We're hosting our first Traditional Bachata Course with the wonderful Cynthia 🥹✨
Dates
Four 90-minute sessions in March, 19:00 - 20:30 Wednesdays on the following dates:
5th 💙 12th 💙 19th 💙 26th
About Traditional Bachata & Cynthia
Bachata is an Afro-Latin dance that's been gaining global popularity. We’re calling this course “traditional” because, when people hear Bachata, they often think of a more Westernised Sensual style (kinda like how Cross Body has become the default in some of the London scene). However, the style Cynthia will be teaching is the main style danced across Latin America, originating in the Dominican Republic.
Cynthia’s connection to the dance runs deep, as her Mum is from the Dominican Republic. She grew up surrounded by the music and culture, and a few years ago, she began taking Bachata classes. Since then, she fell in love with the dance and has been perfecting her technique, both as a follower and more recently as a leader.
About the Course
This is a progressive course in Traditional Bachata for beginners. Unlike our Salsa courses, everyone will learn to both lead and follow. Traditional Bachata is much simpler to lead, which makes it easier to explore both roles at this level.
Cynthia’s focus is on teaching this beautiful dance, starting from the basics. You’ll master the foundational steps while understanding that Traditional Bachata revolves around one main move. Once you have the basics and technique down, the rest is about adding your own style and variations.
Traditional Bachata is a fun and social dance. It’s not about knowing lots of moves—it’s about enjoying the moment, connecting with the music, and dancing with others.
Things we'll cover:
Recentring the Afro-Latin Roots
This course is part of our ongoing work to honour and recentre the Afro-Latin roots of the dances we love. We also believe that learning different Afro-Latin dance styles strengthens our understanding across all genres, and we love mixing things up with all kinds of music at our dance socials.
We're excited to see how this course goes and to support everyone's learning journey in the dance, as well as Cynthia's journey as a teacher within this growing queer community of Afro-Latin dance.
Prioritising Care and Connection
We’re rethinking what progression means in our courses and teacher training. Instead of emphasising complicated moves and techniques, we prioritise vibing with the music, dancing safely and consensually, and building community through the joy of connecting in partner dance.
Welfare & Accessibility
The Bishopsgate has step-free access to the hall where we’ll be dancing, as well as fully accessible toilets.
At each class, there will be a dedicated Welfare Team Member available to provide extra support with moves or address any needs or concerns to help you feel comfortable in the space. We’ve also introduced Guardian Dancers who will join the class to dance with you and offer tips.
We are actively working to make our courses as safe and inclusive as possible. Please contact us with any specific needs so we can help.
Tickets
If we sell out, we'll open ticket resale and the waitlist. We're offering 6 reduced-cost spots for those with lower incomes. These are reserved for people on Universal Credit (or similar benefits), those earning minimum wage, or working-class students. Since these spots are limited, please make sure you really need one before claiming it 🥰.
The course cost reflects our new home at The Bishopsgate, which is much better suited to more in-depth learning. It also helps ensure we can fairly compensate everyone involved to contribute their time and energy with care.
Capacity
We know 50 is a lot hehe! But we want to give as many people as possible the chance to try this new course. Seating will be provided, and if you ever need one-on-one support with the moves or feeling comfortable, our Host(s) and Guardian Dancers will be there to help.
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Please send a DM if you have any questions & see you in class cuties!
Lots of love
Queer Salsa Team
💋💋💋💋