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Learn Kizomba Saida: step by step guide for couples

By Mary De LucaUpdated

In short
  • The Kizomba Saida is a step where leader and follower pass each other on parallel tracks.
  • The leader initiates the move by gently shifting their upper body to clear the path for their partner.
  • The follower maintains a constant forward motion until a clear signal from the leader stops the step.
  • A stable posture and continuous upper body contact ensure balance throughout the entire movement.

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The Saida brings elegance and dynamics to your Kizomba. With this simple guide, you will master the elegant lunge as a couple, without any stumbling or stress on the dance floor.

What you need beforehand

  • Reliably keeping the Kizomba beat
  • Stable, upright dance frame in a pair
  • Mastery of the basic forward and backward step
  • Shoes that allow for easy turning on the ball of the foot

The key to fluid movements in Kizomba

The Saida, which simply means exit in Portuguese, is one of the most important and beautiful foundations in Kizomba. In this figure, one of the partners leaves the shared track, so that you move side by side for a moment instead of in front of each other. It breaks up the closed dance posture and opens up space for gentle turns and changes of direction. To dance the Saida flawlessly, it is not about spectacular embellishments, but about clean technique in weight transfer and a stable dance frame. Anyone who masters the Saida understands the interplay of leading and following on a whole new level.

For an easy start, it is worth consolidating the basics beforehand. If you still feel unsure, our guide on Kizomba steps for beginners will help you solidify the foundation. The Saida builds directly on that and brings dynamics to your dance flow. It is important that the upper body contact remains, while the feet move past each other on parallel tracks. This creates the typical, fluid Kizomba connection that makes this dance so special.

The Kizomba Saida in five simple steps

  1. Opening the track

    The leader takes a step back to the left, slightly opening their upper body to the side. This clears the track directly in front of them for the partner.

  2. Walking straight past

    The follower uses the open space and takes a step straight forward, directly past the leader's right side, without moving aside.

  3. Parallel leading

    The leader places their right foot sideways behind the follower's left foot, while the follower takes their second forward step. The bodies remain close together.

  4. Closing the track

    The leader rotates his upper body back to the starting position, thereby gently guiding the follower back onto his own track.

  5. Switch to the basic step

    Both partners finish the step with a clean weight transfer and switch seamlessly back to the familiar Kizomba basic step.

The most important do's and don'ts for the Saida

Correct

  • Maintain upper body contact throughout the entire step
  • As a follower, move forward steadily and evenly
  • As a leader, clear the path with a distinct step to the side

Wrong

  • Break the dance frame and pull your arms long
  • As a follower, move around the leader on your own
  • As a leader, force the partner's step with your arms

Your checklist for the perfect Saida

Before training

Preparation

Just before the step

Arrival

After the step

During

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. In Kizomba, the Saida is a step where partners offset their tracks. Instead of dancing in front of each other, they move past one another on parallel paths for a moment.

Kizomba courses near you

Learn the Saida and many other steps directly from experienced instructors in your area.

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