Bachata – How Many Steps?
Are you a beginner and looking to learn how many steps are there in Bachata? No problem, I am going to give you the full breakdown. Here is how you can both understand and dance Bachata. There are a total of eight steps in Bachata. Well… technically six. Well…technically you can do 16. I promise it is not as confusing as that just sounded.
Basics of Bachata
Bachata has a total of eight counts. There are six steps and two taps. Step out to the side on one, bring your feet together on two, step to the side again on three and then tap on four. Then you do three more shuffles back to the other side on five, six and seven and then you tap again on eight. So it depends on how you view it. At Toronto Dance Salsa we say Bachata is eight counts with six steps and two taps.
Syncopations
When you count Bachata you would say “one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.” You would then dance Bachata on those eight counts – six steps and two taps. But you can also dance the beats in between – the syncopated steps. So you can count and dance on “one, and, two, and, three, and, four, and, five, and, six, and, seven, and, eight.” This way you can add extra steps. This is much more advanced and honestly, if you are reading this article I have probably confused you – so don’t worry about it. At Toronto Dance Salsa as you reach the end of Bachata Level 1 we teach some of the basics of dancing on the beats in-between or syncopation.
Bachata Turns
Both leaders and followers will turn. In Bachata, just like in any other dance, doing turns is much easier if you step with the proper foot and keep your count. Whether you are a leader or follower, you are going to twist into a quarter turn to either your left or right on the one. Then do another quarter turn to face away from your partner on two. Then you do a half turn on three and a final tap on four. You can rinse and repeat the other way.
Of course, learning Bachata is a lot more fun when you learn with other people! If you want a taste of some Bachata Music, click on the link. So come check out Toronto Dance Salsa and join our school. We can make sure you feel like you #belong on the dance floor.
I can’t wait to welcome you to our big family, have you come in every week, have fun, socialize, and let loose to amazing Latin songs. Click here for our current schedule.
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