Curriculum · not on the timetable right now
Bachata Beginner 1
The entry point to your Bachata journey: the media and the completo, your first partnerwork vocabulary, and the footwork underneath it, taught step by step and with zero assumed knowledge. New to dancing? Our beginner guide is the right first read.
- Day & time
- Not currently on the weekly timetable
- Level
- ~2–4 months of dancing, or fresh from Beginner 0
- Language
- English
- Entry
- Ask us and we will tell you when the next block opens
What you will learn
Bachata is built on 10 fundamental techniques of leading and following, taught across the beginner curriculum in your first year of dance classes. Beginner 2 and 3 then open the door to Bachata Sensual.
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Media
The half turn that opens most Bachata figures, led and followed cleanly from the very first week.
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Completo
The full turn that grows out of the media, with the timing and connection that keep it smooth.
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Partnerwork vocabulary
The shared vocabulary of holds, hand positions, and leads that every figure above is assembled from.
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Hammerlock
Your first arm position behind the back, prepared safely and released without pulling.
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Manton
The shawl figure that wraps you into reverse shadow position and out again with the connection intact.
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Footwork
Simple footwork patterns that place your weight correctly and keep you on the beat.
Is this your class?
“I have a few weeks or months of basics, and I want to build them properly.”
You are in the right room. Beginner 1 assumes at most a simple turn, the media, and relaxed basic partnerwork, and we review all of them along the way.
“I have never danced a step in my life.”
You are still welcome here: every step is taught from zero. If you prefer a room of pure first-timers, start with Bachata Beginner 0, Mondays 19:30. Read the beginner guide.
Not sure? Book a free trial and we will place you.
How a class works
Sixty minutes, one step, many partners.
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01
Warm up & review
Shake off the day, settle in, and revisit the steps from last week.
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02
The step of the week
One new building block, broken down slowly. Feet first, then timing.
- 03
Into partnerwork
The same step danced in couples, at a pace where nobody is left behind.
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04
Rotate & dance
Partners rotate through the class, so you leave having danced with everyone.
Meet your teachers
Where this course leads
- Beginner 0 Mondays 19:30
- Beginner 1 Curriculum only · you are here
- Beginner 2 Curriculum only · not scheduled
- Beginner 3 Tuesdays 19:30
- Sensual Foundation Wednesdays 19:30
- Sensual Improver Wednesdays 20:30
- Sensual Intermediate Thursdays 19:30
- Sensual Intermediate Advanced Thursdays 20:30
Want this level next?
Beginner 1 is not on the timetable this season. Come to a free trial and we place you in the class that fits today, and we will tell you the moment this level opens a block.
Every course runs as an 8-week block · 15% off your first sign-up · Student discount · No subscription
Good questions
Do I need any experience?
No. A simple turn, the media, and basic partnerwork are helpful, and all of them are taught step by step if you arrive without them. Absolute first-timers can also start with Bachata Beginner 0 on Mondays at 19:30; see the Beginner 0 page.
When does Beginner 1 run?
Not this season. We open a level when there are enough dancers sitting at it, so the honest answer is that it depends on demand. Tell us you want it. That is how the room gets built, and in the meantime Beginner 0 covers the same ground from the first step.
Do I need a partner?
No. Partners rotate throughout the class, so you dance with everyone. Most people come alone.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in and shoes that let you turn. Clean sneakers are perfect. Coming straight from work? A change of shirt, deodorant, and mints make the hour nicer for everyone. Our what-to-wear guide has the details.
What if I miss a week?
You can declare up to two planned absences at registration and one sick day per pass, and we extend your pass by that class day. The full policy is in our terms.