The parts of each KIZ class should be: warm-up, dance abilities, movements patterns, improvisation. Find out why and other details about each one. 

The class should have four main parts:

1.       Warm-up

2.       Abilities

3.       Patterns

4.       Improvisation

Each part will have special exercises for beginner and intermediate level.

The exercises will be inter-changeable so that the class will take place in a relaxed atmosphere, with lots of fun, but at the same time preventing boredom and frustration.

As a general rule, the teacher should be sensible at the needs of each student, and give the information accordingly.

WARM-UP

The idea of the warm is to give a boost of energy to the people that have come to the class. It works just like an icebreaking exercise.

People should be encouraged to move as much as possible, and become accustomed to the change of position, of embrace, of direction of walking, etc. Not to the details, but to changing.

Kizomba being a dance of walking, this part of the class is by far the most important one, and the result should be that the students will be able to step in any direction, with any foot, regardless of the type of embrace and position.

Make them move in Face to Face position, forward and backward at first, then random around the room; then the same in Shadow Position, in Promenade position, etc. 

And then make them change the position while they move around. 

DANCE ABILITIES

At this point we need to develop dance abilities. These will be also divided into absolute beginners and intermediates, and should be done as the second part of the class.

The most common abilities are: weight transfer, leg extensions, one impulse - one step, inclinations, changing the walking systems, leg raises, etc. 

PATTERNS

After the first two parts of the class have been implemented in the students, we will now take things to the next level, by learning easy patterns.

All the patterns are examples, illustrations, of how we can put together the three basic steps (front cross, back cross, open step), the positions (promenade, face to face, etc.), the movements (leg raise, etc.).

There are a lot of possible patterns, of course, but at first we should begin with: figure eights, rectangles, half moons, saidas, etc.

IMPROVISATION

The first three parts of the class are what constitutes the fundamental exercises which will guide the pupil from the absolute beginner level to the full intermediate level. The number of elements (such as inclinations, leg raise, entrapment, leg push, etc.) and of patterns can always be increased.

There is also the question of musicality – and musical patterns.

But in order to truly go to the advanced level, one must learn how to improvise. Most of the teachers around the world never teach this, however, but we know some of the best exercises ever to get you to master this wonderful art, and we love to teach this. More details in future material. 

***

THIS HAS BEEN AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK: Kizomba for Teachers, by Maria Diana Ionita & Alexandru Eugen Cristea. More details on our BOOKS page.