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 Oct

2 classes start

Negritude

Women and men training

Drop in

6pm–8pmDance For All, 106 Stephen St, Edinburgh£10 (£8 stu)OTD

openSalsaBachata

Alma Latina Dance Project

Bachata for the Social Dance Floor

Drop in

7pm–8pmEl Barrio Latino, 47 Hanover Street, EdinburghBlock: £7–£12Drop in: £7OTD

openBachata

Monday

12 Oct

4 classes start

Bachata Blues Edinburgh3 classes

Bachata Beginners

Drop in

6pm–7pmThe Counting House, 34 West Nicolson St, EH8 9DDSold out

beginnerBachata

Bachata Improvers+

Drop in

7pm–8pmThe Counting House, 34 West Nicolson St, EH8 9DDBlock: £25Drop in: £8Book

improverBachata

Bachata Advanced

Drop in

8pm–9pmThe Counting House, 34 West Nicolson St, EH8 9DDBlock: £25Drop in: £8Book

advancedBachata

Bachata Beginners

Drop in

6pm–7pmThe Counting House, 34 West Nicolson St, EH8 9DDSold out

beginnerBachata

Bachata Improvers+

Drop in

7pm–8pmThe Counting House, 34 West Nicolson St, EH8 9DDBlock: £25Drop in: £8Book

improverBachata

Bachata Advanced

Drop in

8pm–9pmThe Counting House, 34 West Nicolson St, EH8 9DDBlock: £25Drop in: £8Book

advancedBachata

Bailarte

Beginners course (Stage 1)

Drop in

6.30pm–8pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £50Drop in: £8.50Book

beginnerBachataSalsa

Tuesday

13 Oct

5 classes start

Elena y Frauke2 classes

Bachata Beginners

Drop in

6.45pm–7.45pmOOTB Drill Hall, EH6 8RGBlock: £35Drop in: £10OTD

beginnerBachata

Bachata Improvers

Drop in

7.45pm–8.45pmOOTB Drill Hall, EH6 8RGBlock: £35Drop in: £10OTD

improverBachata

Bailarte2 classes

Intermediate Course (Stage 3)

Drop in

7pm–8.30pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £60Drop in: £8.50Book

intermediateSalsaBachata

Advanced Course (Stage 4)

Drop in

8.30pm–10pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £60Drop in: £8.50Book

advancedSalsaBachata

Bachata Blues Edinburgh

Styling with Joanna

Drop in

7.30pm–8.30pmLower Church, Summerhall, EH9 1PLBlock: £0Drop in: £10

improverBachata

Wednesday

14 Oct

1 class starts

Bachata Blues Edinburgh

Bachata Improvers (Progression)

Drop in

8.30pm–9.30pmLower Church, Summerhall, EH9 1PLBlock: £40Drop in: £10Book

improverBachata

Thursday

15 Oct

6 classes start

Negritude2 classes

Bachata Dominican

Drop in

7pm–8pmSummerhall, EH9 1PLBlock: £10–£2Drop in: £10OTD

openBachata

Free Open Training

Drop in

8pm–9pmSummerhall, EH9 1PLBlock: £10–£12Drop in: £10OTD

openCuban SalsaSalsa+1

Bailarte2 classes

Beginners course (Stage 1)

Drop in

7pm–8.30pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £50Drop in: £8.50Book

beginnerBachataSalsa

Improvers Course (Stage 2)

Drop in

8.30pm–10pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £60Drop in: £8.50Book

improverBachataSalsa

Yin Yang Bachata

Improvers+ Course

Drop in

7.30pm–9pmThe Space, 183 Dalry Road, EH11 2EBBlock: £35Drop in: £12 (£10 stu)OTD

improverBachata

Alma Latina Dance Project

Bachata Styling, Movement, Footplay & Sabor

Drop in

8pm–9pmThe Wee Hub, Ocean Terminal, EH6 6JJBlock: £7–£10Drop in: £7OTD

advancedBachata

Friday

16 Oct

1 class starts

Negritude

Bachata Dominican

Drop in

7pm–8pmDance For All, 106 Saint Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AQ£10OTD

improverBachata