Do I Need Rhythm to Dance? Not Really
How listening and practice help you learn to dance with the music.
PRIVATE LESSONS WITH DOMINIC BOYER
Bachata Dance Lessons in Vancouver
I teach private Bachata lessons for one or two people at my studio in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver. Come on your own or with a partner. No experience necessary.
Learning Bachata
Taking your first steps
We’ll start with the basic rhythm and steps, then practise them with music. You can learn to lead or follow.
Building on what you know
If you already dance Bachata, we can work on your timing, footwork or turns. You can show me a step you’d like help with, or bring a song you enjoy dancing to.
How I teach
I pay attention to how you learn. I’ll explain a movement, demonstrate it or dance with you, depending on what helps. There is time to repeat a step, ask questions and try it with music.
As we add turns, we also work on leading and following. Both people need to understand their part and have time to respond.
“My husband gave me four lessons as a birthday present. It went so well that we are still taking lessons from Dominic three and a half years later. Our dancing is greatly improved, but we mostly go back because it is fun.”
Dancing Bachata together
Three steps and a tap give Bachata its familiar rhythm. The basic steps leave room to change direction, add a turn or play with the footwork while you and your partner keep dancing.
The guitar and percussion give the music its character. Songs often tell stories of love and heartbreak, and the dancing ranges from playful to romantic. You can enjoy a whole song with a few movements, then add more as you become comfortable.
Getting used to the rhythm
In lessons, we’ll practise the steps and weight changes together. Between lessons, try the basic rhythm with a song you like. Repeating something familiar helps you spend less time remembering the next step.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Your first Bachata lesson
Limited Introductory Lesson
$50 + GST
55 minutes for one or two people.
For new students, subject to availability.
You don't need to buy a package to take your first lesson. If you'd like to continue, I'll explain the options and prices before you decide.
Packages never expire, are transferable and are non-refundable. Cancellations require 36 hours' notice.
How to book
- Send me a message. Tell me whether you're coming alone or with a partner, what you'd like to learn and when you're usually available.
- I'll reply personally. We can talk through your questions and arrange a time for your lesson.
- Come to the studio. We'll start dancing and take time to work through the steps together.
5 W 4th Ave, Unit 214
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1G2
Questions about Bachata lessons
Do I need a partner?
No. Private lessons are for one or two people. You can come on your own or bring a partner.
Do I need to learn Salsa first?
No. You can start directly with Bachata. It has its own rhythm, music and footwork.
Do we have to dance very close?
Bachata can be danced in an open or a closer hold. We can begin with an open hold and work at a distance that feels comfortable for both people.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that stay securely on your feet. If you're unsure about your shoes, ask me before the lesson. Bring a favourite song if there's one you'd like to work with.
How many lessons will I need?
There isn't a fixed number. It depends on your experience, what you'd like to learn and how the lessons progress. We can discuss continuing lessons after your first visit.
Bachata’s Dominican roots
Bachata comes from the Dominican Republic. Its guitar music grew from bolero, with influences from son and merengue. Love, longing and heartbreak became familiar subjects in the songs.
For many years, Bachata received little mainstream radio exposure. Musicians continued to develop it, and electric guitars helped change its sound. Later, groups such as Aventura mixed Bachata with R&B and brought the music to new audiences.
That history is still part of what you hear when you dance: the guitar melodies, the rhythm and the stories in the songs.
More about learning to dance
Interested in Salsa too?
Learn about private Salsa lessons and how the dance develops through steps, turns and partner work.
Get in touch
Tell me what you’d like to learn, or ask a question about Bachata lessons.
I usually reply within an hour during studio hours, unless I’m in a lesson.
Contact Dominic