Taking Bachata Lessons
You took some Bachata lessons when you were on a cruise or vacationed in the Dominican Republic. And you fell in love with the hypnotic rhythm and electrical energy of Bachata music and Bachata dancing. You love that rhythmic guitar and the connection of two dancers completely absorbed in the music and each other. Now you’re back on Canadian soil and you’ve been to a Latin club, but you’re stuck. You need to know more to ask someone to dance. So, how do we get you off the sidelines and into the Bachata action? Maybe one of your friends it taking Bachata lessons right now? Let’s get you signed up!
Taking Bachata Lessons – Which Style to Choose?
Most brand-new dancers choose to learn Moderna (or Modern) style. Modern Bachata is the slotted, smooth style made popular by Salsa dancers in North America. It is the most prevalent style in North America and a good place to start for basic Bachata steps and turn patterns. Eventually, when dancers become comfortable with Moderna style they might start to learn other styles like Dominican or Touch, which involves more footwork patterns and musicality. Some dancers prefer to stick to one style for a long time; as with Salsa, it all comes down to personal preference.
Taking Bachata Lessons – Mixing it Up
Luckily, in Canada, the Latin dance community is very diverse and you’ll find at least two or three styles of Bachata on pretty much any given Latin dance floor. The beauty of Bachata is that (unlike in Salsa) you can mix the styles – as you gain more experience and diversify your dance vocabulary, you will be able to “mix it up” by adding in Dominican style footwork patterns when you feel like it.
Taking Bachata Lessons – The Fundamentals
No matter which style you choose, it’s important to stick to that style until you’re very comfortable with the fundamentals of timing, body rhythm and basic steps before considering “switching” styles. Like any new skill, it’s always best to focus on developing muscle memory in one discipline before moving on to another.
Taking Bachata Lessons – Final Thoughts
Like any new skill, you need to practice. In general, it takes a complete newbie (i.e., someone with little or no dance experience) about 6 months of actively taking lessons and going out and practicing at least twice a week to get to a point where pattern execution starts to feel “natural”.
I can’t wait to welcome you to our big family, have you come in week-to-week, have fun, connect with new friends and let 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].
