The time signature of a song describes how beats are counted and grouped into repeating patterns. In dance this timing structure is our “map” for counting and placing our steps to the music.
Notation
Time signature is notated as 2 numbers (A/B), one (A) describing what type of note is used for counting, and the other (B) describing how many notes make up a full bar or measure.
Popular Time Signatures
A very popular time signature is 4/4, meaning there are 4 beats in a measure and, less importantly for dance, that a quarter note (4) is used in notating a single beat in that music.
Another popular time signature is 3/4, meaning there are only 3 beats (or pulses) in the measure.
For Brazilian Zouk
Most music for Brazilian Zouk uses a 4/4 time signature, making it predictable for dancers and easier for DJs to mix.