Confessions of a Bachatera falling in love:

(Bachatera = a follow who dances bachata)

Dancing is beautiful in itself, but there are some deeply impactful things that are taking me by surprise.

And creating a clandestine love affair between bachata & I.

The first is the partnership.

The dance is a sensual one that requires vulnerability on the parts of both leads and follows.

There’s a connection of souls that goes beyond words, for it’s very hard to dance if you don’t open your heart to the other person.

I mean, it’s possible. You can do the steps like a robot. But that defeats the entire purpose of the sensuality of bachata itself.

So each dance is like a deeply intimate union of souls during which - for a short period - you have a window into the intricate world of another.

I fall in love 20 times a night as I witness the gorgeous strength, gentleness, vulnerability and courage of the leads.

The partnership requires both parties to pull their weight. It’s the definition of interdependence. The leads must guide, but with consideration and awareness of the skill level of the follow and the surrounding environment, protecting the follow from harm.

The follows must hold themselves, trust their lead and themselves, surrender to the music, relax and bring the creative, playful energy.

There is a moment I have come to cherish on a lead’s face that is absolutely exquisite:

It is the moment they lead a move that they love, and the follow nails it. A flash of pure joy & exuberance, a bright smile, a nod of appreciation- we overcame a challenge together and they led it with grace and dignity. Success!!

It is just stunning A tender human moment that we share just the two of us. And sometimes we don’t even know each other’s names.

The second thing I love about bachata is the community. Although it hasn’t been explicitly mentioned, it seems that the level of vulnerability required to enjoy this dance attracts a type of respect that seems unanimous.

Leads are kind, considerate, empathetic, humble, protective, open, present, gracious and patient.

Follows are confident, soft, graceful, supportive of each other, generous, playful and sweet.

Everyone is there to have a good time. To dance, to play, to connect.

Its magic. I’ve heard it said time and time again, once you start bachata, you will become obsessed. I’m 6 weeks in and I’m feeling the effects of that already.

5 gold stars

HIGHLY recommend

Don’t mind me. I’m just hanging out over here falling in love