Urban Kiz or Urban Kizomba is a modern dance style that has emerged from the traditional Kizomba dance. It is a fusion of Kizomba and various urban dance styles such as hip-hop, contemporary, and street dance. Urban Kiz has gained immense popularity in recent years, especially in Europe and North America.
The origins of Urban Kiz can be traced back to the early 2000s when dancers began to incorporate hip-hop and other urban dance styles into Kizomba. The dance style became more popular in the mid-2010s with the emergence of dance festivals and workshops focused on Urban Kiz.
Urban Kiz is characterized by its dynamic movements, including body waves, isolations, and footwork variations. It is often danced to slower and more sensual Kizomba music or even R&B and hip-hop songs. The dance style emphasizes connection and musicality between the partners, and it often incorporates intricate footwork patterns and dips.
One of the distinguishing features of Urban Kiz is the freedom it allows for dancers to express themselves. As dance instructor Albir Rojas explains, “Urban Kiz allows for a lot of creativity and individual expression. It’s not just about following a set of steps, but about feeling the music and expressing yourself in the dance.”
Urban Kiz has also been credited with helping to break down cultural barriers and bringing people together. As dancer and instructor Curtis Seldon notes, “Urban Kiz is all about bringing different cultures and backgrounds together through dance. It’s a great way to connect with people from all over the world.”
In Tanzania, the emergence of Urban Kiz has been met with enthusiasm, with dance festivals and workshops being held in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Tanzanian dancer and instructor Natasha Tshiteya explains, “Urban Kiz has become really popular in Tanzania. It’s a great way to connect with people and express ourselves through dance.”
In conclusion, Urban Kiz has emerged as a dynamic and expressive dance style that combines elements of Kizomba with urban dance styles. It has gained popularity around the world, and has been credited with breaking down cultural barriers and promoting individual expression. With its focus on creativity and connection, Urban Kiz is sure to continue to thrive in the dance world for years to come.
Original Artwork: Copyright by Professor Buru.