Some call it the sensuous or risqué dance, but slowly grooving to bachata or kizomba is the best remedy for a bad day. Small wonder that more people are jumping on the social dancing bandwagon and swaying their hips to bachata and kizomba. These dancing styles are finding a dedicated following in India’s metropolitan cities and beyond. A dance of passion and elegance, bachata is characterised by its slow, rhythmic music and intimate connection between partners. Its roots lie in the melancholic ballads of the Dominican Republic. The core steps involve a basic forward-backward sway with hip movements, creating a sense of intimacy and shared emotion. Visheshta Malhotra (29), co-founder of We Dance Studio, says, “Salsa only has Latin music whereas bachata also has English remixes. It is easier for people to connect with songs they understand. Bachata looks simpler and slower than salsa.” For beginners, salsa can be challenging due to its fast pace and spins, while bachata, with its remixed English songs, is often more accessible and appealing.
Kizomba, a dance and musical genre originating from Angola, emerged in the late 1970s and gained prominence during the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002). The word ‘kizomba’ means ‘party’ in Kimbundu. It reflects its roots in Angolan semba music, zouk, and other African rhythms. Karthik Rana, founder of Let’s Kizomba, says, “During the civil war, kizomba provided
A sense of joy and cultural
identity amidst the turmoil. It evolved as a way for Angolans to connect, celebrate, and find solace.” It offers a more grounded and sophisticated partner dance experience. The music is slower and more soulful than Bachata, often incorporating elements of Semba and Zouk. Kizomba movements are smooth and fluid, with dance partners maintaining close connection through subtle body language and improvisation.
Beyond Sensuous Moves
It’s a misconception that bachata and kizomba are sensual dances. Sensuality is only a part of it, which one may or may not choose to express. Bachata is a social dance. It is very similar to learning a language. Visheshta says, “Any two people dancing can have a good chemistry. It’s not important to have a romantic relationship at all.” The original or authentic version is called Dominican Bachata. The most popular and modernised version of it is ‘modern bachata’ which later developed as sensual bachata. She thanks social media and Cornel Rithika for the popularity of sensual bachata across India.
Karthik says, “The urban kizomba has the influence of hip hop and R&B music where openness is a bit broader. However, in the sensual kizomba, people feel hesitant and intimidated opening up to strangers and even to their partners.” He shares that couples become better at communication with this dance. He adds, “Kizomba allows you to communicate only through energy and not words. It helps the couple understand each other better and be patient with each other.” Some people mistake kizomba socials as a dating venue.
Community Building
Young working professionals are highly interested in these dance forms as classes are mostly on the weekends. They socialise, acquire a new skill and make friends. It works as a stress buster. Naina Chandwara (29), a Faridabad-based lawyer who says that a Kizomba song allured her into learning it as she felt more connected towards it. “My partner and I do urban kizomba. It’s liberating and meditative,” she says. Dedicated studios are opening up in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Karthik says, “Creating safe and inclusive space is paramount.” He conducts exercises to make
people be themselves and understand that they are being watched. Despite the growing popularity, bachata and kizomba are perceived as ‘less respectable’, ‘intimate’, and ‘sensual’. The emphasis on physical connection can be misunderstood by some. Naina who is now learning it professionally says, “Kizomba has limited steps. It’s more about improvisation than combinations. It’s about the connection and understanding between two people rather than just sensuality. Dance is all about energy exchange. But when the energy is polluted and a partner has a negative mindset, it can execute a negative image of the artform.” However, the growing acceptance of social dancing and openness towards diverse cultures are paving the way for a more inclusive dance scene.
Salsa only has Latin music whereas bachata also has English remixes. It is easier for people to connect with songs they understand.” — Visheshta Malhotra, co-founder, We Dance Studio
Kizomba allows you to communicate only through energy and not words.” — Karthik Rana, founder, Let’s Kizomba
