, Stage Of Dance™. All Right Reserved.
Created with 
by 
, Stage Of Dance™. All Right Reserved.
Created with by
Why You Should Attend a Kizomba Festival: A Must for Every Kizomba Lover
Kizomba festivals are not just about dancing; they’re about immersion in culture, music, and community. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, attending a Kizomba festival can be a transformative experience. Here are the top reasons why you should add a Kizomba festival to your must-do list:
Kizomba festivals often feature top international instructors and dancers who bring years of experience and mastery to their workshops. Whether you’re looking to improve your basic steps, learn new techniques, or perfect your musicality, you’ll have the chance to take classes with renowned professionals. This hands-on learning experience is unmatched and will undoubtedly improve your dancing, whether you’re a beginner or advanced dancer.
Kizomba is deeply rooted in Angolan culture, and festivals are a perfect way to experience this firsthand. Many festivals incorporate cultural workshops, where attendees can learn about the history and origins of Kizomba, Semba, and Tarraxinha. This connection with the cultural roots of Kizomba enriches your experience, making your dance more authentic and soulful.
Kizomba festivals bring together dancers from all corners of the globe. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for Kizomba. You’ll not only make new friends but also get the chance to dance with people from different cultural backgrounds, enriching your own dance style and understanding. The sense of community at these events is truly unique.
The highlight of any Kizomba festival is the social dancing nights. With DJs spinning the best Kizomba, Semba, and Urban Kiz tracks, these parties are where the magic happens. You’ll dance the night away in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, perfecting your moves and having fun with dancers of all levels. Social dancing also gives you the chance to put everything you’ve learned during the workshops into practice, helping you grow as a dancer.
Kizomba festivals cater to everyone, no matter your skill level. You’ll find beginner-friendly workshops where you can focus on mastering the basics, as well as advanced sessions that explore complex movements, styling, and musical interpretation. Many festivals also offer special sessions on partner connection, body isolations, and musicality—key components in becoming a well-rounded Kizomba dancer.
In addition to workshops and social dancing, many festivals include professional performances by some of the world’s top Kizomba dancers. These showcases are not only inspiring but also provide insight into the possibilities of expression within the dance. Watching the fluidity, creativity, and passion of professional dancers can ignite new ideas and motivate you to continue improving your own skills.
Kizomba festivals are often attended by talented DJs who curate an incredible playlist of the latest Kizomba, Urban Kiz, Semba, and Afrobeat tracks. This is a great opportunity to discover new artists and music that you might not hear elsewhere. Music is a vital part of Kizomba, and having access to fresh, authentic beats can inspire and transform your dance experience.
The immersive experience of attending a Kizomba festival can greatly boost your confidence as a dancer. With multiple opportunities to practice, learn, and engage with other dancers, you’ll leave the festival feeling more secure in your abilities. Whether it’s nailing a new move or finally feeling comfortable with partner connection, the progress you make in just a few days is invaluable.
Kizomba festivals are held in exciting cities around the world, giving you the chance to explore new destinations while enjoying your favorite dance. From Europe to Latin America and Africa, Kizomba festivals are hosted in vibrant locales where you can combine your love of dance with sightseeing and cultural exploration.
Most importantly, a Kizomba festival is a place to create unforgettable memories. The energy, the friendships, the late-night dancing, and the cultural immersion all combine to create an experience you’ll remember for years to come. It’s a journey that not only deepens your love for Kizomba but also connects you to a larger global community of dancers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Get support with ourChatBot
Recent Comments