The Real Kiz Podcast

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 not just about dance; it’s about cultivating a community that understands and uplifts women. The festival integrates programs that focus on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, ensuring that attendees leave feeling inspired and empowered.

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 address them.

Dancing is not just about technique; it’s also about the relationship you have with yourself. Often, dancers struggle with comparisons and self-doubt. Recognizing that these feelings are more a...

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, comment, follow, subscribe and join us on IG @the_real_kiz_podcast. Engage with the community and implement these ideas to foster a more inclusive, respectful, and vibrant dance scene. Your participation makes a difference!

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 entered... I saw so many people dancing together. I was like, this is what I want to do," she recalls. This moment marked the beginning of her exploration into th...

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 and experiences that highlight the importance of connection and support within the dance world.

As the Kizomba dance community began to take shape in Seattle, it started small and gradually grew in...

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 for dancers seeking meaningful connections.

Dating in the dance scene is unique, characterized by physical closeness and emotional connections. The podcast begins with the question: "Why do some people find love on the dance...

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 support around incidents in the dance scene.

Lara’s journey began from a deeply personal experience. As a victim of violence and abuse within the dance community, she realized that she was not alon...

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 for a supportive community. Together, we can foster a dance culture that celebrates artistry, equality, and connection.

Annabelle opens the episode by acknowledging the shift from a vibrant community of dancers to a business-driven...

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 experiences.

Heartbreak in the dance community can be particularly poignant. When a dancer experiences a breakup, especially with a partner or close friend, the emotional fallout extends beyond personal pain—it can ripple through the entire dance community. Many...

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 serves as a vital support system, yet it often falls short in fostering genuine connections. Dori highlights that there are two main types of communities within the dance scene: local communities and festival communities. While...

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 dance, starting with his first Bachata class in 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he was determined to pursue his passion. After an unexpected injury and a shift to Kizomba, he...

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 extroverts alike find a unique space to express themselves. Dance is a social activity that builds confidence. For introverts, dance offers a safe space to express themselves without words, while extroverts thrive in the social interactions it fosters. The dance floor becomes a stage where vulnerability...

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 the ongoing issue of lead-follow imbalance in the dance community. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience, understanding, and mutual respect among dancers to create a positive and enjoyable dance experience. In this...

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 awareness, and the various intentions behind social dancing. The conversation also delves into attachment styles, love languages, and the evolution of dancers in their journey towards deeper connections.

Olga Fedotova (Canada\Kazakhstan\Mexico)—movement, voice\public speaking, self-expression coach and a...

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 impact of energy awareness in dance. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that explores the intersection of movement, energy, and healing. Genevieve Kayra is a frequency artist, urban kiz teacher and energy healer originally from Australia...

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. Masculine and feminine energies are meant to coexist. Partner dance visibly reveals gender dynamics and the cultural norms that shape gender expression. Awareness of these concepts can enhance everyone’s dance experience. 🌟 Follow Marianne @danceofrelationship

Dive into the world of dance...

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. This intimacy is at the heart of social dance, where authentic connections are formed on the dance floor. The

Book Your Dance App - A Double-Edged Sword: The app introduces a new dynamic, potentially creating a...

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 communication the need for contracts and a clear code of conduct to benefit everyone involved. Join us as we explore better solutions than existing apps and encourage open dialogue about industry challenges. Give us your thoughts and share your experiences. Subscribe now...