N'dombolo Footwork in Kuduro Dance

The N’dombolo (also called Dombolo in Angola and Andamento in Portugal) arrived in Angola via Congo. You may be familiar with N’Dombolo in the Congolese context, but the N’Dombolo also exist in the Kuduro context.

In the Kuduro context, the dance went through what can be identified as 3 evolutions. The 1st evolution occurred around 2000–2003, the 2nd evolution from 2003-2007, and the 3rd evolution from 2007- present.

In each evolution the movement of the feet changed giving the dance an Angolan identity. The feet became faster and other elements of Angolan dance like the Njinga (movement of the waist) were also incorporated in the movement and therefore influenced the evolution of the dance. These evolutions coincided with both changes in the beat, and the constant variations/modifications of the movement by Kuduristas.

Today the N’Dombolo we often see in Kuduro dance is the 3rd and most complex evolution of the N’Dombolo. The fast footwork and spread arms have become one of the identifying characteristics of Kuduro Classico dance. When executed properly, the dancer appears to be levitating off the ground. “Tricks” (variations of lower body tap combinations) are often performed after the execution of the N’dombolo. The 3rd variation of the N’Dombolo bears little resemblance to its Congolese origins. While the 1st and 2nd variation bears more resemblance to Congolese N’Dombolo.

The N’Dombolo can be considered one of the major influences and characteristics of Kuduro Classico dance.

As Kuduro continues to evolve we appreciate foundation dancers who give us access to the history of the dance.

Dance Artist like Vandro Poster, (IG: @vandroposterangola) who grew up in the culture and experienced the evolution of N’dombolo, is one such artist.

Schooled in all 3 variants of the N’dombolo, Vandro excels at Kuduro Classico, a genre of Kuduro that utilizes the N’dombolo variations in combination with footwork tricks (lower and upper body tap combinations)

We had the opportunity to sit with Vandro to learn more about him, his dance and the N’dombolo. Be sure to check out our interview and catch his dope flow in the videos below

Follow Vandro on IG below

Jota Do Mosso (IG: Jota_do_Mosso) and Meteoro (IG: meteoro_official) are newer generation Kuduristas, who are keeping the culture of n’dombolo alive. There is much discussion that Kuduro is dead, so it is great to see the skill and technique being learned and executed by the younger generation

Take a trip down memory lane and see the N’dombolo through the years in Kuduro dance.

3rd evolution: 2007 - present. Fastest versions of the N'dombolo.

2nd evolution: 2003 - 2007

1st evolution: 2000 - 2003