9 Trust-Building Tips for Bachata Followers

Hey there, dance fan! Want to get better at following in bachata? Would you like to be able to perform such nice moves as Belen does when she is led by Antoni, as shown in the video below from Bachata Mastery Germany?

I guess the answer is yes, so let’s talk about building trust on the dance floor. It’s not hard, but it does take practice. Ready? Let’s go!

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1. Feel the Connection

First up: connection is super important. It’s not just about holding hands and moving your feet. Try to feel the energy between you and your partner. It’s like you’re having a secret chat without words. Cool, right?

• Pay attention to where you’re touching
• Let the music move you
• Don’t forget to breathe!

2. Relax Your Body

Being stiff makes dancing hard. You’re not a robot, so don’t dance like one! Think of yourself as a tree bending in the wind. Soft, but still strong.

3. Trust Your Partner (But Stay Alert)

Here’s the deal: your partner leads, but you’re not just following blindly. It’s like riding a tandem bike. They steer, but you both pedal. Get it?

4. Practice by Yourself

Sounds weird, right? But practicing alone really helps! It’s like learning to swim before diving into the deep end. Get good at moving your own body, and dancing with a partner gets easier.

• Work on staying balanced
• Practice moving different parts of your body
• Practice your steps until they feel easy

5. Learn Body Language

Bachata uses lots of silent signals. It’s like being a detective, but more fun. Watch out for:

• Small changes in how your hands are held
• Which way your partner’s chest is pointing
• Little pushes and pulls

Soon, you’ll understand this secret dance talk!

6. Don’t Worry About Mistakes

News flash: everyone messes up. Even the best dancers. If you trip up, just laugh it off. It’s no big deal. You might even make up a cool new move!

7. Stay in the Moment

Forget about that weird move you did earlier. Stop worrying about the tricky turn coming up. Just focus on right now. Trust happens in the present, not in the past or future.

8. Practice “Trust Falls”

No, not the kind where you fall backwards (though that could be fun). Try dance moves that require a leap of faith:

• Leaning back more in dips
• Doing trickier turns
• Following with your eyes closed (but be safe!)

Start small and work up to bigger stuff. Each time you succeed, you build more trust.

9. You’re Not Just a Follower, You’re a Co-Creator

Last but not least, remember this: bachata takes two. You’re not just along for the ride; you’re an essential part of the dance. Bring your personality, your style, your energy to every dance. Trust isn’t just about following; it’s about contributing.

There you have it, friends! Your guide to becoming awesome at trusting and following in bachata. Getting good at dancing takes time. Take it slow, have fun, and soon you’ll be dancing like a pro.

Now get out there and dance! You’re just starting your bachata journey, and trust me, it’s going to be great. Who knows? You might inspire someone watching to give it a try too!