When it comes to partner dancing, there are so many styles to choose from. From the passion and drama of tango to the precise footwork of swing, partner dances run the gamut. But one genre stands out for its unique flair and downright addictive rhythm – kizomba. When that Kizomba music starts playing, you know it’s time to get close and personal on the dance floor! It is one sexy, sultry partner dance that’s been heating up dance floors around the world. Check out this video by Estúdio Sabor & Dança as an example:
First things first, Kizomba was born in Angola in the 1980s and its name literally means “party” in Kimbundu. So you know this dance is going to bring some serious fun and celebration! The music has a slow, sensual beat that’s heavy on the drums and will get your hips swaying like palm trees in the wind.
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And the dancing is all about connecting with your partner, teasing and flirting as you move together in subtle, sexy ways. Kizomba brings a tantalizing taste of African and Caribbean flavor to the dance floor. And man, does it ever taste good! The elegantly rocking hips, pulsing beats, and close-knit connection between partners creates an intoxicating experience unlike any other dance.
Now let’s contrast that with Salsa – the steamy dance that originated in Cuba and Puerto Rico. Salsa is faster paced, with livelier music full of horn sections, piano melodies, and Latin percussion. The footwork is more complex and syncopated compared to the smoother, flowing Kizomba styles. Salsa partners stay in open hold, dancing apart and coming together, while Kizomba partners mostly stay connected in close embrace throughout. Salsa is hot tamales, while Kizomba is slow simmering gumbo.
Some may wonder if kizomba is too intimate or suggestive for their taste. But it’s not about being showy – it’s about letting the music move through you. Good kizomba dancers focus on connection first, technique second, and showmanship last. Fancy tricks or flashy moves would only disrupt the flow.
What about Bachata, you ask? Well Bachata was born right next door in the Dominican Republic and also has an up-close and personal dance style. But the music has a distinct romantic, melancholic sound, perfect for serenading your lover. Bachata steps create more sharp, dynamic movements, while Kizomba is hypnotically smooth. Dancing Bachata is like passionately professing your love, whereas Kizomba is like whispering sweet nothings.
Instead, kizomba relies on simple footwork and smooth torso movements. Leading and following become effortless, as both partners sway and step in sync. It may look simple from the outside, but properly leading those subtle motions takes great skill. Men must guide without overpowering, while women interpret each signal from their partner. When done right, kizomba looks like one body dancing with two heads!
Now let’s tango! The dramatic Argentine tango tells a story of love and heartbreak through its theatrical movements. The music is moody and intense, the steps sharp and staccato. Holding your partner in a firm embrace, you expertly navigate the dance floor, pausing for passionate leg hooks and dips that display your fancy footwork. But in Kizomba, you gently sway and pulse in one place, maintaining a soft, balanced connection. The Tango is a romance novel, but Kizomba is cuddling by the fire!
And finally, what about those lively Swing dances like Lindy Hop and Jitterbug? Characterized by playful kicks, jumps, lifts, and flips to upbeat jazz music, Swing dances are all about having non-stop fun! But Kizomba provides a more zen-like trance, melting into your partner’s rhythms. Jitterbug is popping champagne at a party, while Kizomba is sipping wine at an intimate dinner.
While complex choreography dances are fantastic fun, kizomba offers a nice change of pace. Its simplicity opens the door for musicality and connection. Dancers become less focused on complicated footwork and more attuned to their partner. Kizomba’s slow style also makes it more accessible for beginners, yet still enjoyable for experts.
At the end of the day, kizomba is set apart by its soul. The music seems to bypass the ears and go straight to the heart. One taste of those lush African rhythms and you’re hooked. As the melodies swirl around you, time melts away. For a blissful moment, nothing else matters except you, your partner, and the sweet surrender to the beat.
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