Tarraxinha

Tarraxinha is a close-contact substyle within the dance form kizomba, characterized by an intimate embrace and slow, controlled body movements. It emphasizes a strong connection between dance partners, with attention to subtle leading and following through touch, pressure, and timing rather than large steps or quick spins.

The term tarraxinha derives from Portuguese and is associated with caressing or caress-like touch, reflecting the emphasis on physical connection and tenderness in the dance. The style developed within kizomba communities in Angola and Portugal, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s, as dancers explored a more intimate expression of the music.

Technique in tarraxinha centers on a very close hold, often chest-to-chest or shoulder-to-shoulder contact, with limited leg movement and a focus on rhythmic, breath-like body isolations. Dancers use subtle weight shifts, torso rotations, and controlled head and neck positions to convey musicality. The lead guides with gentle cues through body contact, while the follower responds with smooth, deliberate motion. Footwork remains present but is more restrained than in the broader kizomba vocabulary.

Musically, tarraxinha is commonly performed to slow, melodic kizomba songs, which support a languid tempo and expressive, intimate storytelling. The style has a distinct aesthetic within kizomba events and is frequently taught in specialized classes and social dances worldwide, alongside broader kizomba and semba repertoires.

Cultural notes emphasize etiquette and consent, given the high level of physical proximity involved. Tarraxinha remains a popular, albeit sometimes debated, form of kizomba for dancers seeking a deeply personal connection on the floor.