What style of bachata is taught in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh classes cover modern (Dominican-influenced moderna), sensual bachata (the Spanish-born style with body waves and slower body movement) and, less commonly, traditional Dominican bachata. On bailemo, cards are clearly labelled so that you can decide, and if you aren't sure, give us a shout.

Is bachata easier to learn than salsa?

That really depends. Both have their easier and trickier components but many do find bachata a little easier to begin with. This is often because the basic step, and music, is slower and more forgiving, so beginners often feel comfortable on the dance floor sooner. Sensual bachata adds body movement that takes longer to refine, but the entry point is genuinely beginner-friendly.

Do I need a partner to start bachata classes?

No. In fact, most people start learning on their own and find people that they enjoy dancing through with class and social interaction. Bachata classes in Edinburgh rotate partners throughout the lesson, and the scene is full of people who started solo. Beginner courses are specifically designed for people turning up on their own.

What's the difference between sensual and Dominican bachata?

Dominican bachata can be said to have quicker footwork, sharper hip movement, more playful and be footwork-driven. Sensual bachata is slower, with longer body waves, dips and connection-focused movement. They use the same music and basic step, but can feel different on the floor. The bachata page has a fuller breakdown but we can guarantee that whichever one you learn, you will love it.

When can I start going to bachata socials?

We know that it can be a little but scary, but the honest answer is that the sooner you go to bachata socials, the better. You will reinforce your learning and start to make movement natural, which will absolutely increase your enjoyment. Better still, many Edinburgh bachata socials run a beginner taster before the dancing starts, so you can arrive with no-to-limited experience and pick up enough to join in/get some practice before diving in. As a general rule of thumb, though, after about 8 weeks of weekly classes most beginners feel comfortable jumping in on the floor.

Bachata Classes Edinburgh

Tomorrow

11 Jul

1 class starts

Yin Yang Bachata

Masterclass with Jeremy

5pm–7pmLower Church, Summerhall, EH9 1PL£25–£45

improverBachata

Sunday

12 Jul

1 class starts

Alma Latina Dance Project

Open level Bachata

Drop in

6pm–7pmWash Bar, EH1 2LP£7–£12

improverBachata

Monday

13 Jul

1 class starts

Bailarte

Beginners Course (Stage 1)

Drop in

6.30pm–8pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £50Drop in: £17

beginnerSalsaBachata

Tuesday

14 Jul

2 classes start

Elena y Frauke

Bachata Dance Classes

Drop in

7pm–8pm30-38 Dalmeny St, Edinburgh, EH8 6RGBlock: £35Drop in: £10

beginnerBachata

Bailarte

Intermediate Course (Stage 3)

Drop in

7pm–8.30pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £60Drop in: £17

intermediateSalsaBachata

Thursday

16 Jul

2 classes start

Bailarte

Beginners Course (Stage 1)

Drop in

7pm–8.30pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £50Drop in: £17

23 Jul

2 classes start

Bailarte

Beginners Course (Stage 1)

Drop in

Beginners Course (Stage 1)

Drop in

7pm–8.30pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £50Drop in: £17

beginnerBachataSalsa

Bailarte

Improvers Course (Stage 2)

Drop in

8.30pm–10pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £60Drop in: £17

improverSalsaBachata