Miguel Montiero

Kizomba Vol 1 & 2

Level: Beg/Int

Style: Kizomba

Content: Basic Elements and moves

General Comment: This double DVD aims to teach the very basic elements of Kizomba. the first DVD includes how to move your body, slow steps in place, basic steps to different counts and various types of basic walks. The material is then combined into 3 simple combinations. The producers could have been a bit more generous with the material included, but the teaching is well paced and precise. The musicality section is a good idea, especially given that Kizomba is based on moves on different counts, but it is too rushed and poorly developed. A catchy soundtrack makes you feel like trying the steps and the dancers' obvious connection nicely portrays the spirit of the dance. Assuming you have learnt the context of volume 1, Volume 2 widens the basic repertoire by introducing more steps, some change of direction in the dance and more sophisticated walks, heavily inspired by tango. The same material is then combined into more interesting combinations. Once this material is mastered you will be able to comfortably dance an interesting Kizomba..

Reviewed by Fabio - OK

Nelson and Sophia

Kizomba Levels Vol 1 & 2

Level: Beg/Int

Style: Kizomba

Content: Basic Elements and moves

General Comment: The latest equation in the latin dance scene goes roughly like this:

Bachata hip movement +
Merengue motion +
Lambada hold +
Tango steps =
----------------
Kizomba

However, this does not imply that if you can already dance Bachata, Lambada and Tango you necessarily will be able to dance Kizomba. This is mostly because of the bizarre and variable count used in the dance, which ranges between 3 beats basic steps (to 4 beat music!) to moves of 4, 6, 8 and even 12 beats. This is where Kent Salsa comes handy with their Kizomba level 1 and 2 DVD. They cover the basic elements in a simple and clear manner. If you already dance at least one 'Caribbean' style dance (zouk, bachata or salsa) as well as tango, this DVD will give you the few hints you need and you will be able to dance a beginner level Kizomba in a jiffy. If you are a novice in those dances you may need a bit more practice, but the necessary explanation is all contained. A simple, but effective product. .

Reviewed by Fabio - OK

Nelson and Sophia

Kizomba Levels Vol 3

Level: Int

Style: Kizomba

Content:Moves

General Comment:Based on the format of their initial Vol 1 & 2 DVDs, Nelson and Sophia bring to us 8 more moves in each volume. Each DVD is simple, but well organised. Each move is demonstrated, then broken down into the male and female parts, then danced to music. The moves are then progressively combined into the final routine which includes all moves in the DVD. The only difference between the 2 volumes (except for the moves, of course) is that in Volume 3 the male and the female parts are demonstrated by the male and female dancer alone, while in Volume 4 each dancer explains his or her part while dancing with the partner, which I found more effective. The moves are simple and technically most dancers should be able to master them fairly easily. Dancing them nicely and giving the Kizomba feel may be a bit more challenging, but the demos from Nelson and Sophia are captivating and convincing. A nice product if you are into Kizomba..

Reviewed by Fabio - OK