A social network for dancers

The beat speaks through the synchronised body twists. More than a dozen of people in the dancing class move in unison.

They are training to dance at Caramel Lounge in Westlands— a monthly social event targeting people who want to network or those who want to dance with their partners.

Many social dancers take classes starting from 8pm to 9pm after which the Kizomba party begins.

Social dancing is fast becoming a popular pastime as many including expatriates flock restaurants and social halls to dance to various genres of music.

The Caramel Lounge dance party was started by Marion Munga and Sara Benhamo. When the two met at the Caramel, it was over a glass of wine and the idea of having a dance session cropped up.

They wanted to get people on their feet and give them an opportunity to have a good time, but not in a nightclub set-up.

Mature crowd

They settled for an Afro Latin dance party that includes salsa, bachata, kizomba, semba, Cha cha cha, merengue and zouk. Ms Munga, the founder of Dance Factory Kenya and Ms Benhamo, a general manager at Caramel Lounge started hosting monthly Kizomba parties.

The party with mature crowd soon attracted many who started attending sessions at the lounge every first Saturday of the month.

“I was wondering how to make Caramel more welcoming and bring new feet in to the lounge after we opened,” said Ms Benhamo.

Now, most diners join in the social dancing after family dinners or business meetings.

“For the dance party, you can bring your partner, business partner, friend and clients to entertain them in a relaxed environment. You are guaranteed to have a good time either dancing or just having your drinks as you watch others dance,” said Ms Munga.

The choreographer has been dancing for years and competed in Nairobi and Berlin. She said she saw an untapped market in people searching for places to express themselves through dance which led to the start of Dance Factory, a dance event organising company.

“Most of the avenues that provide a platform to dance are night clubs. However, there is demand for organised dancing where people want to enjoy in a not so crowded environment and be able to socialise,” she said.

The social dances have attracted new clients to Caramel as some host events at the lounge that includes dancing sessions.

“It brings people of the same social standing together and those who prefer to listen to relaxing music which they can also dance to,” said Ms Benhamo.

Each month there is a theme for the party. The décor at the restaurant can be Latin or the dress code is denim Latin.

Kizomba

Kizomba dance traces its roots to Angola and has gained popularity. The dance has traversed continents to be a favourite of many, overtaking salsa dance, tango and bachata in the exotic dance category.

Many people are now taking separate Kizomba classes to polish their moves. Ms Munga holds separate classes at the Lavington Mall, West Wood Hotel and Kenya National Theatre for those who want to learn and build confidence or have a fun workout.

“Kizomba means party and the music sets the mood for a party feel. Couples can dance sensually and those who are not couples at an arm’s length,” she said.

Kizomba dancing goes deeper. For couples, such dances foster a stronger connection as partners require a lead-and-follow technique. ‘‘The dance requires them to be more aware and listen to each other so that they can move as a unit and be one with the music,” said Ms Munga.

Social dancing also improves mental acuity and balance because you are required to move in all directions therefore elevating your mood and engages your brain.

She said this not only works for individuals but also for colleagues as it helps them work better together, boosts satisfaction, energy, memory, creativity and communication. It is also a fantastic stress reliever, she said.

The Dance Factory Kenya uses dance as a tool to facilitate team building sessions, private and group dance sessions, choreographies, workshops, boot camps and parties.

‘‘Some of the dances include Afro beat, dance hall, salsa, bachata, kizomba and we will soon include hip hop, lingala, belly dancing and children dance classes,’’ she said.

Other dances

Other clubs are targeting the younger customers. Venom Lounge and Bar in Nairobi hosts social dances on Thursdays dubbed La Milonga Patamango Tango night and salsa on Fridays at Metro Lounge.

Artcaffe at the Oval also hosts salsa night every Friday from 9pm till midnight where patrons get to enjoy live band music.

People can dance salsa, cha cha from Cuba and merengue from the Dominican Republic.

Urban Glitz also holds an open salsa dance every Saturday at the Sixeighty Hotel. Every Thursday, Secrets Lounge also hosts Kizomba dance evenings.

The trend has been spreading to the coastal towns. In Malindi, the Platinum Social Club organises exclusive cocktail parties for informal networking and dining events while enjoying dancing.

Afro beat cultural dance sessions are also a big hit across the country with group flash mobs making appearances at different malls on the weekends.

Platonic Kenya has dance stopovers at different venues with the most recent at the Hub Mall in Karen dubbed Unity in Diversity Festival.

[email protected]