Kizomba Events In Bordeaux and Toulouse

It beats quietly and soulfully through the southwest of France—and when you follow that beat, you find dancers in the close embrace and with their eyes closed, moving in unison to the rhythm which had come all the way from Angola. Your invitation to the world of Kizomba in Bordeaux and Toulouse are home to people and their togetherness in community emancipating with the music and movement in the closest way possible.

You are a traveler who aims to find a social to drop in, a local who would like to take classes once a week, or a dancer who wants to spend a whole weekend in a festival—Bordeaux and Toulouse have it all to offer. These two cities are not only popular with their wine and the southern aromatic air, but they have turned out to be hotpot in France of Kizomba and Urban Kizz culture.

It is our belief that getting the lowdown on how to dance with confidence in a new town is the most essential thing in gaining access to the scene in Bordeaux and Toulouse: the venues, instructors, socials, schools, and cultural specifics that make them so special. This is what we are going to take through in this guide.

The Scene of Kizomba in Southwest France: Rapidly Expanding Scene

In Kizomba, steps have never been the only way to go—it is all about connection. Originally developed as a partner dance in Angola, it reached Portugal, where it became anchored, and from France became developed into many forms such as the smooth classical type and Urban Kizz, which is more angled and energetic.

Bordeaux and Toulouse, without being internationally renowned at the level of Paris, have created captivating, tolerant societies into which locals and foreign dancers fit well. You will get intimate weekly get-togethers in wine bars, out-and-out Urban Kizz camps in dance schools, and even out-on-the-open-air summertime festivals among the river banks. It has a laidback yet impassioned atmosphere. Regardless of what level you are at, you will feel an invitation to participate.

Bordeaux is more inclined to the focus on intimate spaces, classical sense, and sophisticated forms of expression. Toulouse, with its variety of accessories in terms of musical tastes and population of students, is somehow more adventurous and exploratory, tending to combine Urban Kizz with Afrobeat and Salsa scenes.

Kizomba Socials Every Week and Party Cups Regularly

Chances are that, when you are in one of these cities over the weekend, you are likely to find a Kizomba party somewhere locally. This is not a gigantic thing, however, it is intense energy. The disc jockeys usually play that local favorite since they rotate a mixture of the traditional Kizomba, Tarraxinha, Ghetto Zouk, and Urban Kizz remixes. Mostly, the crowds consist of regulars mixed with new ones, so there is a great atmosphere to dance freely.

You can also get all the regular socials in Bordeaux at places including:

• Contratempo Bordeaux – An ongoing Kizomba social party that offers local DJs and a mellow atmosphere.

• Kizomba 33 – Having dance nights which usually combine Kizomba and Semba with a dose of Afrohouse.

• Dance Academy Bordeaux – A place where the floor is opened to have a social weekend after the classes.

In Toulouse, possible alternatives:

• All-In Kizomba – A widely known series of events which consists of classes followed by parties.

• Toulouse Kiz Night – A monthly event that frequently invites guest instructors or DJs.

• AfroLatin Toulouse – Mix-genre socials organized that incorporate Kizomba with Salsa and Bachata.

A number of these socials have inexpensive entrances, usually coming in at less than 10, and there will usually be a free introduction lesson followed by the music. Sharing of events is done via Facebook, Eventbrite, and through Dans.App, so probably someone should check out such websites weekly.

Local Schools and Teachers of Kizomba

Are you a complete beginner to Kizomba or do you want to perfect your Urban Kizz styling? Both Bordeaux and Toulouse have very good teachers and dance schools.

In Bordeaux:

• Max & Audrey (Kizomba 33) – Regarded as precision and smooth, roots style in music. They are concerned with the fundamentals of Kizomba connection and partner awareness.

• Académie de Danse Bordeaux, 13910 Le Rhun (excursion) – Teaches basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of Kizomba, lady styling, and lead tactics.

• Arnaud & Laur Encore – A duo that instruct Urban Kizz focusing on musical narration and detail.

In Toulouse:

• Etoile Kizomba School – Kizomba school that has a friendly atmosphere with regular group bootcamps at the weekend.

• Kizomba Evolution Toulouse – Under the management of a rotating team of teachers, the school will focus on Urban Kizz and fusion and has progressive training programs.

• DJY & Pauline – Not only a DJ, but also a teacher of fusion workshops, in which she plays Afrobeat, Urban Kizz, and expressive movement.

Most classes—particularly dance classes—are put in series of weeks, and each segment has beginners, intermediate dancers, and advanced sections. Some of the studios may even provide drop-in classes or individual classes, which are perfect when one is traveling or someone who has a time constraint of learning the language.

There are a lot of instructors present on Instagram and Facebook, so you can start by browsing through those until you find someone whose style and format of classes you like. Feel free to message them, as most will be glad to advise you on the most ideal level or when you can be put into.

Kizomba Annual and Seasonal Festivals

Other than weekly socials and classes, Kizomba also has bigger events in both Bordeaux and Toulouse during the year. These are the festivals that invite international teachers, live DJs, and dancers from different parts of Europe.

In Bordeaux, look out for:

• Contratempo Kizomba Weekender – A small festival in boutique format where daytime workshops are combined with night socials. It is aimed at the traditional and Ghetto Zouk style type of dancing and is community-based.

• Kizomba Gala Bordeaux – A more recent event where Urban Kizz and more traditional dancers meet. Best to connect with and to learn from both the French and guest teachers.

In Toulouse, there are such events as:

• All-In Kizomba Festival – A seasonally held Kizomba event combining day workshops and socials that continue till the end of the night. More than one dance hall, usually themed by style (Urban, Tarraxo, Afro).

• Toulouse SBK Festival – Although a mixed-genre festival (Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba), the Kizomba room is well-booked and many people attend specifically for it.

• AfroLatin Toulouse Weekender – This is a possibility of mixing Afrobeat lessons with Urban Kizz, allowing fusion enthusiasts the experience of a special type of training.

These occasions normally occur between March–June and September–November, and the summer months have the largest number of outdoor socials compared to the more formal festivals. Tickets are usually sold on Eventbrite or directly on the festival websites. It is recommended that one makes early reservations, particularly when there is limited space in the venue.

The City Manners and What to Expect

The highly anticipated Kizomba party is enough to embarrass anyone who is unaware of what is socially required. In Bordeaux and Toulouse, dancers are friendly people; however, there are a couple of cultural expectations you might want to observe to have the best time there.

To ask somebody to dance, eye contact and a bit of a gesture is usually enough. It is not formal, but pushing or pulling somebody onto the floor is an absolute no. Should anyone refuse you a dance, be gracious, as they may be weary or taking a break.

The dress code of the socials is normally smart-casual. Women tend to wear flowy dresses that move with the music. Men usually put on buttoned shirts or neat tees and sneakers or dance shoes. Festivals can also include themed nights, so it is advisable to bring those outfits should you be attending a full weekend festival.

Respecting personal space and boundaries is one of the most powerful values in the French Kizomba community. When one of your partners steps back, do not attempt to fill that gap again. There is nothing wrong with being more open in dancing or more grounded. When you feel that way, follow through and meet their energy instead of trying to enforce your way of dancing.

No matter what: Kizomba is not a monologue. The behavior of listening, getting with the program, and the simple presence are a part of the etiquette—as is the type of shoe worn.

Top Weekly Kizomba Socials in Bordeaux and Toulouse

Reserving Your Seat: Online Places to Find the Events

Whereas word-of-mouth is strong in the Kizomba community, your best friend is online when you want to plan the parties or festivals you wish to attend. It is there that you can find out whether there is a party you would like to join in Bordeaux or Toulouse and in which network it is announced.

These are the best websites where one can find Kizomba events:

• Eventbrite
  The listings of Eventbrite in France are continuously refreshable and offer small weekly socials as well as large festivals. You can make a filter according to the city (e.g. Kizomba Bordeaux or Kizomba Toulouse) and reserve a seat directly. They usually contain time, map pointing, price, and social media links.

• Dans.App
  This modern yet emerging dance event platform has a huge following in France. It demonstrates mapping of dance lessons and dances, classifying them by means of dance styles. You may save events, remember them, and RSVP to socials.

• PlaceMinute
  PlaceMinute is excellent to purchase the festival passes or weekenders and is utilized by more conservative schools/artists in Bordeaux. There are smaller events listed only here.

• GoAndDance
  This dance platform is international and reports on festivals and special events, which is a big asset to planning in advance. When an event as big as a Kizomba weekender lands in Toulouse or Bordeaux, the odds are that you will find the event on the GoAndDance site.

• Facebook
  Nevertheless, a major player. The overwhelming majority of Kizomba organizers either maintain a page dedicated to the events (e.g. Kizomba Bordeaux Social, Toulouse Urban Kizz Community) or post weekly notices in local communities (e.g. Bordeaux Kizomba Party, Kizomba Toulouse). Here you can find promo videos, bios of teachers, and dress code data.

Southwest France – Best Time of Year to Learn Kizomba

 

Although Kizomba is danced throughout the year, it is possible to organize your trip to Bordeaux and Toulouse—or arrange your visit in the right direction—thanks to the seasonal rotation of the cities.

Spring (March–May)

Kizomba dancers are busy during one of the busiest times. After the winter, several weekenders and festivals get launched, as well as socials that follow to the outdoor patios. Spring also gets full of bootcamp festivals and introductory classes.

Summer (June–August)

There are likely to be outdoor parties, particularly in parks, rooftop bars, and along the Garonne River. Even though it is believed that some of the schools reduce normal classes around the time the holidays are coming in, informal parties are boosted. It is an excellent moment to feel the free, good-hearted atmosphere of local places.

Autumn (September–November)

The other well-loved period of heavy festivals and back-to-school semesters. Vacations come to an end, and many local dancers return to the studios to release new course programs. It is the ideal moment to enter a new group or to change your level.

Winter (December–February)

This becomes a bit quieter, but not ceases. Cozy Kizomba nights are organized in smaller places with warm beverages and low light. It is good for those novices who would love to start elsewhere in a more intimate environment. December is full of socials centered on the holidays.

Visiting Dance – Tips – The Branch: Planning a Dance Trip

However, once you are in Bordeaux or Toulouse with an intention to get acquainted with Kizomba, this is how you get the most of it:

Hotels and Bars Close to Dance Clubs

Most of the dance schools and clubs are located in the centre or near to tram/metro routes. Find Airbnbs or hotels by:

• St. Michel (Bordeaux) or Chartrons

• Carmes or Jean Jaurès (Toulouse)

They are safe, cool, and tend to be within 10–15 minutes’ access to important Kizomba locations.

Transportation

Both cities have good means of transport:

• Bordeaux: The most convenient mode of transport movement within the city is through tram.

• Toulouse: The Metro lines A and B link most of the neighborhoods to the city center.

To go out late at night, in both cities, there is Uber and Bolt, which are also affordable (most likely below 15 euros).

What to Pack

• Breathable and lightweight social clothes

• Suede-soled dance sneakers or shoes

• Refillable bottles of water (most places do not have free water)

• A power bank, particularly if you are using maps or checking apps about events

If you are attending a festival, you should also remember:

• Outfits for themed nights—at least 3–4 dressing possibilities

• A small towel or an additional shirt

• A way to connect with dancers—business cards or Instagram handles

Summary

When you consider the Kizomba scene in France as beginning and ending in Paris, be wrong. Bordeaux and Toulouse demonstrate that Kizomba culture, quality dancers, and quality events are able to take place in regional cities—without the hype.

Considering you are a friendly-floor seeker, a festival traveler in need of your next bootcamp, or a local in need of more—these cities will move you both figuratively and physically.

They are not merely dots on a dance map. They are places where people gather, believe, and relocate on the beat of something greater than they themselves are.

So the next time you bring your dancing shoes, perhaps you might pass the Eiffel Tower… and take it south.