The Bachata

Though a strict ballroom frame is unnecessary in this dance, be certain to maintain a good connection with your partner. While in closed position, the man should place his right hand is on the lady's shoulder blade and make a shelf with his left hand at about her eye level. The lady should place her left hand in opposition to his shoulder and right on the shelf created by her partner. While in open position, partners should maintain connection via hand-to-hand contact, in which case both must be mindful to provide enough resistance in their arms to communicate with one another.

All steps should be taken on the inside edge of the balls of the feet in order to facilitate a stop-and-go sort of motion as well as cuban hip motion, no more than shoulder width when stepping to the side and heel to toe when stepping forwards and backwards. Latin dances employ sudden quicks and lingering slows to produce stocatto movement around the floor. Feet should always be in contact with the floor.

Generally Latin dances such at this will be contained and circular, aside from a few patterns which allow for more travel. Higher level dancers will travel more than beginning dancers. There are no rules for travel in this dance. Simply be considerate of others on the floor, being careful to allow adequate space for any patterns performed.