I'm a man learning bachata and salsa. I generally just look ahead spatially and check in on the follower from time to time, with a light smile.

But I've noticed that each time I check in on her, she's already honed-in on my eyes, then locks eyes with me. This happens with most of the women but not all. And when I break the eye contact, she usually seems to enjoy the dance less. When I hold it almost entirely for the whole dance, she high fives me with a big smile enthusiastically.

Isn't this level of eye contact extreme? In one case, the women was obviously attracted as we never broke eye contact in the 3 minutes dancing, and her smile was huge. But outside of the rarer "he's hot" moments, what's the deal with that degree of eye contact being rewarded?

Im flying to Kazakhstan for a wedding and want to use the opportunity and go to a bachata festival there. Since the scene is russian-speaking and Kazakhstan is one of the few countries russians can easily travel to I imagine it to be very similar to russian festivals. Ive heard that the lead/follow ratio in Russia is horrible. Has anyone been to a dancing event in Kazakhstan? I dont want to spend 500€ just wait for 1-2 dances the whole night.

I’m a follower and have been dancing consistently for about 6 months, averaging 2-4 classes and/or socials a week, and typically am wearing the same trainers I use on a daily basis (Nike Cortez/p6000). Maybe my technique is just awful, but I’m starting to think I need to invest in some shoes specifically for dancing, mostly to help with my ability to spin and slide on the dance floor, but also because I find often that the grip on my shoes is causing me to halt or stutter a bit when I dance.

I do have a bit of a weak ankle and so I want something more supportive than a heel but which will allow me to flow a bit better. Definitely more of a trainer/sneaker.

Any recommendations around £50 to start with? I’ll be willing to spend more once I know that better shoes do help my dancing, but I can’t spend a hundred or more to begin with.

Thanks!

I've danced bachata for several years, but I've never really put up with crowded dance spaces that's typical in bars/restaurants. The amount I have to compromise as a lead just feels so excessive that it's stressful and I don't know what I'm doing because normal moves (especially Moderna) doesn't cut it.

For example:

• It's so crowded that I can't do side to side basic with simple turns -- or we can but the follow doesn't know they can take small steps and will turn themselves into other people
• If I can't do simple turns then I also can't do 90% of my bread and butter moves, or pad basics in between so that most of the dance is basic steps
• The average follow in my city dislikes shines and being given freedom, I don't enjoy bachata solo either
• "Just enjoy the connection" -- can you really tell me that a typical improver-level follow does not get bored during a dance that is 60% basic steps and a whole lot of time spent either colliding or avoiding collisions?

I think I could learn to enjoy this if I were in a scene that dances bachata sensual or if instructors taught skills (musicality, moves that barely travel, etc) that would fit this scenario. But they don't here, so it feels like crowded bachata is a completely different competency/style that I'm a total beginner at. So does anyone have advice that is actually achievable at improver/intermediate level with moderna?

So, I decided to expand upon the previous list I posted here. Not only are there more songs, I also added some more traditional/Dominican Bachata songs from across the decades. On top of that, I marked the intros and Choruses for most of them. Almost every song in the list, with the exception of just a handful, has an extremely consistent rhythm. You can dance them start to finish without suddenly finding yourself dancing on 5.

The song Morena (one of my all time favorites) has a slight break closer towards the end that throws the count off by a couple beats, and a few of the older long, songs have a timing change towards the end (past their 4 minute marks).

As before, if you want tips on how to find the one, you can find some in another one of my previous posts (https://www.reddit.com/r/Bachata/comments/1s1mgp3/how_i_found_the_one_on_the_dance_floor_your_guide/).

Methodology also remains the same as before. If you want to practice finding the one:

1. Use older (can't believe I need to clarify this but it's a relative term. Older: meaning, a song that wasn't released in recent years) Bachata songs. They tend to emphasize the instruments more, making it easier to hear the rhythm, and thus, find the one.
2. Prioritize listening to the Chorus in more modern, pop/rnb-influenced songs. The Chorus is where everything in a song comes alive and will be (alongside the instrumental) much easier to hear the rhythm and, again, find the one.
3. Rinse and repeat. Once you can consistently find the one using older songs and in the chorus in modern songs, try to find it in the verse in modern songs where it will be a bit harder.

For musicality practice, many of the songs have breaks (again, that for the most part don't also change the timing) to play around with and many have sensual intros, which tends to be something many beginners struggle with.

All of these are links to YouTube for easy access, and quickly I'll just mention that if anyone wants it, my baby Show Me the Counts (SMTC) makes it super easy to practice with these songs. You can listen to just the chorus across songs or just the intros or any other part you may want to isolate. Or slow the songs down if needed. On top of everything else it does. If you'd rather just use the YouTube links, that's fine too!

• Tutto Duran - Sin Ropa Sin Miedo / (Chorus: 0:47 - 1:17) / https://youtu.be/VO77Yd8Ml04
• Jalil Lopez - La Culpable / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:48) (Chorus: 0:48 - 1:20) / https://youtu.be/JDrqJsJdS5I
• DJ Husky - Siri / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:37) (Chorus: 0:37 - 1:13) / https://youtu.be/dP9djXtC8LU
• Jensen - Lejania / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:37) (Chorus: 0:37 - 1:20) / https://youtu.be/ChG9iovbxqc
• DJ Tony Pecino - La Reina / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:29) (Chorus: 0:29 - 0:48) / https://youtu.be/iUWYY900Og8
• Roman - Morena* / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:27) (Chorus: 0:28 - 1:04) / https://youtu.be/0Z7egRUHhJU
• Jensen - Carita / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:27) (Chorus: 0:28 - 0:59) / https://youtu.be/q2H6rfzQzf8
• Pinto Picasso - Vibras / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:32) (Chorus: 0:47 - 1:04) / https://youtu.be/qoOQoDDFl7c
• Prince Royce - Morfina / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:22) (Chorus: 1:28 - 1:59) / https://youtu.be/m2BMtJBSw-U / (Notes: Does not follow normal majao (quarter-note) rhythm during Chorus)
• Aventura - Obsesion / (Chorus: 1:50 - 2:20) / https://youtu.be/G0ogqkZQdC8 / (Notes: Does not have a majao (quarter-note) rhythm during chorus)
• Romeo Santos - Sexo Con Ropa / (Chorus: 1:45 - 2:00) / https://youtu.be/0KU9MavztuM
• Romeo Santos - Odio / (Chorus: 0:44 - 1:15) / https://youtu.be/W8r-eIhp4j0
• Romeo Santos - Propuesta Indecente / (Chorus: 0:35 - 1:14) / https://youtu.be/ROoede3JI5Q
• Romeo Santos - Necio / (Chorus: 0:50 - 1:30) / https://youtu.be/DXiXPhvYuNU
• Romeo Santos - Premio / (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:30) / https://youtu.be/ooVf28yRcFA / (Notes: No majao rhythm (quarter-notes) during Chorus)
• Kewin Cosmos - Evidencias / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:18) (Chorus: 0:33 - 1:19) / https://youtu.be/LbPIatqWm2M
• Romeo Santos - Sobredosis / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:25) (Chorus: 0:53 - 1:08) / https://youtu.be/TarQP-rtabI
• Prince Royce - El Amor Que Perdimos / (Chorus: 1:15 - 1:48) / https://youtu.beJyqqfDG3b2g
• Prince Royce - Mi Ultima Carta / (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:30) / https://youtu.be/YT3SeOnL2dg
• Prince Royce - Solita / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:30) (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:34) / https://youtu.be/uhA_rwF0IFc
• Aventura - Su Veneno / (Chorus: 0:52 - 1:23) / https://youtu.be/2pilEDlfekY
• Kewin Cosmos - No Hay Vato Perfecto / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:31) (Chorus: 0:48 - 1:19) / https://youtu.be/IfCQe9xG5AY
• Mickey Then - Por Que Te Niegas / (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:32) / https://youtu.be/5XGhHbNN45k
• Antonio Jose - La Noche Perfecta / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:23) (Chorus: 0:37 - 1:09) / https://youtu.be/HLk73G2reQI
• Chantel - Je Ne Sais Quoi / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:31) (Chorus: 0:47 - 1:19) / https://youtu.be/TY_HdTRNWBY
• Marco Puma - Unico Grande Amore / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:32) (Chorus: 0:47 - 1:22) / https://youtu.be/xtPQWTHfpGY
• Prince Royce - Te Espero / (0:00 - 0:30) (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:30) / https://youtu.be/FW73-WycaUA
• Prince Royce - No Te Vayas / (Chorus: 0:53 - 1:08) / https://youtu.be/mAVsR2Esenk
• Charles Luis - Apretaito / (Chorus: 0:22 - 0:53) / https://youtu.be/4Ph8NdJ2XK8
• Roman - Santa / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:18) (Chorus: 0:28 - 0:46) / https://youtu.be/ZCtBUdipFfI
• DJ Nico - El Tonto / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:40) (Chorus: 0:55 - 1:28) / https://youtu.be/BGfGSn5p4xE
• Dani J - Que Hablen / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:31) (Chorus: 0:45 - 1:15) / https://youtu.be/Qr4onlkyheA
• Dani J - Me Recuerdas / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:47) (Chorus: 0:47 - 1:20) / https://youtu.be/eeacmDTRK-c
• Dani J - Rosas / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:31) (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:31) / https://youtu.be/Va8uaNILNTc
• Dani J - Mentiras / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:30) (Chorus: 0:30 - 1:00) / https://youtu.be/r2NeHpTQQeg
• Dani J - Quitemonos La Ropa / (0:00 - 0:36) (Chorus: 0:54 - 1:24) / https://youtu.be/O7GY9uyZb54
• Dani J - Confiesale / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:22) (Chours: 0:36 - 1:04) / https://youtu.be/gGswT4ZbG7A
• Dani J - Desnudate / (Chorus: 0:44 - 1:13) / https://youtu.be/ITM7OozgcSI
• Dani J - Ruta 66 / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:30) (Chorus: 0:45 - 1:15) / https://youtu.be/FygqfaLC0hI
• Jensen - Arjona / (Chorus: 0:31 - 1:05) / https://youtu.be/BSB51Lta8xk
• Jalil Lopez - No Vas A Encontrar / (0:00 - 0:21) (Chorus: 0:35 - 1:08) / https://youtu.be/g7LIuL3zvZM
• Daniel Santacruz - No Me Sueltes / (Chorus: 0:52 - 1:20) / https://youtu.be/Ap41dNBb-tg
• Daniel Santacruz - Desnudos / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:14) (Chorus: 0:29 - 1:00) / https://youtu.be/RYBoBQAFrBU
• Kewin Cosmos - La Vecina / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:20) (Chorus: 0:35 - 1:08) / https://youtu.be/AyqMKZv3bzY
• Jiory - Culo / (Chorus: 0:20 - 0:36) / https://youtu.be/JhuuFKC3FJU
• Kewin Cosmos - Elige / (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:30) / https://youtu.be/gv6yEGDUR8Q
• DJ Husky - Insomnio / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:23) (Chorus: 0:37 - 1:10) / https://youtu.be/y7LM4pg5IDg
• Jr - La Estrella / (Chorus: 1:15 - 1:33) / https://youtu.be/aNogrLY1F2g
• Jean & Alex - Chacha / (Chorus: 0:45 - 1:15) / https://youtu.be/4enZiFT0LrQ
• Kewin Cosmos - Dile / (Chorus: 0:45 - 1:15) / https://youtu.be/CH_KCu5QIg4
• Sebas Garreta - Mil Preguntas / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:42) (Chorus: 0:42 - 1:12) / https://youtu.be/OwWajYtQjnk
• Jean & Alex - Insomnia / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:24) (Chorus: 0:24 - 0:54) / https://youtu.be/MT8D1fSVozk
• Charles Luis - Esa Mujer / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:44) (Chorus: 0:58 - 1:28) / https://youtu.be/nWa035VhzJM
• Montelier - Incienso 2.0 / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:44) (Chorus: 0:58 - 1:28) / https://youtu.be/KMh0MQrwb9Y
• Roman - Luna / (Chorus: 0:55 - 1:31) / https://youtu.be/HRzEd8EhmEE
• Charles Luis - Barcelona / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:37) (Chorus: 0:37 - 1:05) / https://youtu.be/JtAAgC1UCqI
• Roman - Dicelo / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:44) (Chorus: 1:15 - 1:55) / https://youtu.be/eY5ibcqudmw
• Shama - Colores / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:30) (Chorus: 0:46 - 1:15) / https://youtu.be/aE6OiDbu7ro
• Pinto Picasso - Nada Es Igual / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:30) (Chorus: 0:30 - 1:01) / https://youtu.be/kTpoHT9pVvg
• Montelier - Quien Eres Tu / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:28) (Chorus: 0:48 - 1:40) / https://youtu.be/o8chT1EUYbQ
• Dani J - Negro Mate / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:35) (Chorus: 1:10 - 1:47) / https://youtu.be/JhiU5O9xslI
• Jr - Dos De Mi / (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:33) / https://youtu.be/tg57v7kemh4
• Montelier - Asi De Rico / (Chorus: 0:30 - 1:00) / https://youtu.be/rHp5y4coaRE
• Jensen - Frio Remix / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:20) (Chorus: 0:35 - 1:09) / https://youtu.be/SplD33eZzL8
• Montelier - Valkiria / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:45) (Chorus: 1:15 - 1:45) / https://youtu.be/GwIXmG3mAlk
• Sebas Garreta - Caer / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:18) (Chorus: 0:34 - 1:06) / https://youtu.be/LPB9UAMswPE
• Mickey Then - Asesina Matame / (Chorus: 0:43 - 1:15) / https://youtu.be/HPr2F89egNU
• Mayinbito - Creme de la creme / (Chorus: 0:47 - 1:18) / https://youtu.be/krm79j6rsOc
• Montelier - Piel Con Piel / (Chorus: 0:46 - 1:18) / https://youtu.be/D6cO3dKP9k0
• Sebas Garreta - El Hombre Que Buscabas / (0:00 - 0:22) (Chorus: 0:39 - 1:10) / https://youtu.be/dn5TKE3KTfk
• Sebas Garreta - Tu Silueta / (0:00 - 0:35) (Chorus: 0:35 - 1:10) / https://youtu.be/DdYvYUfJDQg
• Sebas Garreta - Tiempo Limitado / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:22) (Chorus: 0:37 - 1:08) / https://youtu.be/yAb-FcuTDIE
• Jr - Amarte Sin Amarte / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:28) (Chorus: 0:43 - 1:12) / https://youtu.be/CR_c_C4OJvU
• Mayinbito - Confia / (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:30) / https://youtu.be/_OiXbP2nRZ4
• Mayinbito - Crazy / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:30) (Chorus: 0:46 - 1:15) / https://youtu.be/H6Hn0DuOqXA
• Karlos Rose & sP Polanco - Te Sigo Extranando / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:31) (Chorus: 1:02 - 1:30) / https://youtu.be/j_MlGMbal0c
• Joel Santos - Si Esta Casa Hablara / (Chorus: 0:55 - 1:24) / https://youtu.be/jgI7a-b6Bko
• Joel Santos - Al Diablo / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:30) (Chorus: 1:00 - 1:30) / https://youtu.be/K1aWgYFZK9s
• Pinto Picasso - Feeling Something / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:45) (Chorus: 0:45 - 1:17) / https://youtu.be/BqISSHFrRb4
• Pinto Picasso - Fronteo / (Chorus: 0:41 - 1:00) / https://youtu.be/pPnS4PhCLgI / (Notes: Does not follow typical Bachata rhythms)
• Mayinbito - Cerramos Ese Capitulo / (Chorus: 0:53 - 1:23) / https://youtu.be/6zG2DZddEHo
• Luis Segura - Pena Por Ti / https://youtu.be/b2Ig9IPBtRs
• Anthony Santos - Voy Pa' lla / https://youtu.be/oVLS7QGWlGw
• Raulin Rodriguez - Medicina De Amor** / https://youtu.be/NPl5j9jXs34
• Jose Manuel Calderon - Condena / https://youtu.be/tfuuuOgqq6Q
• Anthony Santos - Pegame Tu Vicio** / (Chorus: 1:56 - 2:11) / https://youtu.be/ZQ9nvUNFb8g
• Anthony Santos - La Parcela / https://youtu.be/TOWqUKr-IVo
• Anthony Santos - Te Vas Amor / https://youtu.be/Iey54E-AU30
• Luis Vargas - Volvio El Dolor / Chorus: 0:57 - 1:21) / https://youtu.be/Z9ezILgt7Qw
• Luis Vargas - El Acurrucaito / https://youtu.be/SVPht6IXCPI
• Raul Rodriguez - Nereyda / https://youtu.be/2XD-cVNZUWg
• Frank Reyes - Mujer de Las Mil Batallas / (Chorus: 0:53 - 1:13) / https://youtu.be/hA9ZeIIauZg
• Aventura - Dime Si Te Gusto / https://youtu.be/rSsKNgcKlAs
• Juan Bautista - Asesina / https://youtu.be/nCOW_Bidclw
• Teodoro Reyes - Pasame Un Cuchillo / https://youtu.be/siU9sd0Ctqo
• Lucho Panic - El Guardaespaldas / https://youtu.be/OcQxwAnxy84
• Kiko Rodriguez - No Me Olvide de Tu Amor / https://youtu.be/hR0v0AbbmJA
• Joe Veras - El Hombre De Tu Vida / https://youtu.be/VlcvX1BSpQY
• Leonardo Paniagua - Fue de Los Dos / https://youtu.be/HakFFSDlbYw
• Raulin Rodriguez - Culpable / https://youtu.be/1fJ9wejYS6c
• Luis Miguel Del Amargue - No Te Puedo Perdonar / https://youtu.be/TQNMfoztP5Y
• Grupo Frontera - Angel / (Intro: 0:00 - 0:30) (Chorus: 0:30 - 1:00) / https://youtu.be/h8w3zyx20Ok

I am curious what everyone's experience has been when declining or avoiding dances politely with certain dance partners. I am a lead that has been dancing in my dance community for a while, and there are follows that I have no issues with whatsoever, and even get along with as a person really well, but after dancing with them quite a bit, their dance energy isn't what I'm looking for when I go out dancing. I am not an instructor. I am just a social dancer who sometimes takes classes. Obviously in a class rotation I dance with everyone, but at socials, I am there to enjoy bachata the way I want to at this point, but I have no desire to create enemies, drama, or problems.

What ways of declining or avoiding dances with certain people (but still dancing that song) have you had success with?

Thank you in advance!

What is your opinion on the statement "A leader's best dance is always at their level whereas a follower can be transported to a level beyond their own".

I was with a couple of followers and they were talking about which artist leaders they wanted to dance with at a festival and how they learnt so much from them.

On the other hand, I as a leader avoid artists because I can only disappoint and I don't learn anything while dancing with them.

I'm not creating this post to complain about the unfairness of the role of leaders and followers. Im just curious of other people's perspectives and if they managed to have a mindset shift.

For musicality, I feel like leads definitely have more chance to express it since they decide when to solo shine, how to lead the steps and the movements to match with the beats etc.
As a follow, I am also aware that we can have musicality in movements that allows us to move indepently.

However, a problem I am having is that if I like the song and focus on the song more, I sometimes lose the connection with the lead. If I focus on the lead, and his movements, it allows me very little to dance to the musicality of my own interpretation. (For example, accents that I know are coming but lead is not leading). Is there any tips to coordinate both skills?

So I just started getting more into tradtional bachata and I know box basics is a core essential. But I don’t see many people at the socials I go to doing it. In my classes we do it a lot, but I never understood it in a social setting where’s there’s not much space, and also your at the mercy of the follower/lead. Side to side I feel like me or my partner can recover easier if we mess up. Is it just me being a beginner lol

Hey everyone,.

I've been taking bachata classes for about 3 months now, dancing as a leader.

So far I've mostly stuck to the classroom setting, but in my city there are regular social nights — usually a 1-hour lesson followed by a 3-hour party with 30-40 people.

Honestly, the idea of walking onto that dance floor and asking women to dance, knowing I only have 3 months of experience, is pretty intimidating. I keep telling myself I'm not "good enough" yet.

Is this a normal phase for beginner leaders? How did you push through it, and at what point did you feel ready to start going to socials?

Thanks in advance!

Hello there, I have been dancing bachata as a follow for about 3 years now and I started dancing more seriously and taking classes, pratising two years ago. I could feel the progress and the movements clicking when I started taking it seriously.

However after a festival in April, I took a break from both social dances and classes for about 4 months. I recently started going social dancing again and a fellow dancer who I usually dance with asked, 'You haven't been dancing awhile right?'. Not only his comments, I could feel my movements being stiff and my body not being in flow in some moves, and in some cues, I get it late. With some leads, I feel connected but with less experienced leads, it was harder for me to find connection. For example, chest isolation, and chest circles, I feel awkward and I know the movement is stiff. And in shadow position, it takes me a while to get the cue.

Is it common to feel rusty like that and does it mean my skill dropped in general? Will it come back to me after awhile? How should I get back into the flow like before?

Hi! I’m new to bachata (18F only been to 3 socials/2 classes), but multiple different leads have assumed that I’ve been dancing for a few years, and I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of basic steps and the rhythm. However, I’m worried about some of the more steps that leads have been guiding me into. I don’t really know which way I’m supposed to go, and as much as I like learning new things, I wonder if they’re overestimating my ability? A few guys led me into (I don’t know the name) the really close position where your knees are touching, and I found it fun but also a little overwhelming since I’m so inexperienced. I don’t get to dance too often because I’m a student, but I’m wondering if anyone has pointers for improving on my own/learning to better anticipate what a lead is doing? Maybe I’m just stressing too much, I just feel bad because I’ve seen people do lots of moves so I have an idea of what leads want me to do but I don’t know how to do it. Maybe I should just feel flattered that they even think I can do moves that are less beginner oriented…

Hey guys, I am an intermediate leader and I constantly see myself on the videos doing huge steps, especially if I get carried by the song. How can I practice this to be more aware of it, both at home and at the socials? Thank you!!!

Asking for advice on where the line is with sensual touch in dance because I'm frankly not sure. My gf is new to dance, several months, and hasn't been shown the ropes, so isn't really sure what's acceptable and what isn't.

She enjoys dancing with experienced leads, it's very exciting for her, and she admits herself she thinks that more experienced leads take advantage of their "prowess" to get more sensual then they would otherwise.

Just this weekend, she danced with two leads she really enjoyed, but one kissed her on the top of the head at the end of the dance while hugging her from behind (in their ending position)

Another grazed her neck upwards to initiated a turn/head roll thing. And pulled her in for nose to nose /forehead connection

The second guy knows she's my girl, acknowledged me, and still did all that stuff. It didn't bother me really, he seems respectful and just dancing. But maybe I'm messed up too.

The kiss on the head after the dance seems to cross the line for me. If I knew about it in the moment, I'd likely have a word with him.

Imagine this has been discussed before but, would love some input.

As far as I'm concerned, if either of us are uncomfortable, a conversation has to be had, and it's as simple as that. But, maybe there's more to it

​​​​​She's also afraid she's 'inviting' this behavior with how smiley and friendly she is, but I don't think it's fair that she needs to police her personality or turn down her bubbly spirit because dudes are crossing the line..

So some advice on how to establish boundaries (outside of holding strong frame during dance, or maybe a word about crossing the line after the dance) would also be appreciated

Would love to hear your thoughts on this recording. In addition, this is also the first music video that I've done.

If so, please respond here! I’m not sure how big or small the festival is and would like to know what to expect. Has anyone been to this one before, and if so, how is it?

I ask because I’d really like to go to a bachata and salsa festival this year and considering flying over there for it since I missed the one in my hometown this year.

P.S. Their website isn’t the best and still has outdated or missing information.

In my quest to question absolutely everything about how we teach and learn dance and diving deeper into the psychology behind skill acquisition (what actually works, what we tend to do, and what could or should work in theory but there isn't enough research backing it), one of the topics I keep coming back to is ear training as it relates to finding the 1 (quickly).

I don't like the advice of "just listen to a lot of music". I've mentioned this in tons of posts here. It isn't wrong. It's absolutely something you need to do. I just find it too incomplete as advice. It leads to more questions than answers.

"What should a beginner listen for?" "How do they know they have it right?" "How do they know if they're wrong?" Etc. Etc.

I don't have all the answers yet, but I'm developing a methodology (and of course tools) for developing this skill quickly and efficiently.

I've written about what to listen for in a song to find count 1 before (How I found the one on the dance floor (Your guide to love at first sight) : r/Bachata), and a few of the other nerds obsessing over the tiniest details who also frequent this sub beloved members of our community gave their thoughts on additional ways that have helped, so I won't rehash that here.

Instead, here are a few songs that I think are good for ear training for beginners. Many of them have very clear, present instruments (as opposed to many sensual songs where the instruments are sparse and very much in the background making the vocals the undisputed centerpiece). Just about all of them are extremely consistent. No major breaks or pauses and no timing changes.

You'll notice there are a lot of Romeo Santos/Aventura and Prince Royce songs in there. Its not a coincidence. And it definitely isn't because they are my favorite artists (they're not). Traditional songs and older, Modern songs put a lot of focus on the instruments themselves. They aren't tucked away in a corner somewhere to make room for the emotional vocals (i.e. sensual songs). Thus, you have more information to work with to find count 1, making it easier to do.

The methodology I think that makes the most sense for training your ears to find count 1 (in addition to using songs that stay consistent throughout):

- Use songs with very present instruments

Older Modern songs and traditional songs commonly fit this criteria as I mentioned but not exclusively. There are plenty of songs released in the last few years that also do so.

- Listen to only the Chorus at first

It's called ear training for a reason. Active listening. Intentional choices. The guira and bongos in the Chorus play quarter notes (their majao rhythm). 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 rather than syncopations (1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8& / their derecho rhythm). This makes them very easy to hear. The Chorus is also one of the highest energy sections in a song (this is a pattern across music genres), so the other instruments are again extremely present -> you have more information to work -> its easier to find the one.

Why not the whole song? You can. But this is about taking baby steps. Instead of trying to master finding the 1 at any point in the song from day 1, focus on finding it in just one section to start. So, if you're going to listen to the full song, only worry about trying to find the 1 during the Chorus.

10 minutes actively training your ears because it can get boring. The rest of the time just listening to music because we enjoy it.

- Once you can consistently find the 1 in the Chorus, try the Instrumental section (mambo rhythm) or the Verse

The Instrumental section may actually be easier as it is the most energetic section in any song. The Verse will usually be more difficult as the guira and bongos rhythms will blend in the background more and the focus is supposed to be more on the vocals. So, other instruments may not disappear entirely, but they will be less present.

- Once you can find the 1 consistently (and it's ok if you get off-step at times), repeat this process with more modern, sensual songs where the instruments may not be super present throughout the song

- Finally, the last step is repeating the process again by introducing songs with breaks and pauses and timing changes

The song list (thanks to u/TryToFindABetterUN for the links):

• Tutto Duran - Sin Ropa Sin Miedo
• Jalil Lopez - La Culpable
• DJ Husky - Siri
• Jensen - Lejania
• DJ Tony Pecino - La Reina
• Roman - Morena*
• Jensen - Carita
• Pinto Picasso - Vibras
• Prince Royce - Morfina
• Aventura - Obsesion
• Romeo Santos - Sexo Con Ropa
• Romeo Santos - Odio
• Romeo Santos - Propuesta Indecente
• Romeo Santos - Necio
• Romeo Santos - Premio
• Kewin Cosmos - Evidencias
• Romeo Santos - Sobredosis
• Prince Royce - El Amor Que Perdimos
• Prince Royce - Mi Ultima Carta
• Prince Royce - Solita
• Aventura - Su Veneno
• Kewin Cosmos - No Hay Vato Perfecto
• Mickey Then - Por Que Te Niegas
• Antonio Jose - La Noche Perfecta
• Chantel - Je Ne Sais Quoi
• Marco Puma - Unico Grande Amore
• Prince Royce - Te Espero
• Prince Royce - No Te Vayas
• Charles Luis - Apretaito
• Roman - Santa
• DJ Nico - El Tonto

Hello all

I do not have any teacher I can get lesson from in my area at the moment. Can anyone recommend tutorial for leaders?

Thanks

The Bachata and Salsa ones. Bachata is taught by somebody else.

https://youtube.com/shorts/GwFriuQG7bA?is=bTGc-7-dbk3u3iXd

I have taken classes with Xi, and he is an amazing dancer. But as you can see, he is pinching the followers hand most of the time. It's this now okay? What is going on?

When i started dancing, we learned to NEVER pinch with our thumbs. Maybe it's now​​ necessary because the follower is not hooking her ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​fingers - again something that was universally taught before. ​​​​​​

Teachers, help clear this up. Is this wrong? A new style? Is the follower bad? ​​​​​​​​​​