Every second Sunday dancers from all over Cape Town – and, in fact, the world – come together at the Sea Point promenade for a few hours of salsa, bachata and kizomba, collectively referred to as SBK.
The three dance styles originate from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Angola respectively. With the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Lions head peeking from behind the apartment blocks on Beach Road, the dancers entertain themselves and the crowd of onlookers at this event known as Sunkissed Salsa
“Sunkissed Salsa started in 2014 when a few friends and I looked at this place, this space and thought that this would be a wonderful place to dance salsa,” said Maria Mvungi who manages the bi-weekly event.
“We did all our checks with the City of Cape Town and the residents from the apartments and they all agreed. We got our approval and we are allowed to play the music until sunset.”
“It has grown since then and we have our regulars but people from Australia, the States, Italy, Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya have danced here.”
The location is open to all and it’s free. Ms Mvungi has friends who play the music and help her to unpack and pack the 6x6m dance floor.
“I love the location, we’re at the ocean, there’s the mountain, there’s good music and good dancers and the energy is just great. I like that it’s not every Sunday so it’s exclusive and I look forward to it,” said Sydney Norling from Sweden who dances Colombian-style salsa.
“I started about a month ago with Sunkissed. They asked me to DJ and I took on the challenge”, said Mozambican dance teacher Patricia Cardoso. “The guys have been coaching me and I appreciate it and I do get nervous about playing music as there’s a variety of people, but so far it’s been really good.”
Resident DJ, William Boonzaaier, has been dancing for 12 years and playing music for nine years at SBK events.
“Bachata is my favourite dance and music but I play all variants of SBK. I enjoy coming together with friends and family at this place, it’s a special vibe,” Mr Boonzaaier said.
“I love the atmosphere, feeling the sun and wind, the assortment of people you meet here, it’s just amazing to dance here,” said Yolanda Mutesasira from Rondebosch.
Kyana Notarnicola is from Spain and teaches bachata in Constantia. She does not miss a session of Sunkissed Salsa.
“I’ve been here for just over two years and I come here every second Sunday. It’s an amazing place with good dancers,” Ms Notarnicola said.
Jose Wymers, a ballroom dance instructor from Durbanville, says he been dancing at Sunkissed since it started and was disheartened when the national lockdown stopped the event.
“I was so happy when I heard it’s back. You look forward to this every second Sunday and when we couldn’t attend it was really depressing, but I’m glad it’s back and I hope it doesn’t stop,” said Mr Wymers.
Jo Ann Burgess visited Sunkissed for the third time and says she will be back for more.
“It’s lovely, the sunset vibes, the dancing the people and the music is just amazing. I hope this happens every week but i believe it stops in winter. The music is enjoyable and I like that they play music for everyone,” she said.
