Paris also dances to the rhythm of Angolan Semba and Kizomba

There are many dance schools in Paris that teach Semba and Kizomba; however, is Edson Tecas who claims to be one of the founders of these Angolan dances in the French capital since 2009.

Known as "Mister Tecas", the 29 years old Angolan, created in France on April 5, 2009 Kizomba.fr; an association with the only goal of teaching Angolan folk dances, in Europe.

"The primary objective of the association is to convey and teach the Angolan folk dances, art, gastronomy, and culture. All of it as a package of information to be share in Europe," he told Lusa during his dance class, adding that the association has had invitations from several countries "to go teach dance, lectures, and to talk a little bit of Angolan traditions".

In Paris, Mr. Tecas gives Semba and Kizomba classes at the Centre Momboye, a school that is located in the historic building that holds the concert hall La Bellevilloise. Usually, Mister Tecas teaches with "Miss Jo", but for a few months of the year - and thanks to Kizomba.fr association - Mister Tecas divides the room with the Angolan choreographer Dilson Rosario.

"Every year I make a tour to just teach Angolan Kizomba and Semba. I have been teaching abroad, bringing the original product of Angola to Europe," he told Lusa. Dilson Rosario, says that the association allows the tour in France, Portugal, Holland and England.

Dilson, 28 years old Angolan, gives instructions in Portuguese and French during his classes. He has noticed that the number of students is increasing. Currently he has 43 students in Paris and 27 in Lille, where he also teaches with his colleague.

For both teachers, besides the music, the way of dancing Semba and Kizomba is not too different since the two rhythms go hand in hand.

"Music is what makes the difference between Semba and Kizomba, through the chords and instruments that they are composed. In dance, the difference between Kizomba and Semba is the tempo of the music and not the steps. The moves are all identical, all depends on the creativity of each person, but the basic moves are the same in Kizomba and Semba" said Dilson.

For Mister Tecas, despite the growing interest in Semba and Kizomba, the challenge is to transmit the Angolan rhythms and the Angolan sensuality. This is not something easy to do because "the French intend to preserve their ballroom position" associated with the European musicality and ballroom dancing.

"The French dancers are not able to find the African posture and musicality, they seeks to preserve their coolness and that is why they occasionally dance without a smile. On the other hand, the Angolan way is more traditional, is the party way. It is to understand the singer's feelings and the lyrics of the song. For example, If I was in a wedding and I obtain the attention of a lady, I will show happiness, joy and rejoicing ", described Mister Tecas.

At the end of the lesson, Mister Tecas and Dilson invited their students to participate in "Caldo da Dipanda" a party organized by Kizomba.fr to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Angolan independence. A party in which dance promises to be the main course and where music, poetry and a "gastronomic discovery" will happen on 15 November, at Alizé in Paris.

http://www.rtp.pt/noticias/cultura/paris-tambem-danca-ao-ritmo-do-semba-e-kizomba-angolanos_n870309