I Teach

From Afro-Brazilian roots to European ballroom elegance.

Brazilian Zouk
Salsa
Bachata
Kizomba
Capoeira
Hip Hop
Breakdance
Samba de Gafieira
Merengue
Tango
Street Dance
Zumba

Maybe see you in class or on the floor!

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced dancer — there's a place for you at Flowaka.

Explore Classes