💫 What is Tarraxinha?

Tarraxinha is an intimate and minimalistic dance expression that emerged in Angola in the 1990s. The name comes from the word “tarraxa”, a verb meaning “to screw in”—reflecting the closed, tight style and strong connection between partners.

It is characterized by subtle, circular hip movements, deep attention to musicality, and intense body connection, with almost no movement across the dance floor. The movements are slow, smooth, harmonious, and flowing.

Tarraxinha music, a subgenre of Kizomba, is known for its heavy rhythm, dark ambiance, and slow tempo, creating an immersive and sensual atmosphere. It’s mostly electronic, and its main pioneer was DJ Znobia.