Dubai: After proving to be a massive hit in Southern Africa and Portugal, a new Angolan dance style, Kizomba, is setting the dance floors on fire in the UAE.
Evolving from an age-old African dance style called semba, Kizomba is characterised by a unique style of its own that is fast winning hearts, or rather feet, in the UAE.
“Kizomba is danced to a soft music with a unique African beat. The dance is a reflection of the music, which is largely sung in Portuguese and French and also goes by the name Kizomba. It’s a sensual, slow and free-flowing dance style,” explains Tony D’Souza, an instructor at the La Porte des Indes in The Address Hotel, Dubai Mall.
The expatriate from Goa said he was drawn to the dance style as a child due to the Portuguese influence he grew up with back home. His students are of various nationalities.
Egyptian Patricia Basily, 30, says she loves the dance and practises it at least four times a week.
“Everytime I do a session of Kizomba, I feel happy. I always feel energised after a session,” she says, adding it’s not diffcult to learn.
“The steps are easy to follow unlike other styles. If you ask me, Kizomba is a very emotional dance and it touches you from within. With practice I am getting lighter on my feet,” she added.
“Tony is an amazing instructor and his partner, Candice, is very helpful in sharing tips on how to perfect the style. She even invited me to her house to help me out with some steps. At the dance institute we have become like a little family and exchange notes on how we can better the dance form. When you find like-minded people who love dancing, it is very motivating.”
For another student, Ramin Daneshvar, 44, a German expatriate, Kizomba is a way of meeting new people and making new friends. “It is a very social dance as you don’t dance alone. You are always with a partner and the partner is different everytime. You meet different people and make new friends at every session. The dance is very addictive,” he said.
According to Sarah Azad, 30, Sri Lankan, posture is the key to the dance. “Your back must be straight and shoulders in a straight line to dance the right way. In fact, one of the reasons I joined Kizomba was because I wanted to correct my slump,” said Azad, who has been learning this dance for two months.
“I am in the intermediate level and I am really happy with the progress I have made,” said Azad.
Details
Kizomba classes are held every Sunday and Tuesday at the La Porte des Indes, The Address Hotel Dubai Mall. Timings are between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Sundays and 9.30pm and 10.30pm on Tuesdays. Cost: Dh50 per hour. To know more: tonydsouza5449@gmail.com
