The Real Kiz Podcast

When you step into a dance event or festival, do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of expectations, or are you able to embrace the moment fully? If you're looking to enhance your festival experience, understanding how to take responsibility for your own enjoyment can be transformative. Cristina emphasizes that a festival's success isn’t solely measured by the number of dances or the length of y...

From Dance Floors to DJ Booths: The Journey of DJ Neiken Tune in to discover the inspiring journey of DJ Neiken from an urban hip hop dancer to a sought-after Kizomba DJ. Learn about her challenges, mentors, and the passion that fuels. In the world of music, few stories are as captivating as that of DJ Neiken. How does someone transition from a passionate dancer to a renowned DJ in a niche genre?...

Dancing is often seen as a joyful and liberating form of expression. But for neurodivergent individuals, social dance can present unique challenges. This conversation between Annabelle and Sarah, explores their insights as they share their experiences as neurodivergent dancers. This discussion sheds light on the complexities of dancing while navigating neurodivergence and offers valuable perspecti...

In 2022, Pidjay and her co-founder Bianca realized that many women were struggling with a lack of representation in dance spaces. They shared stories of their experiences and recognized the need for a supportive environment where women could thrive. Since its inception, WOW has made waves in the Kizomba community, attracting a group of participants eager for growth and connection. The festival is...

In the dance world, confidence is not just a desirable trait; it's essential. But how do you cultivate this confidence? In this post, we’ll explore five essential strategies to help you build a strong sense of self-worth and resilience as a dancer. With insights from Anita, a sovereignty and integration coach for dancers, we’ll uncover the deeper issues that affect our confidence and how to addres...

In this episode, Annabelle hosts her friends Dori and Kaycee for a candid discussion on topics ranging from travel essentials at festivals, sharing space with diverse dance styles, festival scheduling, to navigating community conflicts and safety issues. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to the scene, these insights aim to foster a safer, more connected dance community. As always, like, comm...

In a world where confidence can feel elusive, the transformative power of dance becomes a beacon of hope. In this episode of the Real Kiz podcast, host Annabelle welcomes the inspiring Stre, who shares her incredible journey from shyness to self-assurance through the art of dance. Stre’s story begins ten years ago when a chance invitation to a salsa party sparked her passion for dance. "I just ent...

In the heart of Seattle, a vibrant Kizomba dance community has blossomed, thanks to the dedication and passion of its members. In this episode of The Real Kiz Podcast, Annabelle interviews Laine, one of the key figures in the Seattle Kizomba scene, exploring the journey and growth of this local dance community. From its humble beginnings to its flourishing presence today, Laine shares her insights...

The dance floor is more than just a place to showcase moves; it's often a stage for blossoming romances and unexpected heartbreaks. In this episode of The Real Kiz Podcast, host Annabelle, along with relationship coach Marianne and dancer Jordan Jungle Rose, delve into the complexities of dating within the dance community. They explore why love can flourish or falter, offering valuable insights fo...

In the world of dance, safety often takes a backseat to the fun and social atmosphere of parties. However, as conversations around safety in the dance community grow, it’s crucial to address these issues head-on. In this episode, we dive into an enlightening conversation with Lara, the founder of @ be.a.safe.place , an initiative dedicated to providing prevention education, safety protocols and su...

In this solo episode, Annabelle takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of the dance industry, urging listeners to embrace change and promote equality. The empowerment of female artists and the reevaluation of community values are vital for the future of dance. Key takeaways include the importance of educating oneself as a consumer, the ongoing revolution for equality, and the need fo...

Heartbreak is a universally understood pain, yet it often feels isolating, especially within close-knit communities like the dance scene. In this episode of The Real Kiz Podcast, Annabelle and Genevieve delve into the tender topic of relational ruptures in the dance world—discussing breakups with dance partners, friends, and mentors, and exploring the emotional and communal impact of these experie...

Welcome to the latest episode of The Real Kiz Podcast, where we dive into the intricacies of the Kizomba dance scene. In this engaging discussion, host Annabelle is joined by seasoned dancers, Dori and Kaycee, to explore the pressing issues currently affecting the dance community, particularly the need for genuine connection and accountability. Understanding Community in Dance The dance community...

Welcome back to The Real Kiz podcast! In this episode, host Annabelle and her co-host, Ollie the Octopus, welcome a special guest, Hamza, a dancer from Tunisia. Together, they explore the intricacies of the dance community, touching on personal experiences, challenges faced by dancers, and the importance of inclusivity and kindness on the dance floor. Hamza shares his unique path into the world of...

This episode with Miranda Kittie explores the contrasting experiences of introverts and extroverts in the dance scene, highlighting personal journeys of confidence and self-expression. The conversation delves into how dance serves as a social activity that fosters connection and vulnerability, ultimately building confidence and self-awareness. In the vibrant world of dance, introverts and extrover...

In this episode of The Real Kiz Podcast, Annabelle engages in a vibrant conversation with Tudor, an urban kiz dancer from Romania. They explore Tudor's dance journey, the challenges faced by new dancers, the importance of connection and respect in dance, and the dynamics of taxi dancing at festivals. Tudor shares insights on the role of dance teachers, the pros and cons of festival workshops, and...

In this episode of The Real Kiz podcast, Annabelle interviews Olga Fedotova, an international movement and self-expression coach. They explore the profound connection between dance and emotional healing, discussing how trauma is stored in the body and can be released through movement. Olga shares insights from her Power of Connection workshop, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, body aw...

Join us on The Real Kiz Podcast as we dive into the world of energy and dance with Genevieve Kayra, a renowned frequency artist and energy healer from Australia. Discover how dancers can regulate their nervous systems and enhance their energetic connections on and off the dance floor. Genevieve shares her journey of blending dance with spiritual practices, offering insights into the profound impac...

In this episode of The Real Kiz Podcast, Annabelle interviews Marianne, a former dance teacher turned relationship coach, about the intersection of dance and relationships. They explore how dance mirrors our relationships with others, life, and ourselves, and delve into the dynamics of masculine and feminine energies in both dance and personal relationships. Dance mirrors our relationships. Mascul...

Exploring Authenticity and Hierarchy in the Dance Community In the world of dance, connection is key. Annabelle and Anna delve into the implications of the Book Your Dance app in the Urban Kiz and Kizomba dance communities, exploring themes of intimacy, connection, and the potential hierarchy it creates. Dance is an intimate connection highlighting how dancers share physical and energetic space. T...

In this episode of the Real Kiz podcast, Annabelle and Monica delve into the unspoken expectations between festival artists, organizers and attendees that are causing some friction in the dance scene. @a_belle94 and @dancingmonmon are discussing the challenges faced by artists in setting expectations and advocating for themselves and brainstorming solutions emphasizing the importance of clear comm...