BACHATA IN TORONTO, HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOU
Hey family, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made was taking dance classes because I got exposure to Bachata and loved it.
Bachata, in general, has a soft, smooth and often sexy energy that gives you a feeling of being at the beach and nobody’s in a rush. So when you’re dancing Bachata, It’s like you’re on vacation, the weather’s perfectly warm, there’s a bonfire happening, you are connecting with others and mellowing out at sunset, just incredible.
Bachata is a Latin American music genre that has become increasingly popular, and nowadays, you have options about the Bachata style you can learn and where to learn it. So if you’re looking for Bachata in Toronto, consider these tips below to decide what school and even what dance style is right for you.
Tip #1: Identify your preferred dance style.
Bachata is a gift from the Dominican Republic, so the original style is Dominican Bachata, a dance known for its complicated footwork and fast pace. Although you can dance an entire song close, it’s common to dance many parts of it individually. If you are familiar with Salsa, you can compare this intermittent solo performance with Salsa shines.
On the other hand, Modern Bachata is known for slower dancing with a left and right, forward and back patter, very friendly and easy to learn. It allows closer handholds and less footwork, and more connection points.
Bachata in Toronto (in most clubs) danced to Modern Style when you go out social dancing.
Modern Style Bachata is what we teach in our school because it is fun to learn, you will see progress faster than other styles, and you will have a better chance to practice as this is what you will see most in clubs.
Bachata has a third popular style, Sensual Bachata. It came about in the last ten years, and it’s known for close intimate contact and more body isolations. Though it is incredibly sexy and fun at the beginner level, many people don’t feel comfortable with it. But, again, it’s just a personal space consideration.
If you are looking to learn Bachata I encourage starting with Modern-style Bachata because it is the one that opens up the most doors for you. But don’t worry because as you go to higher levels, we will introduce you to the other two styles to build yourself up at our school. So you can figure out if you want to explore the Dominican style or if you want to learn Sensual Bachata.
Tip #2: Flexible versus consistent schedule.
We encourage students to attend classes at a school with a consistent week-to-week schedule.
Some of the benefits include building a meaningful connection with your classmates. Also, you have a curriculum where you can feel yourself grow. Moreover, you have the same instructor, and you feel comfortable knowing who’s in the class.
However, if your schedule is constantly changing, you may want to consider looking at a school where you do drop-in classes, as you will have the flexibility to come in whenever you want and learn bits and pieces.
The drawback of this attendance mode is the lack of continuity and the longer learning curve. Your classes become a hit and miss, creating the feeling of attending the same lesson or feeling behind because you missed the foundation of a move. If you are in this situation you can always request private lessons, they imply additional costs, but they are an alternative available in many schools.
Tip #3: Pick the right instructor for you.
Start checking google reviews. Other’s experience can give you valuable information about the vibe and style of each dancing school. People express their feelings with their comments, and over the years, I’ve felt a healthy pride when I read my students’ reviews.
When you select an instructor, you pick a leader who will inspire you and help you believe in yourself and feel confident. I firmly believe that you got to surround yourself with people based on what your heart says as they are the ones that shape your experience at work, at school, etc., and the same applies when you choose a dance instructor as that person can make or break your experience with dancing.
When I ask my students what they are looking for in an instructor, one of the popular answers is someone who can offer a fun experience and consistent learning and make them feel welcomed and valued.
When I first looked for an instructor, I remember looking for someone who would not make me feel bad because I was not following or moving as gracefully as the other dancers.
I considered myself a bad dancer, which made me feel anxious. My own experience and pain shaped my teaching style. There are no bad dancers, there are only different levels of skills, and anyone can learn to dance. I value the most in my students, not their dancing skills but their willingness to grow. For that reason, we have an excellent volunteer program for those students who are passionate about dancing and are willing to put in some extra work to develop their dancing and are happy to help other students.
So my biggest advice is to pick an instructor committed to supporting you on your journey and with whom you feel the right exchange of energy and sympathy.
Bachata in Toronto has exploded in the last 15 years in popularity thanks a lot to Modern Style which is much easier and faster to pick up. Ultimately though…just start dancing. That’s always the thing to remember most. Start and figure out as you do it, what feels right after.
I can’t wait to welcome you to our big family, have you coming in, week to week, having fun, connecting with new friends, and letting loose to amazing Latin songs. Click here to check our current schedule.
If you have any questions you would like me to answer here are some ways you can contact me: message me on Instagram (torontodanceSalsa), on Twitter (#torontodanceSalsa), on Facebook (Toronto Dance Salsa) or email me at [email protected].
