Beginner bachata: what you’ll learn in 6 weeks
Who our Beginner level is for, what we are working towards by the end of the six weeks, and how to tell when you are ready for Improver.
Updated · 2 min read
Who Beginner is for
Complete beginners. You do not need a partner or any dance background. Beginner is where our course starts, and you do not need to become an advanced dancer before you start social dancing. For most complete beginners, one 6-week Beginner cycle gives you enough foundation to start trying social dances.
After 6 weeks, our goal is that you can:
Everyone learns at a different pace, so we do not treat six weeks as a guarantee that every student will perform every skill identically. A better way to think about each cycle is: by the end of these six weeks, this is what we are working towards.
- 1. Dance the Bachata basic on time to music.
- Begin recognising the Bachata count and stay reasonably consistent without relying entirely on the instructor counting for you.
- 2. Transfer your weight correctly.
- Understand that Bachata isn’t simply stepping side to side — each movement begins with controlling your own weight and balance.
- 3. Maintain a comfortable basic partner frame.
- Understand the fundamentals of connection without gripping, pulling or collapsing into your partner.
- 4. Lead or follow simple turns.
- Complete fundamental turns while maintaining timing, balance and connection.
- 5. Connect simple movements together.
- Move beyond one memorised combination and start using a small vocabulary of basics, turns and transitions.
- 6. Start social dancing.
- Have enough vocabulary and understanding to attempt beginner-level dances without needing dozens of movements.
When are you ready for Improver?
Before joining Improver, you should already be reasonably comfortable with:
- Bachata basic timing;
- weight transfer;
- basic frame and connection;
- fundamental turns;
- and simple lead/follow concepts.
We generally recommend around three months of Bachata experience before entering Improver. For many students that is roughly two 6-week cycles, but completing two courses does not automatically make someone an Improver. See how long each level usually takes. Ready for the next step? Improver: what you’ll learn.
Join a Beginner cycle
Beginner is the first level on every course page. Unsure where you fit? The course page has a short “Pick your level” quiz that suggests one. See what’s on for the next cycle and its prices.