Kizomba: All You Need to Know About the Style and Its Evolution

Kizomba is a modern popular dance born from two other dances. Traditional Angolan semba and Caribbean zouk are its predecessors. The result is an incredibly intimate and sensual dance.

Where can you learn to dance Kizomba?
For those who want to learn Kizomba, the best option is to join a dance school that teaches Kizomba. There, you will learn the basics of this passionate dance and find a partner. You can also sign up for classes with your significant other. If you can't attend lessons at a dance school, you can always try to master the art of this dance at home using video tutorials. However, at home, you won't have an experienced instructor to teach you and correct your mistakes.

What clothing is best for Kizomba?
Women prefer clothing that accentuates the figure and doesn't restrict movement: various tops, short skirts, and dresses. For footwear, sandals with low heels. Men choose comfortable pants that don't restrict movement and comfortable shoes. Additionally, the use of accessories is encouraged.

After choosing clothes, you need to find a partner. Above all, you should like your partner. Since Kizomba involves close physical contact, there should be at least mutual sympathy between partners. You can't perform a beautiful and passionate dance if your partner repulses you. Alternatively, you can practice Kizomba with your significant other.

Beginners often find it hard to grasp the essence of the dance and catch the movements. Therefore, experienced dancers share tips for beginners:

• First, choose the style of dance. There are 3 varieties of Kizomba (Angolan, Portuguese, and French styles).
• The more practice, the better. You can dance not only with a partner but also on your own.
• Pay attention to the correct use of musical intros and endings.
• Combine fast and slow movements.
• Be sure to express your emotions in the dance.
• Do not repeat the same movement during the dance.
• Slow down movements when the music softens and to prolong the moment.
• You can also use accelerations in the dance.
• Use pauses in the dance; for this, you need to learn to feel the music.

Music for Kizomba
Kizomba music has a clearly defined rhythm. The compositions are built on musical phrases of 8 counts. There are many Kizomba songs, which you can easily find online with relevant searches.

How Kizomba developed and changed
Kizomba emerged around the 1980s on the African continent. The dance evolved until it reached Europe in the 1990s. That's why Kizomba incorporates many different dance styles. Initially, Kizomba was popular only among migrants and African students. Then, in 2009, the world's first Kizomba championship was held in Warsaw. Currently, Kizomba is gaining more and more popularity, including in Russia. Championships and festivals are held, such as the Open Moscow Kizomba Championship, which took place on April 1st this year.