Kizomba is trending now. Even though it became popular a few years ago. However, comparing with other types of dance (Salsa, Bachata, etc.) which are more than decades old. So, saying it is a trend is totally acceptable 😀 Because of its fast pace of being popular, there have been quite a lot of controversial ideas and discussion about the dance lately.
These explanations below will help Kizomba lovers to have some general ideas. Whether they are right or wrong, having some more knowledge about the dance you love is always good. 🙂
1- Often, I hear people using the term “Traditional Kizomba” or even just “traditional”
So, to correct this confusion, there is no prefix for this word. And I believe your desire like mine is to have proper correct information about something you learn and love.
It’s simple and beautiful. “Kizomba” means “party” in Kimbundu, which is one of many Bantu languages you can hear in Angola.
2- “It is just Basic steps?”
Not really. Yes, the Ginga is shown the best when doing fundamental steps. However, it has all the levels like every other dance. And, all the highest advanced ones come with 100s of techniques.
When dancing, we dance in front of the partner. There are over 30 basic techniques which you can study from two to four months. That is even before you start to think about Saida, which people often learn too early in their beginner dancing stage.
3- “Is it sexy dance?”
Kizomba is not a sexy dance, but it is a partner dance. Originally, in the Palop countries, it was (and still is) danced a lot in the family/friends gatherings at home and street. Therefore, you can often see fathers and daughters dancing together, two men or two women dancing together, etc.
People like you and me, who dance mostly in clubs or a festival environment, usually dance with friends we know. We also dance with people whom we have never met before. Therefore, how you dance individually can also depend on many things from how you feel in that moment: the music, your mood, what you ate that day, your relationship with that partner, the stars and the moon, and many other things.
So, you can be many things. However, in its core and what it really is, it is joyful, beautiful and elegant dance & music.
4- “Paris is the capital of Kizomba in EU”
I heard some people say this. To correct this info, no, it is not.
The capital of Kizomba in EU is Lisbon in Portugal.
Due to its history, many Palops immigrated there. So a huge number of dancers and musicians are living and visiting Portugal. There are also many schools and teachers with lots of yearly festivals, clubs, and parties every night.
The music is also being played in the taxis, shops, etc.
5- “It has to be danced only in a closed embrace”
It’s a choice and there are no “rules” on this subject matter. You can dance in an open embrace, or closed. It also depends on some factors, such as:
- The moment or the person with whom you dance
- Height difference and comfortability
- Cultural background
- Shyness or openness
- The feeling of connection or no connection with that person at that moment
- Personal hygiene
- Etc.
Sometimes, you dance with someone for the first time. So, you start in an open embrace, which can change in only 3/4 minutes if you both feel good and ready to get closer into a closed embrace.
6- “Kizomba dancers love to dance only to Kizomba music”
Actually, Kizomba dancers are the most versatile and open community which I have ever encountered. They are more open than any other popular social dance. In the parties, good DJ’s would also play Zouk, ColaZouk, GhettoZouk, Coladera, Tarraxinha, Semba, Konpa, Covers, ZoukBass, Afrohouse, Kuduro, etc.
We, the dancers love and dance to everything.
Knowledge is power.
* Credit & Author: Nemanja Sonero (Facebook)
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This is a very good perspective of a famous Kizomba DJ. Honestly, it seems that these points have somewhat changed a few of my arguments in this post.
Frankly speaking, I still keep my opinions 😀 How about you?
