Bachata Classes
What is Bachata?
Bachata is a popular Latin dance style that originates from the Dominican Republic. Whilst traditionally a partner dance, this style can also be danced solo as “shines”. Bachata is fast evolving with many different sub styles, traditional Dominican bachata (from the Dominican Republic), Sensual bachata (from Spain) and Modern/Urban bachata (globally). While each of these styles has its own musical and movement characteristics that seperate each from each, they all share the same basic step and timing with emphasis on hip movement and the distinguishing bachata “tap”.
At KD Dance, we teach modern/urban bachata as this style incorporates elements of Dominican and Sensual bachata and draws inspiration from salsa turn patterns to create a dynamic yet flowing dance. Bachata is a great style to get started with as it has clear timing and basic footwork and is very popular In Auckland.
About our teachers
Bachata Partnerwork: Katie and David both share a passion for dancing, this is what united them together many years ago. For the past three years, these two have been teaching, social dancing, performing, choreographing and competing bachata together. They are the current New Zealand Semi Professional champions for bachata couples, placing third in the same category at the World Salsa Solo in Australia in 2024. For social dancing, they placed second behind Australian professional bachata couple, Georgie and Mitch at the New Zealand Latin Dance Championships 2024 and third at the World Salsa Solo 2024. Katie and David care strongly about creating a progressive curriculum for their courses so that students are learning all aspects of bachata dancing, not just combo after combo.
Bachata Shines: Katie has been dancing bachata shines for three years now. Competing with Auckland School RYDE, they hold the New Zealand Latin Dance Championship title for Bachata Open Shines Team for 2024 and 2023. Individually, Katie is currently second place for Semi Pro Bachata Soloist at the World Salsa Solo (AUS) and at the New Zealand Latin Dance Championships 2024. Together with her duet partner Christa, they placed 1st for Semi Pro Bachata Duets with a high score of 81 at the New Zealand Latin Dance Championships 2024. Katie has learnt from many amazing teachers such as Jhoana Palhua, Emily Glubb and Yan Zhou, she is excited to be sharing on this knowledge with you.
Our Courses
Bachata Partnerwork Courses
Bachata Partnerwork Beginner Level
Wednesdays 8:30pm - $120 / 6 classes
This course is perfect for those who have never danced before, are coming back to bachata or really want to master the fundamentals. In this course we will cover the basic step + variations, timing, leader/follower technique, basic turns and give you a few examples of how to put these together for your social dancing. This course is fun and easy to follow, a great way to meet new people and jump into the world of latin dancing.
Join our next term, Wednesday 28th of May, 8:30pm
Bachata Partnerwork Improver Level
Wednesdays 7:30pm - $120 / 6 classes
If you've caught the dance bug and are ready to level up your social dance, this course is for you. This course builds on the concepts covered in the beginners course and starts incorporating the key body movement of bachata. Each course will cover 3-4 key concepts, diving into each movement with a strong emphasis on technique, variation and musicality. Each class will give you a different example of how to use the concept in a your social dance.
Join our next term, Wednesday 28th of May, 7:30pm
Bachata Partnerwork Intermediate Level Level
Wednesdays 6:30pm - $120 / 6 classes
Did you know we are one of the only schools offering an intermediate level bachata partnerwork course in Auckland? We have structured this course around bachata musicality, with the goal of understanding how to match your dancing, energy and flow to the different musical elements in each song. We recommend a strong foundation to join this course as we do not re-teach the concepts covered in this improver course.
Join our next course, Wednesday 28th of May, 6:30pm
Bachata Shines Courses
Bachata Shines Beginner Level
$80 / 4 classes
Put simply, “Shines” refers to dancing without a partner, as a solo style.
Bachata Shines Beginner Level is another entry level course that is designed for those with no dance experience at all or those looking to supplement and solidify their bachata partner work basics and technique. Covering basic steps, technique, body movement, turns and arm styling this course is also great if you are not so keen on partner dancing.
Currently unavailable, please contact us for more infomation
Feminine Bachata Shines Improver/Intermediate Level
Mondays 7:30pm - $80 / 4 classes
One of our brand new offerings, this four week course is ideal for those who want to feel confident whilst dancing, improve technique and body movement and most importantly have fun! Each four week course will cover a different key aspect of feminine bachata shines, from arm styling to isolations to fundamental footwork patterns. Please note there is a prerequisite of either bachata beginners shines or partner work required for this course. This course will focus on feminine styling but is not restricted to any gender.
Join from week two - Monday 5th of May, 7:30pm
KD Dance Membership
$50 / Weekly Payment / Unlimited classes
If you want to take 3 or more courses, our membership is your best option. For a minimum of 3 months, a weekly payment of $50 will give you the access to all our courses (a minimum knowledge is required for our improver - intermediate levels).
Other Options
Concession Pass
$90 / 4 classes (any course or date)
If you want to try different classes, or can’t commit to the full term, or just want to be open to the possibilities, you can get a concession pass, with 4 classes to be used at anytime.
Casual Class
$25
If you want to try a casual class in our courses and levels.