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Kizomba technique4 minutes
Kizomba side step: guide to weight transfer
By Bernhard De LucaUpdated
- The Kizomba side step requires a full and conscious weight transfer onto the new standing leg with every single step.
- The feet are placed flat and without haste to maintain the characteristic grounding and softness of the dance.
- The upper body remains stable and upright, while the movement is gently cushioned by the pelvis and knees.
- Leaders and followers maintain a constant connection through the chest, which transmits signals without pulling with the arms.
The Kizomba side step brings dynamics and variety to your dance, without you having to learn complicated figures. With the right technique, every step feels completely effortless.
What you need for the practice
- A level, non-slip floor
- Comfortable shoes that allow for easy gliding
- A basic understanding of the Kizomba beat
- A relaxed, upright posture
Why lateral movement changes your Kizomba
The appeal of Kizomba does not lie in spectacular show figures, but in the deep, almost silent connection between partners. To feel this harmony, you do not need to memorize dozens of figures: it is completely sufficient to focus on the essentials. Anyone who masters the Kizomba basics can already enjoy the entire evening on the dance floor. The side step, often closely related to the so-called Kizomba passadas (the walking steps) in a traditional context, forms the perfect foundation for this. It breaks up the linear forward movement and gives you the space to interpret the music in a whole new way.
The secret to a smooth side step lies in the complete shift of weight. Unlike European ballroom dances, where a continuous, flowing movement through the room is often aimed for, udansa thrives on conscious presence in every single step. Each step is a clear statement. Only when your center of gravity rests completely over the new standing leg is the step complete. This apparent simplicity requires concentration and good body awareness, but rewards you with an irrepressible stability that is immediately transferred to your partner.
Master the side step in four steps with udansa
Take your starting position and ground yourself
Stand up straight, relax your shoulders, and bend your knees very slightly. Shift your entire body weight onto your right leg so that your left foot rests completely free and unweighted on the floor.
Place the foot cleanly outwards
Place your free left foot in a controlled, flat manner a comfortable step to the left. Make sure that you do not throw the foot, but rather guide the movement softly from the hip.
Shift your weight completely
Now consciously shift your center of gravity over your left foot. You will know it worked when you could lift your right foot off the floor effortlessly and without losing your balance.
Controlled retraction of the free foot
Slowly drag your unweighted right foot toward you without applying pressure until it is parallel to your left foot again. Keep your weight entirely on your left leg so you are ready for the next step immediately.
Avoiding mistakes when stepping sideways
How it works
- Shift your weight one hundred percent with every step
- Keep your knees slightly bent and flexible
- Keep your upper body calm and upright
- Place your feet flat and controlled
Things you should avoid
- Leaving your weight hanging in the air between your legs
- Dancing stiffly with locked knees
- Jerking with your shoulders or arms
- Pattering frantically on your tiptoes
Your checklist for the perfect side step
Before you dance
Preparation
On the floor
Arrival
While executing
During
Frequently Asked Questions
The side step differs through the complete weight transfer and the conscious, flat placement of the feet. While you often spring elastically or keep your weight centered in other dances, in Kizomba you stand completely on one leg with every step.
In Kizomba, feet should be placed as flat as possible, rolling softly over the sole of the foot. Avoid dancing only on the balls of your feet, as this removes the typical grounding and stability of the dance.
Leading is done exclusively through a minimal weight transfer of your own upper body. When you shift your center of gravity to the side, your partner follows this movement quite naturally, without you having to pull on their hands.
Kizomba courses near you
Find the right course and learn the smooth steps right in your area.
Couple danceLimbach-Oberfrohna · Germany
Silberkurs für PaareSunday · 16:15 · Oct 25 - Nov 15
Limbach-Oberfrohna
€110Total priceCouple danceLimbach-Oberfrohna · Germany
PaartanzkreisSunday · 16:30 · Oct 25
Limbach-Oberfrohna
€38.50Monthly
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