Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I book the trial class and how much does it cost?

You can sign up for a 1 free trial class via our calendar at this link. Select the class on your preferred day, click the button 'klik hier om je aan/af te melden', and then choose 'klik hier om een proefles te boeken'. Please make sure to register by 2:00 PM on the day of the trial class.

• Can I still book a trial class if the courses have already started?

Yes, you can sign up for a trial class even after the course has started. Our lessons are designed so that you can join at any point during the course.

• How do I know which level I can join?

We follow the following level ladder: Beginners, Improvers, Intermediates, Semi Advanced. During the trial class, we will determine which level suits you best based on your experience through a short level check with the instructor at the end of the class.

Additional important information for trial class participation:

• How long is the (trial) class?
  The (trial) class lasts 60 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of practice time.
• How can I cancel my (trial) class?
  If you cannot attend the trial class, please cancel by 2:00 PM on the day of the class through the same route as booking.
• I received a notification that I'm on the waiting list, what now?
  If you're placed on the waiting list, this is due to balancing the leader/follower ratio. You will be informed by 4:00 PM on the day of the trial class whether it will proceed. We value a good leader/follower balance for the best learning experience.
• What should I wear to the dance classes?
  For clothing, we recommend wearing low-heeled shoes if you don't have much dance experience on heels. Otherwise, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

• Where can I book a group class, and what are the costs?

You can sign up for a group class via our calendar at this link. Select the class on your preferred day and time, then choose the option that suits you best:

• • Single ticket (8-week course):
    1 type of course: €125
    2 types of courses: €200
    3 types of courses: €260
  • Couple ticket (8-week course):
    1 type of course: €240
  • Single class: €20 per class
  • Punchcard (strippenkaart):
    5 classes: €85
    10 classes: €160
  • Subscription (2 months, auto-renewal):
    4 classes per month: €60
    8 classes per month: €90
    12 classes per month: €115
    Cancellation: 1 month in advance
• Do I need to choose a level when signing up?

Yes, when booking a group class, you'll choose a specific lesson based on the date, time, location, and level. Our levels are: Beginners, Improvers, Intermediates, and Semi Advanced. The level is listed with the class in the calendar.

• Are the dates and times of the group classes consistent?

The dates and times of the group classes run for a period of 8 weeks. We aim to keep these times as consistent as possible. Any changes will be communicated via our social media.

• What should I bring to the class?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, and if you don’t have much dance experience in heels, opt for flat shoes. It’s also helpful to bring your own water bottle.

• What are the cancellation terms for a group class?

You can cancel your group class up until 2:00 PM on the day of the class. If you cancel later, the cost of a punch or class will be charged.

• Do I need to bring a partner?

It’s not necessary to bring a partner, as we ensure a good balance between followers and leaders. If you're placed on a waiting list and the balance is insufficient, you'll be notified by 4:00 PM on the day of the class. If you do bring a partner and sign up as a couple, you'll benefit from a discounted price. Additionally, we’re currently offering a 20% discount if you refer a new leader who signs up. This discount applies to your purchased class package and the new leader’s package (for 8-week subscriptions).

• What is the difference between a private lesson and a group lesson?

In a private lesson, you dance with the instructor or a regular partner, unlike in a group lesson where you rotate dance partners. A private lesson provides you with personal attention from the instructor.

• What are the benefits of a private lessons
  

In a private lesson, you receive full attention, allowing us to focus on your specific learning needs. As a result, the progress you make through private lessons will be faster compared to group lessons

• How do I book private lessons?

Email your request and preferences to hello@ourkizombaconnection.nl, and you will be contacted within 24 hours to discuss the details further.

• How much does a private lesson cost?

PRIVATE LESSON PRICES (AS OF SEPTEMBER 2024)

Individual:

• 1 hour = €85
• 1.5 hours = €120
• 2 hours = €155
  (€10 discount for OKC group class students)

Package option:

• 5 lessons of 1 hour for €395
  (€20 additional discount for OKC group class students)

Couple:

• 1 hour = €115
• 1.5 hours = €150
• 2 hours = €185
  (€10 discount for OKC group class students)

Package option:

5 lessons of 1 hour for €495
(€20 additional discount for OKC group class students)

• How long is a private lesson?

A private lesson can be booked for 1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 2 hours.

• Where does the private lesson take place?

Amsterdam - Q-Factory, Atlantisplein 1

Utrecht - Hoge Weide, Laurierweg 104

Almere - Green Central, De Binderij 9

Haarlem - at home

• When does the private lesson take place?

From Monday to Friday between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with limited exceptions for daytime sessions during the weekend.

• What are the possibilities for an opening dance?
  Yes we provide tailored services for opening dances for your wedding or special event. We can personalize the dance based on your level, music preferences, or a specific theme.
• What are the costs of an Opening Dance package?Initial Consultation (30 minutes):
• • We start by discussing your wishes.
  • We determine the song and choreograph about one minute of it.
  • Then, we discuss your preferences regarding the look and feel of the choreography.

Choreography Lessons:

• • 5 x 1 hour choreography lessons.
  • Tips and guidance leading up to the wedding day.
  • The song will be edited as needed for choreography and delivered in high quality. Optionally, I can provide a DJ from my network for this.

Cost for this package: €725, all-inclusive.
Need extra lessons? That’s available for €75 per hour (reduced rate).

Further questions:

• How much time and how many lessons are needed to learn an opening dance?
  We recommend 4 to 8 lessons for a simple dance, or more if you want something more complex.
• Can we choose our own music?
  Yes, this is definitely possible! However, it can be helpful to ensure that the rhythm matches the dance steps of Kizomba and that the tempo of the music fits the atmosphere and level.
• Do we need to have experience in (partner) dancing?
  No, this is not necessary. We can tailor the opening dance for both complete beginners and advanced dancers.
• Can we practice outside of lessons?
  Absolutely! During each lesson, you will receive guidance to practice together at home if you wish.
• What should we wear during the lessons?
  We recommend wearing flat shoes and comfortable clothing. If you wish to wear heels or special attire for the opening dance, we can also practice with those during the lessons.

You can view our full class schedule on this page. Here, you can find classes by location, date, time, and level, and easily sign up for the class of your choice.

Each class lasts 60 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of practice time after the lesson. This applies to both regular group classes and trial lessons.

Our classes take place at three locations: Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Almere. Below are the specific addresses, parking information, and class days:

OKC Amsterdam

We have two class locations in Amsterdam:

• Location Amsterdam South: Huize Lydia, Roelof Hartplein 2A
  Classes are on Monday & Wednesday, sign up via our calendar here.
  Parking: Paid parking in the neighborhood next to the venue:
  Mon-Sat: 09:00 - 24:00 (€6.50 per hour)
  Sun: 12:00 - 24:00 (€6.50 per hour)
  Tip: A 5-minute walk away on Apollolaan, parking is cheaper (€5.00 per hour) and free on Sundays.
• Location Amsterdam West: Chassé Dance Studios, Chasséstraat 64
  Classes are on Thursday, sign up via our calendar here
  Parking: Paid parking:
  Mon-Sat: 09:00 - 24:00 (€6.50 per hour)
  Sun: Free parking

OKC Utrecht

• Location: BC Hoge Weide, Laurierweg 104
  Classes on Tuesday & Thursday, sign up via our calendar here.
  Parking: Free parking in the neighborhood next to the venue.

OKC Almere

• Location: Green Central, De Binderij 9
  Classes on Wednesday, sign up via our calendar here
  Parking: Free parking available at the venue.

We offer the following levels:

• Beginners
• Improvers
• Intermediates
• Semi Advanced

The level of each class is indicated in the schedule under this link

If you're a complete beginner, we recommend signing up for a Beginner 1 course, specifically designed for those with no Kizomba dance experience. If you're unsure or have a bit more experience, you may be able to join Beginners 2 or Beginners 3. Book a (trial) class in one of the Beginners lessons on the schedule, and we’ll assess together during the class which level suits you best.

If you already have experience with Kizomba, you can choose from our Improvers, Intermediates, or Semi-Advanced classes. During your trial lesson or first regular class, the instructor will help determine which level suits you best based on your experience and dance skills. You can sign up for classes at different levels through the schedule on our website.

At Our Kizomba Connection, we offer various class packages to suit your preferences and availability. You can sign up for a group class via our [calendar]. Select the class based on the desired day and time, and choose from the following options:

• Single ticket (8-week course):
  1 type of course: €125
  2 types of courses: €200
  3 types of courses: €260
• Couple ticket (8-week course):
  1 type of course: €240
• Single class: €20 per class
• Punchcard:
  5 classes: €85
  10 classes: €160
• Subscription (2 months, auto-renewal):
  4 classes per month: €60
  8 classes per month: €90
  12 classes per month: €115
  Cancellation: 1 month notice

You can pay in our booking system via iDeal, which is linked to the class schedule.

Signing up for a dance class or course is simple:

1. Visit the class schedule.
2. Choose your desired class based on day, time, and location.
3. Click on “Click here to buy a (single) ticket,” “Click here to buy a subscription,” or "Click here to buy a punchcard.”
4. Follow the instructions to complete the payment and finish your registration.
5. You will receive a confirmation email.

If you are placed on a waitlist for a class, it means we are balancing the leader/follower ratio. You will receive an update by 5 PM on the day of the trial lesson about whether the class will proceed. We strive for a good balance for the best learning experience.

If you can’t attend a class, you can cancel up to 4 PM on the day of the class through the same process as registering. If you cancel after 4 PM, the cost of a punch or single lesson will be charged.

If you're placed on the waitlist, it means we're still working on balancing the number of leaders and followers in the class. Maintaining this balance is crucial for the best learning experience. By 5 PM on the day of the class, you'll receive confirmation on whether your spot is secured. It’s rare that a class is canceled due to imbalance.

Please note that only those with single tickets or punch cards can be waitlisted. Members with monthly subscriptions or full-course access have priority and guaranteed spots.

Classes are taught in Dutch, English, or both, depending on the group. The instructor will adjust based on the participants' preferences.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. For shoes:

• Wear flat shoes if you don’t have much experience dancing in heels.
• Bring a water bottle, as dancing can be physically demanding.

No, it’s not necessary to bring a regular dance partner. We ensure there’s a good balance between leaders and followers. If you do bring a dance partner, you can opt for a couple ticket at a discounted rate.

If you register as a couple, you can choose a couple ticket, which offers a discounted rate compared to signing up individually. Visit the calendar page and select your desired class or course.

Yes, our classes are for adults only. We currently do not offer classes for children or teen groups.

Kizomba is a dance style that originated in Angola and is known for its smooth, sensual movements influenced by Tango. It’s a partner dance performed to Kizomba music, a genre that incorporates elements of Zouk and African rhythms.

• Kizomba Fusion
  This style is the most commonly taught at OKC. Kizomba Fusion is fluid and creative, allowing for personal expression. It is seen as a modern mix of Kizomba with elements from other dance styles such as hip-hop and tango. You also learn techniques from other Kizomba styles, such as Urban Kiz and Tarraxinha, making you a versatile dancer.
• Urban Kiz
  A more dynamic and structured variant of Kizomba characterized by angular movements and effective use of space. Urban Kiz evolved around 2014 in France and is often danced to modern electronic music.
• Kizomba / Semba
  Kizomba originates from Angola and emerged in the 1980s. Semba is a traditional, faster variant with more joyful movements. Both dances have African roots and are strongly connected.
• Konpa
  This is a Haitian dance style related to Kizomba due to the similar music structure. Konpa originated in the 1950s and is a fluid dance with less strict steps than Kizomba.
• Tarraxinha
  A more intimate and sensual form of Kizomba that focuses on subtle hip movements and body isolations.
• Tarraxo
  A more modern variant of Tarraxinha where the dance is executed closer and heavier, emphasizing low and powerful movements, often set to minimalist, bass-heavy music.
• Other styles:
  • Douceur: A slower Kizomba.
  • Ghetto Zouk: A modern music style related to Kizomba.

• Kizomba: A slower, sensual dance with flowing movements, often danced in a close embrace.
• Salsa: A fast, energetic Latin American dance, often with complex turning patterns.
• Bachata: A dance from the Dominican Republic that is sensual but has a lighter and more cheerful vibe than Kizomba.

Yes, Kizomba is known for its sensual and flowing style, where partners dance closely together. It revolves around connection and musicality, but also mutual understanding and respect, without it needing to be physically uncomfortable.

Kizomba is relatively easy for beginners to learn, especially due to the calm music and rhythm. The dance focuses on connection and flow between partners, and with regular practice, you can make quick progress.