Ah, the FORCE. A noun that shouldn’t belong in the SBK (Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba) scene, yet here we are, tossing it around as if it’s a dance move. But let me ask you this: when was the last time you saw someone FORCED to dance? Personally, I haven’t witnessed such coercion since I tried to mambo in 2011.  

Sure, some people are persuasive (you know the type), but let’s be real: when a “PYT” (yes, I’m looking at you, MJ fans) extends their hand with a sexy smile, who’s really saying no?  

Now, here’s where things get spicy. Recently, I found myself in a not so lekka conversation with a certain individual—let’s call him Gerhardus—who outright refused to dance with a beginner or stranger (via whatsapp nogal). 

Cue my confusion. Isn’t the joy of dance rooted in sharing your moves, your energy, your VIBE with others? Especially with those new to the floor?  

But no. Gerhardus, as it turns out, operates within his own little bubble of “regulars.” When I asked why he won’t consider dancing with strangers, the F-word came up a few times: FORCE. *Sigh*. Not once during our chat did I use that word, mind you. My stance is simple: dance should be inclusive. Especially for newcomers.  

Unfortunately, this exclusive mindset isn’t limited to Gerhardus. It’s rampant among most Cape Town SBK teachers. (Yes, you. You know who you are.) These individuals seem determined to keep their dancing circle small (or big in business) by sticking to their academy regulars and politely (or not-so-politely) declining opportunities to welcome outsiders.  

Here’s where I get a little philosophical: imagine if the African communities that birthed the rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba had refused to share their artistry. What would we be dancing now? AmaPiano? Nee Dankie. It’s not for me…   

The irony? Some of these same teachers justify their exclusivity with wild arguments like, “There’s just so much happening socially in Cape Town,” or worse, “Africans traditionally danced within their own communities.” 

To that, I say: HELLO? (Lionel Richie fans here?) Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba didn’t spread through YouTube tutorials. They spread because humans connected with other humans and shared their passion.  

So, to those who reject newbies, cling to their regulars, and feebly drop the FORCE bathbomb: your cognitive dissonance is showing. And while I won’t name names (yet), know this, we see you.  

Who are we, you ask? From Joburg to Durban, from Cape Town to Ibiza my people have confirmed that they vehemently agree with me. Ohk, not Ibiza, Luanda yes, but you get the point mos.

To Gerhardus and company: we will change this scene, one step, one dance at a time.  

So welcome to the force for inclusion, not exclusion… 

Yours in Kizomba, Professor Troublemaker.