Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly & Horacio Mayomona.
Hi Kimberly & Horacio, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Founded in 2014 by Kimberly, Kizomba RDU started as a dance school and community‑hub promoting the partner dances Kizomba and Semba, as well as other African dances throughout the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina region. In 2018, Kimberly traveled to Angola (birthplace of Kizomba/Semba) to train and learn more about the culture. While there, she met and fell in love with her “forever dance partner” Horacio, who is also a talented dancer and instructor. Since then, they have been growing the dance company, traveling nationally and internationally to teach and perform at events all across the world.
Over the years, Kizomba RDU has grown into one of longest running Kizomba dance schools in the US and a premier destination for Kizomba and Semba in North Carolina. It is our mission to represent, teach and facilitate the proper learning of Kizomba and other cultural dances. Through group classes, social events and workshops with visiting instructors, Kizomba RDU will help nurture the growth of the dance and music in the area. It is our hope to continue the legacy of this beautiful cultural dance, to teach its history, to cultivate its growth.
Bios for Kimberly and Horacio:
Kimberly and Horacio are international Kizomba and Semba instructors, choreographers and dancers.
Kimberly Nicole is the founder and Director of Kizomba RDU Dance Company, based out of Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, and has been instrumental in growth of the Kizomba dance scene across the Carolinas. She was first introduced to Kizomba in 2012. Since then she has traveled extensively to learn and train from some of the best Kizomba and Semba instructors from around the world, most recently training in Angola. Kimberly Nicole is known for sharing her knowledge and passion of sensual body movements in a fun and enjoyable way. Kimberly was recently nominated for “Best Kizomba Instructor” and “Best Tarraxinha Instructor” at the International Kizomba Awards USA 2022/2023.
Kimberly Nicole has had a passion for dance since childhood. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she began dancing at age three and continued her studies throughout high school and college where her earlier training was in jazz, tap, and ballet, later expanding to hip-hop, modern and lyrical. As a young adult, Kimberly Nicole has broadened her dance repertoire outside of formal studio training and has fallen in love with Afro & Latin social dancing including salsa, bachata, and now Kizomba, Semba and Konpa.
Born and raised in Luanda, Angola, Horácio João is a talented dancer and teacher with vast knowledge of Kizomba and Semba dances. He is one of the leaders and members of Os Tukina Dance Company – one of the best in Angola! As a longtime member of Os Tukina, Horácio has become an Ambassador to Angolan Culture by providing dance instruction throughout the country, performing at cultural events and weddings, as well as making frequent television appearances on Angolan television stations TPA 1, TV Zimbo and ZAP Viva/Viva Tarde. He also participated in the Concurso Nacional Dança Kizomba/Semba in 2016, 2017, 2018 and placed well each year. Horácio recently received a merit award from the Angolan Embassy of the United States for his continued sharing of Angolan culture in the United States.
Together, Kimberly and Horacio are passionate about bringing the authentic Kizomba and Semba experience from the roots and spreading Angolan culture. They have taught workshops in some of the best Latin and Kizomba Dance festivals in cities across North America, Europe and Africa. They are also National dance artists for activities hosted by the Angolan Embassy to the United States.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
One of our biggest challenges has been awareness. Kizomba isn’t (yet) a household name. Most people instantly recognize “salsa” because of its strong ties to Latin culture and its presence in mainstream media — in movies, music, and pop culture. When someone says, “I’m going salsa dancing,” everyone knows what that means. But when you say, “I’m going Kizomba dancing,” it’s often confused with Zumba, or you have to explain, “It’s like an African tango.”
Financially, it’s also been a journey. There aren’t many funding opportunities or investors for cultural arts or niche dance communities. Kizomba RDU started small — I was teaching out of the gym at my apartment complex to keep overhead costs low. Over time, we tried expanding to other parts of Raleigh, like downtown, but that meant paying higher studio rental fees and event deposits upfront — often out of pocket, even during times when I was between jobs or unemployed. Hosting events with visiting instructors also adds to the costs, from travel to venue expenses, and we always hope to make it back in ticket sales.
Another challenge has been balance. As entrepreneurs and parents of six-year-old triplets — with both of us working full-time — coordinating everything from classes to events to travel can be tough.
And then came the pandemic. Like so many in the arts, we lost momentum and community members who either moved away or shifted their focus. While many others in the dance scene were able to pivot online, we were focused on raising our children and navigating a new reality as parents.
Today, we’re in a rebuilding phase. We’re seeing renewed energy, new faces discovering Kizomba for the first time, and longtime dancers returning to the floor. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been meaningful. Every challenge has strengthened our purpose — to create connection, share culture, and build community through dance.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Kizomba RDU Dance Company?
A lot was covered before, but I’ll reiterate here:
Mission Statement
Founded in 2014, Kizomba RDU is working to promote Kizomba and other African dances throughout the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area. It is our mission to represent, teach and facilitate the proper learning of Kizomba and other African dances. Through group classes, dance socials and special events, we create an inclusive space for connection, community, and culture.
With origins from Angola (Africa), Kizomba is focused on the connection between you, your partner and the music. Our goal is to have fun while learning Kizomba and develop dancers who possess a depth of understanding in the diversity of styles and musicality, and can relate beautifully through movement and feeling.
It is our hope to continue the legacy of this beautiful cultural dance, to teach its history, to cultivate its growth.
KEY OFFERINGS/SERVICE
• Group classes ( 4-week or 6-week format)
• Bootcamps (2 or 3hr)
• Private lessons
• Workshops
• Wedding dances
• Performances
• Community and Cultural events
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Minority-Women owned business
• One of the longest running Kizomba Dance School in the United States.
• Instrumental in the growth of Kizomba dance across North and South Carolinas.
• National dance artists for activities hosted by the Angolan Embassy to the United States.
How do you think about happiness?
For me, dance and music are universal languages — they connect people beyond words. I’ve traveled all around the world, and no matter the country, culture, or language, dance and music always bring people together.
What truly makes me happy is knowing that I’m creating a safe space where people from all walks of life can connect, move, and just be. Even if it’s only for an hour, they can forget their troubles, feel joy, and experience community through rhythm and movement. Watching those connections happen on the dance floor — seeing smiles, laughter, and energy fill the room — that’s what fills me up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kizombardu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizombardudance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KizombaRDU
- Other: https://www.meetup.com/kizomba-rdu/
