If you’re thinking about taking up a partner dance in London, you’ve probably come across three names again and again: **salsa, bachata and Kizomba**. All three are social partner dances, all three have big communities in London, and all three are a brilliant way to meet people and have fun. But they feel very different on the dance floor.
So which one is right for you? Here’s an honest comparison from someone who lives and breathes partner dancing.
I love Kizomba because its from my culture and all about connection with your dance partner and the music. Its Just amazing feeling when connect with the right dance partner 🙂
## Where do they come from?
– **Salsa** grew out of Cuban dance and music traditions and developed in New York and across Latin America. It’s lively, playful and full of energy.
– **Bachata** comes from the Dominican Republic. It started as romantic guitar music and is known for its rhythmic basic step with a small tap or hip movement.
– **Kizomba** comes from PALOP all African speaking country Cape Verde, Sao Tome & Principe, Guinee Bissau, Mozambic, Angola, with roots in the older Angolan dance **Semba**. It’s danced to slow, flowing music and is all about connection.
## The music: fast, medium or slow?
– **Salsa:** fast and upbeat, with lots of percussion and brass. Great if you love energy.
– **Bachata:** medium tempo, with a clear and easy-to-hear beat. Often romantic and melodic.
– **Kizomba:** slow and smooth, with a deep, steady rhythm. It gives you time to feel the music rather than rush to keep up.
**If fast music makes you feel stressed, Kizomba is usually the most relaxing place to start.**
## How does each dance feel?
– **Salsa** is energetic and open. Partners often move apart and back together, with lots of turns and spins.
– **Bachata** has a clear, repetitive basic step. Partners dance closer than in salsa, with some turns and body movement.
– **Kizomba** is danced in a close embrace for most of the dance. It’s based on walking, weight changes and subtle movements rather than spins. The magic is in the connection between partners.
## How close do you dance?
This is one of the biggest differences, and it’s worth being honest about:
– **Salsa:** mostly open position, with some closed hold
– **Bachata:** often closer, depending on the style
– **Kizomba:** a close embrace is part of the dance
That said, **your comfort always comes first**. In Kizomba you can adjust the hold, and in good classes teachers explain etiquette from the very first lesson. Many people who feel unsure at first end up loving the calm, connected feeling of the embrace.
Many of our students tell us they were nervous about the closeness at first, but after a couple of classes., they relax and feel free in the dance with the connection with the dance partner.
## Which one is easiest for beginners?
All three are learnable, but here’s how they usually compare for complete beginners:
– **Salsa:** the speed and turns can feel like a lot at first, but it’s very rewarding once it clicks.
– **Bachata:** the basic step is quick to learn, so beginners often feel they’re “dancing” early on.
– **Kizomba:** the slower music gives you time to think, and it’s based on walking. **If you can walk, you can learn Kizomba.** The challenge, and the beauty, is learning to lead and follow smoothly through connection.
## Which dance suits your personality?
– **You love energy, spinning and showing off a bit?** → Salsa might be your thing.
– **You want something romantic that you can pick up quickly?** → Try bachata.
– **You love calm, soulful music and a deep connection with your partner?** → Kizomba is for you.
And of course, many dancers end up doing more than one. The skills you learn in one dance, like listening to the music, leading and following, and confidence, help with the others.
## Why so many people fall in love with Kizomba
– **It’s relaxing.** The slow music is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day in London.
– **It’s about connection, not tricks (Trick in Semba).** You don’t need to be flexible or sporty.
– **It’s social.** Kizomba socials have a warm, friendly community feel.
– **It grows with you.** From simple walks to musical footwork in Semba and Urban Kiz, there’s always more to explore.
I recently started Kizomba on Thursdays, and I’m absolutely loving it! As a complete beginner, I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor than Sonny, whose patience and encouragement make learning a joy. After just five weeks, I’m already remembering steps and feeling more confident on the dance floor. The lessons strike the perfect balance between structured and fun, making every class something to look forward to. Sonny creates such a warm, welcoming atmosphere that I’d wholeheartedly recommend Kizomba to anyone thinking about giving it a try you won’t find a better teacher to learn from. Darell
## Try Kizomba in London
If Kizomba sounds like your kind of dance, the best way to know is to try a class. At Ginga Boo UK we teach **every Thursday at Casa Ritmo, Elephant & Castle**, with 4 levels from complete beginner to advanced, followed by social dancing.
Your **first beginners class is free** when you register online.
👉 **Book your Kizomba Thursday : https://gingaboo.com/events/kizomba-london-thursday/**
New to Kizomba? Read our **Complete Beginner’s Guide to Kizomba Classes in London – https://gingaboo.com/kizomba-classes-in-london-a-complete-beginners-guide/** or check our **beginners FAQ : https://gingaboo.com/ginga-boo-faq/**. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺
