Interview with Guiu Vilanova
International Kizomba Artist and Instructor, Based in Barcelona
Sergei:
Hello, Guiu! It’s great to have you here. This interview is for the readers of our new journal, which focuses on Kizomba and the people shaping the scene worldwide. We're introducing some outstanding professionals—dancers and teachers—so we’d love to learn more about you. Can you share a bit of your story? How did you start dancing? What was the journey like?
Guiu:
Sure! I started dancing about 10 years ago—specifically couple dancing. It all began when I was living in Australia. I was about to move back home when I saw a video of a friend dancing Kizomba. I had no idea what it was at the time, so I asked her. She told me, “It’s Kizomba! We have weekly gatherings—you should come check it out.” So, when I returned to Spain, I decided to give it a try.
Back then, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life. So I thought, why not? The dance looked fun and elegant. I started attending those weekly gatherings and gradually picked it up. About six months later, a well-known couple in Barcelona noticed me and invited me to take classes with them—they were short on male dancers.
I trained with them for about four more months. One night at a social event, a prominent bachata dancer (Borboleta) from the area saw me dancing. She approached me and asked if I could teach her. I said yes, even though I was still new myself. We practiced together for about a month. Then, out of the blue, Borboleta said, “Let’s become professionals.” I thought she was joking—I had never considered dance as a career. I just enjoyed it socially.
But she kept insisting, and eventually, after about three months, she convinced me to take that leap. That was the start of it all.
We formed our first team and trained with artists whose style really resonated with us—people like Albir and Sara Panero, Jojo and Michaela, Laurent and Addeline. After six months, we were booked for a trip to Japan, and that was the beginning of our international journey.
Since then, it’s been an incredible ride. We’ve mainly focused on international work, traveling and teaching all over the world. I’m very grateful for everything we’ve experienced.
Two years ago, Borboleta decided to step away from the professional scene. Since then, I’ve been working solo, focusing on men’s styling and empowerment. I aim to give male dancers tools to improve their musicality and expression.
Sergei:
That’s amazing! I’m sure some great female dancers and teachers reading this might want to reach out to you. So now you're mostly teaching workshops and performing solo, right?
Guiu:
Yes, that’s right. I still collaborate with other professionals, and I’m thankful for those opportunities. But most of my work now is independent.
Sergei:
So how long has it been since you started dancing Kizomba?
Guiu:
It’s been nine years now as a professional—and all nine of them as an international artist. From the very beginning, we spent more time abroad than in Spain. I feel truly lucky.
Sergei:
Wonderful. We’ll be sharing your story along with a selection of your favorite demo videos—maybe some men’s styling, or performances with Barletta or other partners—so our readers can really get a sense of your unique style.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey, Guiu. We’ll definitely stay in touch—and who knows, maybe this journal will spark some new collaborations!
Guiu:
Thank you! I hope so. Take care and see you soon!
Check Instagram for the demo videos - @guiudarts