5 Reasons People Are Loving Kizomba Right Now

Kizomba is both a dance style and music that originates from Angola.

This dance developed in Angola in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and also draws heavily from zouk –a Caribbean quick-rhythm dance. Zouk drifted to Angola; mixing with traditional Angolan music and semba.

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Tanya Dimitrova & Charles Ogar dancing Kizomba[/caption]

Over the years, the kizomba dance has grown in popularity and is now enjoyed as a fast-paced, exciting, and romantic dance that has captured the hearts and spirits of many.

One interesting fact about kizomba is that there’s no basic step that’s repeated continuously throughout the dance like there is with most types of ballroom dancing. Instead, movement with the music is the goal. This dance can be danced with only four or five different moves –the challenge, is mastering the subtlety of movement and learning to move with your partner.

As, Jorge Elizondo –one of the first instructors to bring kizomba to the U.S. said, “It’s not meant to be performed. It’s not about tricks or turns. It’s about the one-to-one connection with your dance partner.”

Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons this dance has become so popular, and see why people are loving kizomba!

1. Speed

Kizomba is a dance style that beats to the tune of kizomba music. Upbeat, fast-paced music keeps the dancers on their toes, moving across the dance floor. The speed of the dance is what attracts many, because while the moves may be basic, the skill and technique that go into keeping up with the beat while holding one’s own is exhilarating.

2. Challenge

Despite being made up of basic moves, kizomba is not an easy dance. But this challenge is one of the reasons that it appeals to so many! While some people, especially those may have a background in dances like salsa may see kizomba and assume that it’s a simple dance, this isn’t the case. This dance asks a lot from even the most skilled dancer, and as any dancer will tell you, challenging yourself is vital for your growth. With kizomba, the moves are basic, but the ability to stay so closely connected to your partner while making these basic moves in unity is something that even the best dancers struggle with.

3. Romance

Kizomba is considered a very tight dance, meaning that there are no gaps between the two partners at any time. The dance moves require the two partners to be close at all times, making moves together. For many, dance is a way to express passion, and with kizomba, passion and affection are both easily shown as the two gracefully move across the floor.

4. Uniqueness

While seemingly basic, the moves and feeling behind the dance is enough to keep many interested. The genre of both the music and the dance are unlike any other, and although kizomba is often confused with other dances such as the tango, it truly is a dance all of its own.

5. Intense

Finally –everything about this dance is extreme and intense. From the music to the moves, it is nonstop action, and as thrilling to watch as it is to participate in. This dance is full of sudden and strong moves that seemingly appear out of nowhere, all while the dancers remain close together makes for a captivating and thrilling dance.

If you’re interested in kizomba, why not see if there are dance studios in your area? Whether you’re new to the dance scene or an experienced dancer, kizomba appeals to all levels, and is accessible to beginners.

Give it a try! You just might find a new favorite that you’ll enjoy dancing the night away to!

Be sure to visit Dance Hub for local dance instructors, dance classes, and dance studios in your area.

Image: Tanya Dimitrova & Charles Ogar