Kizomba is...

"An embrace means I don't feel threatened by you, I'm not afraid to be this close, I can relax, feel at home, feel protected and in the presence of someone who understands me. It is said that each time we embrace someone warmly, we gain an extra day of life."

A quote from Paul Coelho (one of my favorite authors) that describes for me what dancing kizomba is like.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Springing into May

It looks like spring is finally here in Seattle (hurrah!).

Last weekend we had the pleasure of welcoming Iris DeBrito to Seattle for a weekend of kizomba. It was fantastic (I wish I could say that in a british accent). I am grateful for the circumstances and people that have enabled me to bring these wonderful instructors from all over the world to Seattle. Each instructor has come to share their passion and knowledge and has helped us all to grow as dancers.    Iris is no exception. Her grace, humor and passion for the dance is infectious and that alone affects how we view the dance and how we dance it.  Thank you Iris for sharing your love and  knowledge of kizomba with our family here in Seattle.

Electron Microscope: Synapses Firing

Each time I learn from someone, my eyes open up just a little more. Its as if the synapses in my brain get fired up and new pathways of understanding appear like magic. [Photo credit: Jeremy's Ridge] Its like progressing through a video game as more and more doors are opened on your search for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 

For myself, Iris showed me the opportunities in the dance that allow me to express myself within a close embrace with my dance partner so that I'm not just following but also lending my voice to the dance without interrupting my lead.  Its exhilarating: there is so much to explore now with this new angle to consider. 

She talked about sharpness to the movements and light and darkness to give texture to the dance. I know if I had been told this last year, I would not have been able to really appreciate what she said. I am excited to try out some new things and see where it takes me. 

Thanks again to everyone that came to learn and dance and participate this weekend. We had a great mix of new and old faces and its wonderful to see our family growing and developing as kizomba continues to grab hold of people's hearts. 

NEXT UP: Mafalda will be visiting Seattle again in less than 2 weeks! Check out the details here.

Saturday's Crew
Sunday's Crew