Should I start with Bachata or Salsa?
At Toronto Dance Salsa we teach two of the most popular Latin dances- Salsa and Bachata. But should you start with Bachata or Salsa? That’s a great question, so here are some distinctions between each dance for you to figure out which one is right for you.
It is All About the Mood
Salsa is like running fast down a hill with the wind in your face. It’s like driving down a highway. Salsa is about speed, energy, power and excitement. In Salsa, you go from one move to the next at lightning speed. It’s like a roller coaster, it’s fun, and it’s tricky. But it does take longer to master.
Bachata is like being on a beach. The sun is setting. There’s a bonfire and you’re having a great time with great people. You’re vibing, you’re flowing, and it’s romantic. Bachata is slower and smoother and focuses on gentleness and connection. There are still lots of tricks but that isn’t the focus. It doesn’t ask for more than what you have at that moment. Bachata is more forgiving when you miss a beat.
It is All About the Rhythm
The rhythms of Salsa and Bachata are also different. Salsa has a very unique rhythm of quick, quick, slow. Each quick is one beat and the slow is two beats. So if you have trouble with rhythm and you feel nervous about it, Bachata might be a better choice. Bachata is rhythmically even. It has eight counts and each count is a step. This makes it easier. You can listen to some Salsa Music and some Bachata Music to help you decide.
I’ll be honest, I started with Salsa and it was challenging. I did not have good rhythm. But it still worked for me. It did take longer for me to learn to hear the beat but I stuck with it and now I run Canada’s largest Salsa dance school! So if rhythm is something you struggle with, then Bachata is the way to go. But on the other hand…
Do Both!
Why pick just one? They’re distinct enough that you can do both and get the best of both worlds. Experience running down a hill with the wind in your face, and being at the beach and chilling with friends. A lot of our students do both Bachata level one and Salsa level one at the same time. That means you get at least two hours a week to escape, relax and put your troubles aside. You will get two hours a week to be on the dance floor – connecting, being part of a community, feeling love, and being cheered on. It is amazing!
So should you start with Salsa or Bachata? Pick Salsa! Pick Bachata! Pick both – it is twice the fun!
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.
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].
