Move · Videos · Technique · 3 min

Bachata Basic Step in Under Four Minutes

Video by Daniel y Tom BACHATA GROOVE on YouTube · Open on YouTube

Bachata dancers Daniel and Tom teach the basic step solo (three steps and a tap on an eight count), then in a simple partner hold. A quick, friendly first lesson you can do alone or with a partner.

  • 3 min
  • Beginner
  • Low impact (no jumping)
  • No equipment
  • Latin

Good forDancing for fun

Step by step 5

Tap a time to watch that step in the video.

  1. Weight on the right leg: step left, close, step left, then tap the right toes; then the same to the right. 0:07
  2. Shift your weight fully on each step, as when walking; on the tap only the toes touch, with no weight. 0:43
  3. Keep the steps small, open your chest, and always start with the leg that just tapped. 1:12
  4. Count it in eight: three steps and a tap each way, stepping along with the count. 1:41
  5. With a partner: leaders start left, followers right; a two-hand hold with gentle tension, then both ways. 2:02

The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.

Form cues from the coach

  • Step, close, step, tap: shift your weight fully each step and only touch the toes on the tap
  • Keep the steps small and open your chest
  • Leaders start on the left foot and followers on the right; begin with the leg that just tapped

What it works

Tap an area for more videos that work it.

Joints it uses light on the joints

  • Hips movesside steps and weight shifts
  • Knees movesside steps, close, toe tap with small steps
  • Ankles & feet movessmall side steps, toe taps

A guide to the joints this video’s moves load, from what the coach does — not medical advice. Some ache is normal; stop if a joint hurts sharply. How joints are rated

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Video by Daniel y Tom BACHATA GROOVE; the summary, steps, cues, body areas and joint notes are Notbroken’s, written from what the coach actually does in the video and checked a second time. Warm up first, take the easier options until a move feels easy, and stop if you feel sharp pain, chest pain or dizziness. General instruction, not advice for your body. About & safety