u/Opening-Shower-7950

What is the difference between a workshop and a class?

Is there a difference? I see these overcroweded workshops at these festivals online, but they aren't technically classes? How is it structured?

Do you rotate and dance with complete strangers at workshops like you do in classes at a school?

How long do the last? An hour?

Are there any workshops that you attended that were really good?

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u/Opening-Shower-7950 — 5 hours ago

What do followers actually like?

It's so hard to dance as a beginner as a leader. I feel like skilled followers are just going to get bored with me.

And then if I try to do something cool or interesting they will feel embarrassed and just brush me off.

I want to make a follower feel happy, but when I try I just look so weird. I don't know what to do.

I was told that making mistakes is fine, but when I make mistakes I feel like I'm not only embarrassing myself, but I'm embarrassing the partner I'm dancing with.

This is so difficult.

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u/Opening-Shower-7950 — 3 days ago

How much time at each level? What is your level now?

So first of all I just want to state that I'm a complete beginner at the moment. I don't know what it's like to climb up the skill ladder in terms of beginner, intermediate and advanced. That's why I'm curious from others perspective on this.

How would you describe the learning curve in Bachata? How realistic is it for a beginner who started in his late 30's to reach at a somewhat advanced level? Like, what is a realistic time frame on that? 6 years? More? Obviously, this depends on how much time, money and work you put in.

I'm getting pretty serious about this and I want to be "good" rather than it just be a hobby for time to pass. I'm not saying I want to be some skillful master that performs at shows or become some certified teacher/instructor, I just want to be able to dance where it feels like second nature. Like it should feel like walking. I really want to get at that point.

I'm working really hard at this and I practice home everyday. I listen to my instructor all the time. I wish I had a practice partner, but maybe that will come later.

Also, as a side question...is learning a new dance bad for my bachata growth, or can it help it? I want to learn another style, but I haven't decided yet.

As a beginner, I'm interested in different perspectives on how to grow as a dancer. I'm open to any feedback and suggestions.

Thanks.

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u/Opening-Shower-7950 — 5 days ago

How do you get comfortable dancing with strangers?

New Bachata dancer here. I'm enjoying the learning process. It's been very interesting, but when I dance with other people I kind of tense up and get anxious. It's so hard to remember moves in advance. I keep doing the same simple moves because I don't want to mess up.

Leading is so hard. I have to memorize rhythm, memorize sequences and steps and then guide a person all at the same time. This is going to be a long process. People were telling my Bachata is way easier than Salsa and other social dances. If this is consider "easy" then I have no chance in those other dance styles.

I feel awkward and just completely out of style.

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u/Opening-Shower-7950 — 9 days ago
▲ 12 r/Bachata

Bachata beginner (Nervous)

Hello,

I'm a 38 year old man considering taking up Bachata classes. I have zero dance experience in my life. I'm not as a coordinated as I was when I was in my 20's (used to be an athlete).

I'm also not an extraverted person. I'm kind of a hermit and I like to have my own personal space. However, I'd like to grow out of this because I think it's somewhat healthy for me to have some social interaction at this point in my life.

Before I consider this as an activity what should I actually know? Am I too old to be considering this? How do you actually practice besides going to classes? Do I need to find another dance partner to level up?

How often should I attend dance socials as a beginner? Do I just tell people I'm a beginner and will they be okay dancing with a complete beginner.

Sorry if these sound like dumb questions, but I'm just nervous and I don't want to embarrass myself, especially around women.

I'd appreciate any feedback on anything that'd be helpful for me.

Thanks.

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u/Opening-Shower-7950 — 12 days ago