Favorites

Tag: Afro-Latin dance

Enah Lebon: Innovator of Urban Kiz

Enah Lebon, originally from Haiti, is one of the most recognized figures in the world of Kizomba and Urban Kiz. Known for his originality and creativity, Enah has significantly contributed to the development of Urban Kiz, a modern evolution of traditional Kizomba. His unique style combines elements of Kizomba with influences from hip hop, R&B, and urban dance, making him a standout artist in the global dance community.

The Birth of Urban Kiz

Enah Lebon is one of the pioneers of Urban Kiz, a dance style that emerged in Paris in the early 2010s. Along with other innovators like Curtis Seldon, Enah helped shape the new style by incorporating more dynamic and linear movements compared to traditional Kizomba, which is characterized by its close embrace and grounded footwork. Urban Kiz introduced elements such as sharper lines, isolations, and foot taps, often synced to more electronic and urban beats.

International Recognition

Enah has gained international acclaim for his contributions to the Urban Kiz scene. His workshops are highly sought after, and he regularly participates in dance festivals and congresses worldwide, including in countries like Canada, the United States, and Germany​. His passion for teaching and innovation shines through in his classes, where he emphasizes “attitude” and creativity.

Future of Urban Kiz

As an innovator and ambassador of Urban Kiz, Enah Lebon continues to push the boundaries of what the dance can be. His ability to blend tradition with modernity has not only earned him respect within the dance community but also allowed him to shape the future of Afro-Latin dance on a global scale.

For anyone looking to explore the latest trends in Kizomba or Urban Kiz, Enah Lebon is an essential figure to follow. His unique style and influence make him a key player in the evolution of Afro-Latin dance.

23 March, 2025
stageofdance-order
Nuno and Nagyla: International Masters of Kizomba

Nuno and Nagyla have been at the forefront of a successful career in the world of Kizomba and other Afro-Latin dance genres. This dance duo from Portugal and Brazil began their journey in 2009 as part of a school dance team. Their passion and talent quickly gained international recognition after winning the ÁfricaAdançar International Kizomba Championship in 2010.

The Start of an Exceptional Journey

Following their early successes, Nuno and Nagyla continued to shine in the Kizomba and Latin dance scene. After joining the Afrolatin Connection dance company, they honed their skills in African and Latin rhythms, developing a unique artistic connection that stands out in every performance. Their versatility has allowed them to master not only Kizomba, but also salsa, ballet, and contemporary dance.

Achievements and Recognition

Throughout their career, the duo has collected numerous prestigious titles, including winning the Portugal Salsa Open in 2013 and 2014, which led to them representing Portugal at the World Salsa Open in Puerto Rico. In 2015, they were crowned World Kizomba Champions after winning the Kizomba Open. Their creativity and musicality have firmly established them as icons in the Afro-Latin dance world.

International Teachers and Judges

In addition to their competitive success, Nuno and Nagyla have served as judges at significant competitions like Africa a Dançar and the Kizomba Championship in Italy. They were also semifinalists in Spain’s Got Talent in 2018 and finalists in Portugal Got Talent in 2020, showcasing their versatility and popularity across multiple platforms.

Inspiration and Future

Today, Nuno and Nagyla continue their work as instructors and performers, traveling the world to participate in international congresses and events. Their dedication to continuously evolving Kizomba, and their ability to convey passion through every move, keeps them as influential figures in the Afro-Latin dance community.

23 March, 2025
stageofdance-order
King Chamalo: Innovator in the Kizomba Scene

King Chamalo is one of the most recognized names in the world of Kizomba, a dance style from Angola that has gained global popularity. Originally from France with Congolese roots, Chamalo started his dance journey with Hip-Hop but found his true passion in Kizomba, where he has made a significant contribution to the evolution of the art form.

A Unique and Versatile Style

What sets Chamalo apart is his ability to fuse Kizomba with urban and contemporary elements, creating a unique blend that is both traditional and innovative. He has perfected a style that combines the fluidity of the Angolan dance with the energy of Hip-Hop, capturing attention at festivals worldwide. In addition to Kizomba, he is also known for mastering other African genres like Semba and Tarraxinha.

Changes and New Partnerships

Chamalo has partnered with various dancers throughout his career. For a long time, he was known for his collaboration with Mirty, but he has recently formed a new partnership with Jalissa. Together, they continue to take Kizomba to new heights, sharing their passion for dance on international stages. This new dynamic has brought fresh energy to his style, continuing Chamalo’s tradition of innovation​.

Impact on the Kizomba Community

Beyond his performances, Chamalo is also a dedicated teacher. As the director of Castle of Dance in Amsterdam, he has helped thousands of students refine their technique, offering a comprehensive pedagogical approach. In his school, students not only learn choreography but also work on musicality, creativity, and flow—key elements for mastering the art of Kizomba.

A Bright Future

With his constant pursuit of new forms of expression within Kizomba, and his commitment to teaching and evolving the genre, Chamalo remains a key figure in the dance scene. His participation in international festivals ensures he will continue to be one of the most influential voices in the global Kizomba community.

For those looking to experience the magic of his style and learn from one of the best, King Chamalo’s workshops and classes are a unique opportunity to connect with the soul of Kizomba.

23 March, 2025
stageofdance-order
Jonathan Mahoto: The Energy of Kizomba on a Global Scale

Jonathan Mahoto, known in the dance world as Jojo, is an iconic figure in the international Kizomba community. Born in France and based in Paris, his journey in dance began with a burst of energy and passion that quickly propelled him to global fame. Since 2013, Jonathan has been dedicated to teaching and promoting Kizomba, a dance style of Angolan origin that blends African rhythms with a unique connection between dancers.

Jojo’s Unique Style in Kizomba

What sets Jonathan Mahoto apart from other dancers and instructors is his signature smooth yet energetic style. He has taken Kizomba to another level by integrating his personal touch, turning the dance into a fluid and emotional experience. His movements have been described as a perfect fusion of technical precision and artistic expression. Thanks to this, Jojo has been invited to Kizomba festivals worldwide, from Europe to Latin America and Asia.

Creating a Global Brand: #LetsplayKizomba

Jojo is not just a dancer and choreographer; he’s also an ambassador of Kizomba culture. With his slogan #LetsplayKizomba, he has turned his passion into a global brand, promoting this dance style at international events. His t-shirts and other merchandise with the slogan have become symbols within the Kizomba community, reflecting his fun and passionate approach. This message invites dancers from all over the world to immerse themselves in the music and movement, connecting through dance.

Collaborations and Social Media Popularity

Jonathan Mahoto’s fame has been boosted by his collaborations with renowned dancers such as Mickaela from Sweden and Jenny Demosthenes from France, with whom he has created choreographies that have reached millions of people via platforms like YouTube. One of his most popular videos, filmed at the “All in One Kizomba” festival in Toulouse, has over 1.9 million views. These collaborations have solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in the Kizomba community.

Kizomba Online: Bringing Dance Home

In 2022, Jonathan launched his online Kizomba school, a space designed for both beginners and advanced dancers. On this platform, he and his dance partner Jenny offer tutorials, choreography tips, and advice on executing “lifts and tricks.” This initiative has allowed more people to access his style and learn Kizomba from anywhere in the world.

A Promising Future

With his popularity continuously growing, Jojo remains a key figure at international events. In 2024, he is expected to participate in renowned festivals such as the Corraco Afro Festival in Brazil and the Tamasha Summer Festival in France, bringing his unique style to new audiences. Additionally, Jojo will be present at the Thailand Latin Extravaganza in January 2025, reaffirming his position as one of the best Kizomba instructors and choreographers in the world.

Jonathan Mahoto has achieved what few can: transforming his passion for dance into a global movement. With his unmatched energy and unique style, he continues to inspire thousands to enjoy Kizomba. His focus on both physical and emotional connection makes him one of the most influential and respected dancers in the community. If you want to experience the magic of Kizomba, don’t miss his classes, videos, and future events!

23 March, 2025
stageofdance-order
Top Get support with ourChatBotChatBot