How to Dance Bachata

Bachata is a Latin dance originating in the Dominican Republic. It is a romantic dance, as partners hold each other close and sway to the music. Follow these steps, listen to a few bachata songs and dance the night away!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The song "No Es Amor" by Aventura
• A CD player
• Comfortable shoes

1. Listen to the music to feel the rhythm. Starting counting along with the music "1, 2, 3, 4" and repeat "1, 2, 3, 4." Start stepping with the beats, moving horizontally.

2. Lift the hip on the fourth beat. This dance is a three-step dance, so it will go, stepping horizontally, "right, left, right, lift the left hip," then the other side "left, right, left, lift the right hip."

3. Step with the beat. Feel the rhythm of the music. As you get more advanced, your hips will initiate the movements. You won't think as much about the steps as you will about moving with the music.

4. Grab your partner (who will mirror your movements) and sway together. Although this dance can be practiced alone, it is typically a partner dance.

Tips & Warnings

• Start slowly. You may have to pause the music at first to get the rhythm in your body, then combine it with the music.
• Free your mind. Allow your body to flow.
• Although you are stepping side to side, on a horizontal plane, feel free to initiate with your hips.
• If approaching the dance floor with little knowledge of bachata, scope out the room to find a dancer that seems confident in his or her steps, and ask for a little help.