Bachata dancing is a popular dance style that originated in the Dominican Republic. Many people aspire to become better Bachata dancers, but may be unsure of how to improve their skills quickly. In this article, we will discuss three key things that can help you become a better Bachata dancer faster, as well as provide some tips from Demetrio & Nicole of the Bachata Dance Academy.
1. Taking Group Classes to Learn New Moves
The first step in becoming a better Bachata dancer is to take group classes. These classes will teach you new moves and techniques that you can add to your dance repertoire. Think of it as expanding your “move library.” Just like learning new words in a language, learning new moves in Bachata is essential for improving your dancing skills.
Attending group classes also allows you to refine your technique and prevent laziness or sloppiness while dancing. It is important to keep attending classes to expand your capabilities and improve the finer points of your dancing.
To make the most out of your classes, it is recommended to search for multiple locations in your area that offer Bachata classes. If possible, try to find a club that teaches Bachata instead of a studio, as this will allow you to social dance after the class. Social dancing is a great opportunity to practice with other students from class and build your confidence on the dance floor.
2. Practicing Outside of Class with a Partner
Taking the time to practice outside of class is crucial for improving your Bachata skills. Find someone to practice with, preferably different partners, so that you can work on the moves you have learned in class.
Practicing with a partner allows you to receive feedback on your dancing. Ask your partner how the moves felt, whether they were clear or confusing, and if there was enough tension. This feedback will help you fine-tune the moves and perfect them with different partners. It is challenging to perfect a move in just a one or two-hour class, so practicing with a partner outside of class is necessary for improvement.
If you don’t have someone to practice with, don’t worry! You can still practice by asking for feedback from your rotating partners in class. After trying a move with a partner, ask them how it felt without offering any suggestions. This will give you an idea of how well you executed the move and how you can adjust to each partner’s preferences.
In some cases, you can even schedule practice sessions before or after class with classmates who become friends. This allows you to practice together in a more relaxed environment and work on specific moves or techniques.
3. Embrace Social Dancing
Social dancing is a crucial part of becoming a better Bachata dancer. It may seem intimidating at first, but it is an excellent opportunity to put your skills to the test and improve your ability to lead or follow in the moment.
When social dancing, you have to rely on your memory and freestyle your moves, as there is no pre-choreographed routine. It is a chance to test your ability to lead and follow without the help of your classmates who are familiar with the moves being taught in class.
While social dancing can be nerve-wracking, it is where you truly learn to lead and follow. In a class setting, it can be difficult to know if you are leading correctly because some partners may inadvertently back-lead. However, in social dancing, you will dance with partners who do not know the moves being taught, giving you a true test of your abilities.
It is important to find a balance between taking classes, practicing, and social dancing. Spending equal amounts of time on these three aspects of Bachata dancing will help you advance your techniques, expand your move library, and become a better dancer overall.
Some Tips for Social Dancing
Demetrio & Nicole share some tips specifically for those who may be hesitant or fearful of social dancing:
Use group classes as a safety net: Attend class with the mindset of using it as an opportunity to meet others who are also learning and are in the same boat as you. Once you establish a connection with your classmates, ask if they will stick around and social dance after class. This way, you can practice with people you’re already familiar with.
Don’t be afraid to make small requests: Even if you’re not friends with your classmates, you can still ask if they would like to practice for a few minutes or dance to a song together. Starting with small requests can help you build confidence in social dancing.
Go out of your comfort zone: If you’re hesitant to social dance, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Remember that everyone is there to learn and enjoy themselves, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Embrace the opportunity to test your skills and improve as a dancer.
Make friends and practice outside of class: If you become friends with your classmates, you can plan to meet up outside of class to practice together. Whether it’s at a gym or an aerobic center, finding a space to practice with friends can be beneficial and enjoyable.
By following these tips and embracing social dancing, even if it initially makes you nervous, you will improve your Bachata dancing skills at a faster pace. Remember to balance your time between classes, practice, and social dancing to ensure well-rounded development as a dancer.
In conclusion, improving your Bachata dancing skills faster requires a combination of taking group classes, practicing with partners outside of class, and embracing social dancing. By dedicating equal time and effort to these three aspects, you will enhance your techniques, expand your move library, and become a more confident and skilled Bachata dancer. So let go of any fear or hesitation, step onto the dance floor, and let the music guide your every move.
