The 4 Kizombalove Pillars

Below you will find the 4 pillars of the “José N’dongala Kizombalove Methodology” – also known as the “4 Kizombalove pillars” – applied by many dancers and teachers in several countries. These pillars will help you to dance, enjoy and teach kizomba / Semba, according to the Angolan values.

1. The 9 dimensions of the José N’dongala Kizombalove Methodology

The training method “José N’dongala Kizombalove Methodology” combines 9 different aspects which are referred to as dimensions

Combination of Figures

Musicality

Technic

Style

Figures

Improvisation

Creativity

Theatrical Expression

Choreography

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2. The “8 Key Rules”

The “8 key rules of the José N’dongala Kizombalove Methodology” will help you to be professional and structured as a teacher.

The tempo of the music has to be considered and indicated before starting a step.

Kizombalove Key Rules n°1

Every step, including the basic step, has to be done in 8 beats.

Kizombalove Key Rules n°2

The basic step has to precede every step.

Kizombalove Key Rules n°3

Every step hast to start on the 1st beat with the left foot for the man and the right foot for the lady.

Kizombalove Key Rules n°4

Every step or the sequence of the figure has to have the same start and end position.

Kizombalove Key Rules n°5

The body position at every break has to be considered, taking into account the start and the end position of the figure or the sequence of the figure.

Kizombalove Key Rules n°6

If a step does not end in the start position, the same step has to be done again until reaching the start position. (Advantage: learning to apply the step from a different angle to develop orientation skills in the space)

Kizombalove Key Rules n°7

While dancing the music has to be the dominant element and not the steps.

Kizombalove Key Rules n°8

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3. “12 ways of doing the break on 3”

The “12 ways of doing the break on 3” will help you to be a master in the art of improvisation.

Part 1

1. Line step forward

2. Line step backward

3. Triangle step forward

4. Triangle step backward

5. Triangle step sideward

6. Triangle step forward with change direction

Part 2

7. Triangle step backward with change direction

8. Quarter turn: anti clockwise

9. Quarter turn: clockwise

10. Meio giro (half circle)

11. Reverse meio giro

12. Saida lateral with quarter turn: clockwise

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4. The 8 “Kizombalove Golden rules”

The “KIZOMBALOVE GOLDEN RULES” will help you to become a good Kizomba/Semba dancer.

Listen very carefully to “every instrument” “individually” so as to train your semba/kizomba musical ear. Keeping in mind that the focus of Semba is mostly on rhythmic motifs (or pattern).

Kizombalove Golden Rules n°1

Do “NOT” keep your ears only listening to the beats. Because if you are not a native, listening to the beats only may mislead you.

Kizombalove Golden rules n°2

Follow the voice of the singer as often as possible even if you don’t understand the lyrics. It will train your ears to understand and learn how to dance on the “leading melody”.

Kizombalove Golden rules n°3

Listen very carefully to the “backing vocals”. (Amazing songs mostly have “backing vocals”).

Kizombalove Golden Rules n°4

Every time the singer “stops singing”, you should listen to the “prevailing instrument” at that moment and “dance accordingly”.

Kizombalove Golden Rules n°5

Listen carefully to the instrument (or instruments) “supporting the lead vocal” and “allow your feet” to beautifully “translate the vibes on the dancefloor”. These supporting instruments give you enough scope to write your own poem on the dancefloor.

Kizombalove Golden rules n°6

Listen carefully to the kind of “question and answer” (call & response) between the “leading” and the “backing vocals”. It will help you to be “involved” and really “get into the core” of the song.

Kizombalove Golden Rules n°7

Try to listen to “all the instruments” at once so as to “experience” what I call a “musical taste explosion”. This may inspire a relaxing and a very satisfying “whoop of joy” as you dance. It’s normal! We, Angolans use to “shout out loud” and “make a lot of noise” on the dancefloor as we dance. It’s just our cultural way to enjoy much more. It’s very healthy!

The 4 Kizombalove Pillars

1. The 9 dimensions of the José N’dongala Kizombalove Methodology

Combination of Figures

Musicality

Technic

Style

Figures

Improvisation

Creativity

Theatrical Expression

Choreography

Discover the pdf “9 dimensions”

2. The “8 Key Rules”

Kizombalove Key Rules n°1

Kizombalove Key Rules n°2

Kizombalove Key Rules n°3

Kizombalove Key Rules n°4

Kizombalove Key Rules n°5

Kizombalove Key Rules n°6

Kizombalove Key Rules n°7

Kizombalove Key Rules n°8

Discover the pdf “Kizombalove Key Rules”

3. “12 ways of doing the break on 3”

Discover the pdf “12 ways of doing the break on 3”

4. The 8 “Kizombalove Golden rules”

Kizombalove Golden Rules n°1

Kizombalove Golden rules n°2

Kizombalove Golden rules n°3

Kizombalove Golden Rules n°4

Kizombalove Golden Rules n°5

Kizombalove Golden rules n°6

Kizombalove Golden Rules n°7

Kizombalove Golden Rules n°8

Discover the pdf “Kizombalove Golden Rules”

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