Kizomba: When Is Too Much Technique a Bad Thing?

Dancing Kizomba with someone you’ve just met can be both thrilling and intimidating. It’s not just about fancy footwork or perfect moves—it’s about connecting. When you’re dancing with a stranger, too much focus on technique can actually work against you. Why? Because instead of feeling the music or flowing naturally, you end up in your head, treating the dance more like a choreography than a shared experience.

Check out this amazing video of Carola Tauler dancing with Jojo at Kizomba Open Festival in Madrid, Spain. Notice how technically difficult their dance tricks are. You can clearly see that at times some moves are quite challenging even for these two professional dancers. Jojo and Carola definitely enjoy it a lot, but it’s not something you would want to try with a new partner at a social dance night.

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Overcomplicating Early

Dancing technically challenging moves with a new partner at a social dance night can be unpleasant to say the least, and dangerous to all around you at most. You often don’t know your partner’s skill level, and attempting complex moves too soon can lead to awkwardness or even accidents. It’s always a good idea to start with the easiest moves, gradually progressing as you gauge each other’s comfort and ability.

Technique vs. Feeling

Too much technique can make the dance feel mechanical. Imagine dancing with someone who seems to be mentally ticking off every single move—where’s the fun in that? Dancing with strangers is supposed to be about feeling the music, not just executing flawless spins. It’s like when you’re having a conversation, and instead of genuinely listening, you’re thinking about what impressive thing to say next. The same applies to Kizomba: it’s meant to be felt, not just shown.

The Danger of Overthinking

Sure, technique matters. But when you overthink it, it can become a wall between you and your partner. Especially with Kizomba, which is all about closeness and subtlety. If you’re too busy nailing that super-difficult move, you’re likely missing the small signals your partner gives—the true markers of a good connection. Dance is a dialogue, and Kizomba thrives on the gentle, unspoken conversation between two people.

Focus on Connection

If you’re dancing Kizomba with a stranger, it’s best to keep things simple. Focus on connection first, and technique second. Once the trust and the rhythm are there, the fancy stuff will come naturally. It’s the simplicity that makes it magical. Think of it like telling a story. You don’t need big words or complicated sentences to make someone feel something profound—you just need authenticity.

Less Is Often More

Next time you find yourself on the dance floor, try dialing back the tricks and focusing on the basics. The irony is that the less you try to impress, the more enjoyable the dance becomes. Authentic connection always beats flashy footwork, especially with someone new. The feeling matters more than the flawless technique.