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Bachata Salsa LA Team

Gearing Up for Your First Bachata Class in Los Angeles? Know These Terms!

Updated: Feb 7

Have you ever been to a spot where everyone's dancing to those catchy Latin rhythms and wondered what that groove is? That's bachata for you, straight out of the Dominican Republic. It's more than just a dance—an experience filled with emotion and vibe. For those new to the scene, bachata beautifully marries traditional steps with modern flair, making it a favorite for many dance enthusiasts.


If you're in Los Angeles and want to groove to bachata, look no further than the Los Angeles Bachata & Salsa Dance Academy. Our academy is the gold standard, boasting seasoned instructors dedicated to nurturing beginners and dancers with experience with both expertise and patience. It's time to lace up those dancing shoes and immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of bachata. With the academy's guidance, you'll quickly light up the dance floor!

But before you bring out your dancing shoes and set the dance floor on fire, let's dive into some of the essential terms and moves you're likely to encounter in your bachata journey:


Basic Bachata Terms and Moves


Basic Step: The foundational step in bachata consists of three consecutive steps and a concluding tap,

usually accentuated with a rhythmic hip motion.


Bachata Dominicana/Traditional: Rooted in the dance's Dominican origins, this style is marked by quick footwork, playful syncopation, and a more grounded feel.


Bachata Sensual: Renowned for its intimate and fluid body movements, this style emphasizes body waves, isolations, and close connections.


Bachata Styles: Bachata has evolved with time, birthing styles like Moderna, with its salsa-esque turn patterns, and Bachata Sensual, known for its intimate body waves and isolations. Yet, the rapid footwork of Bachata Dominicana remains a nod to its traditional roots.


Body Roll/Body Wave: A graceful, wave-like motion initiated from the head and cascading through the torso to the hips, illustrating the dance's sensuality.


Box Step: A four-step sequence that makes dancers move in a square or box pattern, offering a break from the linear routine.


Caminito: Meaning "little path" in Spanish, a series of small, rhythmic side-to-side steps, adding playful variation.


Carrousel: A picturesque spin in which the follower, with an extended arm connection to the leader, revolves around the leader, much like a carousel's rotation.


Closed Position: This closer embrace fosters connection, with the leader's hand typically placed on the follower's mid-back and the other hands joined forward.


Cross Body Lead: A foundational turn pattern where the leader redirects the follower across their path, switching positions.


Dips: An expressive move where the leader gently and safely lowers the follower backward or to the side, usually to emphasize the climax or conclusion of a song.


bachata classes in los angeles


Forward & Back Basic: The traditional movement of bachata, where partners alternate between stepping forward and stepping back, showcasing a push-and-pull dynamic.


Hammerlock: This move twists one dancer's arm behind their back, adding complexity and fluidity when transitioning between positions.


Isolations: These movements focus on moving a specific body part—like the hips or chest—while keeping the rest stationary, showcasing body control.


Moderna: A contemporary style of bachata that infuses intricate turn patterns reminiscent of salsa, bringing an urban touch to the traditional dance.


Ocho: Borrowed from tango, this figure-eight footwork pattern adds a touch of complexity and elegance to bachata routines.


Open Position: A stance where partners maintain distance, holding hands, enabling a variety of turn patterns and spins.


Side-to-Side Basic: This variation moves dancers laterally, allowing for an expressive display of side movements while maintaining the essence of the basic step.


Slide: An embellishing move where one foot glides outward on the floor before gracefully returning to its starting position, often done to emphasize certain musical elements.


Spot Turns: These turns are executed in place, with the dancer spinning on the ball of their foot, adding excitement.


Syncopation: Infusing off-beat steps or movements that play with the music's rhythm, adding unpredictability and style.


Tap: More than just a foot touch, the tap in bachata often lacks a complete weight transfer but is emphasized with a pronounced hip sway, adding flair to the dance.


Titanic: Named after the iconic scene in the movie "Titanic," this dip sees the follower leaning back with arms outstretched, trusting the leader's support.


Traveling Turns: As the name suggests, these are spins executed while progressing across the floor, adding momentum and flair.


Whip Movement: In bachata, the leader uses this guiding arm movement to initiate a turn or redirect the follower. It's a smooth, connected action that seamlessly blends into the dance's flow, adding elegance and control.


group bachata classes in los angeles
Bachata 101 students after class photo. Join our growing community of Bachateros!

Explore Bachata Classes in Los Angeles

Whether you're a newbie eager to learn or an experienced dancer looking to refine your skills, Los Angeles is the place to be. The Los Angeles Bachata & Salsa Dance Academy is a top destination for salsa and bachata classes in Los Angeles. Our expert instructors are ready to guide you throughout your bachata journey. Plus, we have a warm and welcoming community that will make you feel at home when you enter the studio.


Remember, as you embark on your bachata adventure, it's not just about the steps or the turns; it's about the emotion, the connection, and the stories you tell with your moves. So, let your inhibitions go, embrace the rhythm, and let bachata sweep you off your feet. After all, in the vibrant dance halls of Los Angeles, bachata isn't just a dance; it's a celebration of life, love, and rhythm.


Sign up Today!

Ready for some bachata dancing? Sign up through our sister site, Movers & Shakers Salsa & Bachata Dance Academy! Dive into the vibrant world of Latin dance with seasoned instructors who make every step feel like a party. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your moves, there's a spot just for you. Classes are filling up quickly, so don't miss out on this opportunity to dance, connect, and have a blast. Secure your slot now, and let's turn those rhythms into memories!

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