How to Do Pivot Bachata Dance Steps

The bachata is an informal dance style, and the rhythm is more important than performing certain dance moves in a specified way. A good example of this is the pivot turn, which doesn't require learning any new steps, but only that the dancer turns to the side and back toward his or her partner in a natural way.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin by noting your starting location on the dance floor.

2. Perform the basic side step, moving toward the right if you're the follower or to the left if you're the leader. Do the side step to the other side so you are at your starting location. If you're dancing with a partner, change to the open dance position.

3. Keep the same rhythm of steps as in Step 2, but turning 90 degrees to face your starting location. End with the hip bump. The leader will release the follower's right hand and indicate with a slight tug on the left hand to indicate a pivot step.

4. Turn again, keeping the same rhythm. This time turn 180 degrees. End with the hip bump. If dancing with a partner, the follower takes the leader's right hand when it becomes convenient to do so.

5. Return to the basic side step as in Step 2. If dancing with a partner, return to the open dance position by clasping both your partner's hands. Return to the basic side step or begin another step combination.

Tips & Warnings

• The leader has the option of simply doing the basic side step while the follower does the pivot step or do a pivot step at the same time.
• The bachata is related to the merengue and the pivot step is related to the merengue's back break.