Savannah Kizachatéra is featured in this edition of Dance Spotlight! She is a dance instructor and founder of Houston’s BKZS Events & Socials and Team Slay in Houston, Texas! She was nominated by John Matallana. Check out fun and interesting facts about Savannah including advice she’d give to women who want to start their own dance company and her thoughts on being a ‘switch’ dancer.
What (or who) originally inspired you to try Latin dancing? What are your first memories of Latin dancing?
I was attending college in 2013 and became friends with a student from Mexico named Maria. One night she invited me out to Gloria’s Houston where there was Latin dancing and a live band. I had such an amazing time that I immediately enrolled in some classes, including Kizomba and started social dancing regularly. My first social was at a large venue called Club Melody (it shut down the following month.) There was barely any AC but still the venue managed to have hundreds of people dancing the night away. From then on, I was hooked.
Describe a moment in your dance life that made you feel proud?
I have several students with disabilities including Autism and hearing impairments. It is so wonderful to watch them progress and gain self confidence in social settings. Dancing is an empowering tool to connect with others but sometimes the stress of potential rejection or large groups can hinder someone from having those positive experiences. That’s why the pace and intimate setting of private lessons can be incredibly beneficial.
What makes a social dance fun for you?
The best dances I’ve had are when my partner recognizes and respects my limitations and adjusts their dancing accordingly, without sacrificing their own style in the process. I also love challenging myself to dance with more experienced instructors to continue to learn/adapt my lead/follow.
Please talk about the main goals of Houston BKZS and what led you to develop the dance company.
When Covid hit, I was laid off from a full-time position in the chemical industry and decided to venture out and start my own dance company – Houston BKZS. My primary goal was to help students excel as individuals, consequently increasing the number of quality dancers in our community. As the only female organizer in Houston, it was also crucial for me to create events that were not only uniquely fun but that gave women a voice and safe space to shine.
You are a dancer that ‘switches’. Can you explain what this is and why it’s a very valuable skill in the social dance community?
A “switch” is someone who can lead & follow. When I started switching in 2015, it was not as socially accepted as it is now. I started leading because of the disproportionate ratio of male/female dancers at congresses and to instruct leads how to improve their technique. Knowing the feeling that one person is supposed to emulate to the other significantly makes you better in the opposite role.
Why are ‘taxi’ dancers important to the community?
Taxi dancers give novices and/or socially awkward dancers the ability to dance with someone at a higher level without the fear of rejection. This also shifts some of the pressure off well-known instructors who can become overwhelmed by the number of people asking them to dance. Employing taxi dancers who are focused on integrating beginners and newcomers will hopefully leave students very satisfied and result in a high retention of attendees.
Want to learn more about Taxi dancers? Check out this article on Go Latin Dance.
What advice would you give to women who want to start their own dance company?
1) Long term success takes time so don’t get disheartened in the beginning.
2) Act with confidence and certainty about the value you bring to the community.
3) Learn to navigate and expand your brand via social media.
Favorite dance video you’d like to share?
I am not an avid Zouker but this demo is a breathtaking example of incredible technique & connection.
