We are so excited to announce a new Kizomba workshop at the lovely Motivo LA in Atwater Village! Guigo Sortica, hailing from Porto Alegre in Brazil will be sharing his unique stylings and tips for grounding in your kizomba foundations.
👉 no experience required
👉 no partner needed
Kizomba is a dance originally from Angola, in Africa. It’s very known for its peculiar moves that are a mix of slow cadence with fast syncopations influenced by the music it’s danced to. Kizomba has influences from other African dances such as Semba and Tarraxa. After it was taken to Portugal and other places in Europe, it has also been influenced by dances like tango and milonga and now it has reached all corners of the world as one of dancers’ favorite dances for its passion and sensuality.
Guigo Sortica hails from Porto Alegre, in the south of Brazil where he owns and operates a dance studio named 7&8, specializing in a variety of dance styles, primarily Kizomba, Salsa, Bachata, West Coast Swing, and Zouk, among others.With over 20 years of teaching experience, Guigo has also conducted workshops across his state and various locations throughout Brazil. In 2016, he began traveling to the United States to enhance his West Coast Swing skills while offering workshops, leading to him becoming a West Coast Swing All-Star. His travels also provided opportunities to teach other dance styles such as Kizomba and Salsa. In 2023, Guigo arrived in Los Angeles where he has been very active in the dance community - conducting regular dance groups, private lessons, and workshops, thoroughly enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
In the past year, Guigo has partnered with Amber Newell, a remarkable dancer who began her journey at the age of 9. Amber brings an extensive dance background that includes both solo and partner dance disciplines. Her early dance life focused on solo styles like Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, and Hip-Hop. As an adult, she has explored partner dances such as Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Blues, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Hustle, and Nightclub Two-Step.
Amber's impressive dance journey spans over 20 years, during which she has taught classes and workshops, choreographed routines, appeared in music videos, and performed for diverse audiences at various public and private venues.
Their unique combination of skills and experiences makes Guigo and Amber’s partnership particularly special. Guigo is excited to teach at Motivo LA, and looks forward to dancing and sharing his passion with everyone.
Motivo LA: 3509 Casitas Ave, Atwater Village 90039
Admission: $35 for two-hour workshop
Please bring your own water bottle.
Limited parking on-site, lots of street parking. We're in a safe, walkable neighborhood!