In the mid 1980s, a new type of music and dance started to emerge in the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadalupe. The style, named Zouk, was distinguished by its distinct rhythmic pattern: two quick beats followed by a slow down beat. ZoukFest NYC focuses on the Brazilian type of Zouk dancing. To date, it claims members across more than 50 countries throughout South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and more, with U.S. communities is cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Members and nonmembers alike regularly come together for dance classes and special events, including an annual dance parade held in New York City.