Coupé-Décalé
Côte d'Ivoire's shoulder-drop club dance — flashy, stylish, with partner work in social settings. Originated in Côte d'Ivoire/Paris · 2002. Typically danced around 120-150 BPM (medium-fast).
About Coupé-Décalé
- Afro-Latin & Caribbean Roots
- Côte d'Ivoire/Paris
- 2002
- 120-150 BPM (Medium-fast)
- Partner
- Approachable
Zouglou-derived; shoulder-drop movements; partner work exists in social settings.
What to expect: Danced at Ivorian and West African diaspora club nights, particularly in Paris. Partner forms are informal. Social and fun, no training needed. Widely popular across West Africa.
Lineage
Roots
Where to find Coupé-Décalé events
We don't have verified coupé-décalé events on the calendar right now. Check the full event feed for related styles, or submit one if you organize.
Going for the first time
Afro-Latin and Caribbean nights celebrate the roots of much of today's social Latin dance. Expect live percussion at some events, a focus on connection over patterns, and a warm welcome to beginners who come ready to listen.
Watch first if you're new. Ask the DJ or host what's being played — these dances carry deep cultural lineages that are worth learning by name, not just by step.