To watch videos featuring some of the early impactful dancers in this dance form click HERE

For more Urban Kiz resources click HERE

1. Early Pioneers and Global Expansion (2008-2010)
In 2008, a festival called Africadancar took place in Lisbon for the first time. It brought together teachers from different countries who loved Kizomba like Albir & Sarah, Tony Pirata & Cherazad, Morenasso & Anise, Victor & Coralie, Cymeone Mopao & Tabara Tabs, Iris De Brito & Kwenda Lima, Kristofer Mencák, and others. Mestre Petchú, who was one of the first teachers in Lisbon, came up with the names of many Kizomba dance steps and tried to make it easier for people in Europe to understand. Kizomba started spreading to countries like Spain, France, Hungary, the UK, Poland, and Slovakia and soon became popular across Europe. After 2010, many festivals like the Kizomba Swimming Festival near Paris were organized, and more and more people began to enjoy dancing Kizomba.

2. Evolution and European Expansion (2010-2013)

In every place where Kizomba dancing became popular, the way people danced it changed over time which lead to debates around cultural appropriation which is discussed later. Some young dancers started mixing Kizomba with other dance styles like Argentine Tango, Hip-Hop, and Latin dances (such as salsa and bachata) which was not appriopriate because Kizomba is a cultural dance. However, dancers kept some basic parts of Kizomba and continued to add new elements to the dance and the music. Music changed from traditional instruments to electronic and pop music and new moves were added like syncopated steps, this gradually distanced the dance form from its traditional roots in Kizomba.

3. The Evolution of Kizomba in Paris (2013-2014)
In Paris, Curtis Sheldon and Cherazad, Enah and Céline (Bella), Moun and Karole were closely tied to the French style, mainly because of the electronic music they danced to. They began changing the ideas of the dance and introduced tension in the arms with a more open embrace, things not commonly seen in Kizomba.

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***Sidenote: It's important to acknowledge that while Moun, Enah, and Curtis are often recognized as the creators of this dance, numerous artists, DJs, organizers, and dancers played crucial roles in its development. The creation of this dance was a collaborative effort spanning multiple years and involving a diverse array of individuals. It's essential to make room for and honor the contributions of both named and unnamed participants, representing people of all races, backgrounds, and dance styles. Now lets get back to it…

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Their experimental dance incorporated linear steps, syncopations, accelerations, and decelerations, which differed from Kizomba. They also danced to electronic fusions with faster speed, which forced them to adapt their style to fit the new music's complex rhythm patterns. While their dance was not labeled Urban Kiz at that time, it was a blend of Kizomba with elements of other styles, which would latter be viewed as Kizomba Fusion (which was still problematic). With the introduction to this new dance people struggled to differentiate between Kizomba and Kizomba Fusion. Afro-Latin Connection, led by Ricardo and Paula, played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Kizomba Fusion. Their influence extended to notable instructors such as Isabelle and Felicien, who, in turn, passed on their knowledge to instructors like Jojo. The new dance culture from African countries was slowly making its way into Europe, winning over one city at a time. Kizomba was becoming really popular; there were lessons, parties, and festivals all over Europe, but everyone still called Kizomba Fusion and Kizomba the same name; despite the rich history and cultural significance of Kizomba. This was disrespectful to Kizomba, which emerged from the liberation of the Angolan people during a civil war against the Portuguese. It's crucial to recognize and honor the distinctiveness of Kizomba, appreciating its roots and the historical context. But in 2013, there were many workshops with problematic labels.

4. A New Style of Kizomba (2012-2014)
Between 2012 and 2014, the dance was called "French Style," but many Kizomba teachers didn't agree with this name. Ennuel and Hakima introduced the name "Kizomba 2.0,"but this posed a significant issue as it implied that Kizomba was 1.0 and Urban Kiz was an upgraded 2.0 version, suggesting that Urban Kiz was superior. This unintended message sparked controversy, especially as festivals labeled as Kizomba events often featured Urban Kiz DJs and instructors, leading to a misrepresentation of the dance styles.

To address this, the Urban Kiz community had to recognize the importance of accurate labeling, proper representation of DJs and instructors at festivals, and avoiding any erasure of Angolan history and culture associated with Kizomba. It was crucial to convey that Urban Kiz was not an evolution or upgrade of Kizomba but rather a distinct dance influenced by Kizomba. Another name was "New Style Kizomba." Dancers were trying to to find a name that respected Kizomba and allowed space for the new dance.
5. Global Recognition (2014-2015)

In 2014, the dance continued to spread, Enah and his dance partner traveled to the United States and Russia, where he held amazing workshops and shows, teaching new moves to many people. In July, he visited Mauritius and Spain, and in August, he went to Guyana, the United Kingdom, and Poland. After visiting China, Russia, Canada, Italy, Germany, and Poland, the new dance moves from Paris made their way back to the United States at the 7th Annual Afro Latin festival in Vegas from January 2nd to 4th, 2015. Over the following months, the love for Urban Kiz spread all over the country, although people still used the name Kizomba.

6. Settling the Differences in Dance Styles (2015-2016)
The differences between the new Urban Kiz style and the Kizomba and Semba styles were causing tension. Kizomba teachers were upset that Urban Kiz was being linked to the cultural and historical Kizomba dance. It was disrespectful to the Angolan culture. The new dancers needed to find a name that was different from Kizomba.

7. Struggles and Establishment of Urban Kiz Identity (2015-2016)
Enah came up with the idea of calling the dance "RedKiz," which stood for Rapid Extremely Dangerous. However, "RedKiz" didn't catch on, so they tweaked it to "Urban Kiz." This name was chosen to reflect the type of music it was danced to: urban music like hip hop, R&B, and electronic beats mixed with the Kizomba style. Eddy Vents, an influential figure who was passion about preserving the history and culture of Kizomba engaged in discussions about the name of the new dance. Eddy posted on May 4th, 2015, that a conversation was held during the Luxembourg Kizomba Congress and it was concluded that (you can view the original post HERE):

Curtis Seldon is the one who created this new type of dance and the one that made the meeting happen after me and him had a conversation.
Enah Lebon, is the one who made this dance become world popular with is "Attitude" and creativity.
Moun Kizomba Full, also is spreading it all around the world.
With all respect to all others teachers who dance it but this are the kings of that dance.
Railey Gijsbertha, Mafalda Amado, Dasmara Dossantos and Donald Wilson were there.

Click HERE to see a video of a conversation between Eddy Vents and Moun about the importance of Urban Kiz having a separate name and the collaborative efforts of multiple people to bring these two communities together on common ground. The name was officially introduced on May 10th, 2015 by Eddy Vents, Moun, Enah, Curtis, and some other influential dancers/leaders. On May 15th, 2015, Urban Kiz was unveiled to the world (the video is posted above). Throughout that month, workshops and events started using the name Urban Kiz to distinguish it from Kizomba, but sometimes they would still use the name Kizomba as well.

8. Global Spread and Recognition (2016-2018)

In August 2015, the new Facebook page "Urban Kiz Project Worldwide" was created by Moun and Enah. They wanted to share info about the new dance style and its origins. Then, in September, Enah and his dance partner taught in Dublin and later in Reunion Island and Paris. Enah and Carolina were featured in multiple countries and cities speaking the new dance style. In October, Curtis and Moun went to Valencia to teach Urban Kiz. In September, Enah and Moun and their dance partners traveled to Moscow and then to Korea to promote Urban Kiz. In November, Moun and Marta Mignone held an Urban Kiz Boot Camp in Rotterdam. After that, Urban Kiz grew quickly, and more people understood the differences between Kizomba and the new Urban Kiz style which was danced mainly to ghetto zouk music.

9. Educational Initiatives and Innovations (2017-2018)

On August 16, 2016, Moun wrote a Facebook post celebrating one year since Moun and Marta visited 21 countries together. Their travels show how Urban Kiz spread around the world from 2015 to 2016. In March 2017, at the first Urban Kiz World Open, Kizomba, Afro House, and Tarraxa were viewed as separate styles, and different artists taught them. In May 2017, the first Urban Kiz Festival took place in France. In June 2017, Curtis announced his new Urban Kiz Teachers Training Certification, where 25 couples learned to teach. In August 2017, the Urban Kiz Battle concept was revealed to take place at the second edition of the "I Am Your DJ" festival. This concept involves couples showing their favorite combos and moves while interacting with one another in front of the audience. On December 5, 2017, Moun and Enah announced another Urban Kiz Teacher Certification to be held in four countries in 2018: Germany, Italy, Portugal, and the USA, this shows how rapidly the dance spread. In 2018, Urban Kiz clothing with a special logo was created. Today, Urban Kiz is not just popular in Europe but worldwide.

10. Continued Evolution and Future Prospects (2018 and Beyond)
Urban Kiz dancing keeps changing and getting better. Some famous dancers have had a big impact on it. Enah and Pocahontas added tricks, Hip-Hop, and Zouk to their style, while JoJo, Mickaela, and Princess Jenny brought in acrobatics and tricks. JP and Stephy made it smoother with Douceur and Tango, and Fred Nelson and Morgane added Tango moves too. Heneco and Adelina made the dance more interesting by switching positions often (face to face, shadow position, and perpendicular). In 2016, Mike Evans and Macarena Paton added spins and lines. Azzedine and Andrea, Sarah and PY introduced changes in rhythm and syncopations, while Karl and Nima included head rolls and arm movements. Laurent and Adeline led movements with their bodies that added a completely different creative flow to the dance utilizing fluid hip hop concepts and leading with multiple points in the body, increasing follow sensitivity and musicality. Many other dancers also influenced Urban Kiz.
A big thank you to all these brave dancers/organizers/producers, saw the potential of Urban Kiz and transformed it into a new concept of music and dance. Urban Kiz has become even more popular. There are more festivals, parties, and dancers enjoying it than ever before. We can't be sure what's next, but we can expect more exciting ways to dance and even more advanced concepts behind the dance. Urban Kiz is a new style with a short history, and it's set to keep growing.

DISCLAIMER: There are many different opinions on the history of this dance. This is what I have learned.

Special Shoutouts:

Thank you to the people who sent me resources and helped me preserve the history of this dance : )

-Shika Jay

-Charles Neokiz Ogarocious

-Johan aka DjMojo

-Amber Nsofor aka DJ Afrodeshiak

-Eugene 'Tin Man' Cleveland

References:

Cristea, A. E., & Badiu, I. M. (2021). Urban Kiz: History, Concept, Steps (392 pages). Independently published. ISBN-13: 979-8792510340.

Jacobsen, H. (2024, January 8). Classic, Sensual & Urban Kiz! ~ All About Kizomba. Retrieved December 9, 2023, from https://theworldbyhege.com/kizomba-dance-classes/

Kabir, A. (2015, December 27). War and Peace and Kizomba. Modern Moves. Retrieved from https://www.modernmoves.org.uk/tag/urban-kiz/

Mencák, K. (2020, October 14). About Kizomba, Urban Kiz & Kizomba Fusion. KizombaClasses. Retrieved from https://www.kizombaclasses.com/blog/about-kizomba-urban-kiz-kizomba-fusion

Urban Kiz. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_Kiz