VALERIE TENDAI CHATINDO
It’s a Saturday night in Harare. A bit chilly too. While it would be normal to get a glass of the strong stuff, tonight the sway of my body is more than enough to warm me up. Connected to me, core to core and lending me some body heat, is my partner who also gyrates ever so slightly to the beat of the music. Contrary to what your mind deviated towards, tonight I’m at a dance studio in Newlands working on my newfound hobby. Yes! I’m finally just like those people I’ve seen on T.V…..and I look just as good.
I’ve aways enjoyed my share of Ballroom Dance. From Strictly Come Dancing to Dancing with The Stars, it never ceases to amaze me just what the human body can do and how good it looks while doing it. Of course, my favourites of these two person entanglements include those heavily influenced by Latin culture. I’m talking about the Salsa, Bachata, Samba, Jive, Cha-Cha-Cha and Ruuuuumba!
¡Ay Caramba!
Watching the ease and fluidity with which people perform these maneuvers? The proximity, intimacy and trust between a duo that could be made up of complete strangers? Who can deny that there’s just something about dance that’s out of this world!
Now of course I mentioned that I’m biased towards anything influenced by Latin culture but…for the last two years my heart, feet and body have been captured by a certain form of magic known as the Kizomba. A dance originating from Angola and created by slaves who had nothing but old buckets to create music.
Tragic but beautiful.
Seriously though, who could’ve known that the way most ballroom dances are showcased competitively, differs immensely from how they are executed socially? Amongst friends, families and even strangers where movements aren’t governed by complicated steps and an obsession with perfection. I mean grab a partner, go with the flow and make all the mistakes you want until you get it right.
Well at least that’s how my instructor describes it to me as well as teaches.
A man who has been dominating the dance floor from the tender age of 14. With a focus on traditional Ballroom and Latin Dance he has competed under and for ZADSA (Zimbabwe Amateur Dance Sport Association) both locally and in Southern Africa. He has also participated in the World Dance Sport Federation taking up the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Vieneze Waltz, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Jive, Samba and Passo Doblé. 18 years later with more dances such as the Salsa, Bachata Kizomba, Zouk and Argentine Tango under his belt, he is without a doubt one of the most experienced dance instructors anyone could ask for.
Ladies and Gentlemen, that man is Rico. F. King.
The way Rico teaches is quite refreshing, there are no stern instructions on ‘going left and right ‘or even twirling (Thank God!). His emphasis is on us relaxing, connecting and feeling the music in our bodies. To dancing this dance the way its creators intended. My first lesson was about learning to be comfortable with another individual in my personal space. That involved learning to hug without being tense. The second? Dancing with my mouth covered and my partner blindfolded so as to learn to trust and communication. The lessons are both mentally stimulating and challenging but I’ve learnt Kizomba from within. As a lifestyle. And thanks to Rico, the knowledge he’s imparted has done more for me than just improving my hip gyrations. Not only do I feel sexier, and that’s a must, but I’m a confident and better person. All that from just ‘doing the Kizomba’.
Who would’ve thought…
PHOTOS: Rico. F. King.