When we say basic steps (or fundamental movements) we mean patterns of motion that are always there; we always return to them, or we incorporate them to whatever else we do to the music. Plus they form the basis of increasingly complex movements, Like climbing a ladder of abstraction with these steps at its bottom rungs.
For Marty and I these basic Kizomba dance steps revolve around certain fundamental patterns. For us (and this remains simply our viewpoint) there are 7 in total, which for ease of remembering we could split into two principles - of Flow Motion and Friction Motion
Flow Motion
When we say flow motion we simply mean our movements are continous - similar to how we alternate our left and right feet at an even tempo when we walk.
Key Steps
- Estrella (The Star Pattern) (0.30min mark)
- Giro (The Swerve/Turn Pattern) (1.40min mark)
- Corridinho (The Little Race)
As an aside these principles of flow motion tend to be easier to learn, and an excellent place to start.
Friction Motion
The essence of friction motion is beginning and ending any sequence of steps on the same foot - so they require a subtle body weight transfer.
Key Steps
- Side-step (0.30min Mark)
- Retrocesso (The Return/Regression) (0.55min mark)
- Ida e Volta (The Roundtrip) (0.50min mark)
- Virgula (The Comma) (1.20min mark)
The three virtues of fundamentals
Seven key patterns. All we really need to have a good time. In fact if we pick any single one of these, and if we can overcome the urge to "do more", then we are well on our way to enjoying ourselves. And if in process we hit on the notion each one can be done in different ways, then even better, With Slow motion perhaps...
There is also the benefit of looking at techniques and more complex movements from the perspective of these key movements behind them; Saida variations, Casamento variations, Escada variations, Esquiao motions, Tesouro patterns (all here), and myriad other movements coming out of Angola and elsewhere in the world.
At a certain level of comfort with these fundamental movements, most complex steps become variations to what your body already understands. But it goes even further than this. At a certain level of comfort with the basic steps you let go of intellectualising movement all together.
What this means is you have a sense of steps (steeped in fundamentals) as being jusr a tool. Something to express what the music and dance partner make you feel. And you start to do things with no-how, rather than know-how - things you can't explain, because everything depends on what you feel moment to moment. Creativity, yes?
Music, Motion, Magic
So pick one. Or more. Or all. But do relax as best you can (breathe easy during, perhaps) and see how it feels doing them to a song. By yourself if possible, with a partner if preferred. If it feels awkward initially this is entirely natural, If it doesn't, then good. But just pick something, play something (here), close your eyes, and let go...
,,,and whenever you feel ready, come share your 7 basic Kizomba dance steps with us :)
S&M
FB: Kizomba | Wednesdays | Edinburgh
IG: Kizomba_Libre
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