Bachata and Salsa dances are lovely, sensual, and unique in every way. If you are like me and trying out different Latin dance styles, you have probably been thinking about which Latin dance you should learn first, bachata or salsa. If you continue reading this article, you will find out what makes these two dance styles unique and which one you should learn first as an absolute beginner.
Should you learn Bachata or Salsa first? It would be best to learn Salsa dance first because it will allow you to be more versatile and adaptable to other dance styles, such as Bachata. Once you know salsa steps and sequences, it will be easier to learn different Latin dance styles. Also, salsa dance is more popular around the World, and you will find more Salsa social events than Bachata.
I was also unsure which Latin dance style I should learn first, but after attending a few drop-in classes, it was clear to me that Salsa would be the best option.
Bachata and Salsa are both fantastic dances and worthwhile learning. However, as a beginner, you need to determine which one you should learn first. So, here are my insights that will help you with making this decision.
Bachata Vs. Salsa
Bachata Dance
Bachata dancing originated from the Dominican Republic in 1900. In the 1980s, Bachata dance spread to the US when many people migrated from the Dominican Republic.
Bachata dance is a sensual and very romantic type of Latin dance. The primary focus is on the hip movements and lower body that adds a passion for dancing.
Bachata has four main steps that repeat, and movements go from the side to the side. It is relatively easy to learn for beginners.
Although the steps may seem easy, it takes time to perfect the body and hip movements. The beauty of this dance is how well you can move your hips.
With enough practice and dedication on your part, you would be able to dance the Bachata in no time.
Many people would agree that Bachata is easy to learn because each step takes one beat in 4/4 time. As with Salsa, Bachata counts eight beats, but there is no pause in Bachata.
The main characteristic of Bachata dance is a heavy accent on the hip movements. However, it is essential for beginners to first learn the basic side-to-side steps before focusing on proper body movements.
Bachata dancing is a very sexy dance that lets you get in touch with your romantic side and teaches you how to dance in intimate settings with another partner.
Bachata’s most challenging part is learning how to isolate different parts of your body to get those sensual body movements.
Salsa Dance
Salsa dance originates from Eastern Cuba, and by 1950 many Cuban’s and Puerto Ricans have migrated to the US, where Salsa became popular as well.
Salsa is an energetic, sensual, and fun Latin dance. I must admit, Bachata is a sexier and more romantic type of dance.
Although it is a partner dance, you don’t need to have a regular partner to dance because it is a versatile dance style.
Salsa dance is prevalent around the World, so you can find Salsa social events everywhere you go.
There are three main salsa styles: Crossbody, Cuban, and Columbian. So far, I have tried Crossbody and Cuban dance styles.
I, personally, prefer the Cuban dance style because it is more sensual and soulful.
The basic steps are easy to learn, and you will feel like you are ready to go out dancing shortly after learning those steps.
Salsa music is more complex than Bachata because of its syncopated rhythm, known as the Clave rhythm.
The dance incorporates lots of turns and dips that can look really beautiful and eye-catching.
Why Should You Learn Salsa First?
So, why should you learn Salsa first after comparing these two dances? It may seem that Bachata is an obvious choice because it looks more manageable at first glance, but it is not actually. Bachata has many steps and body movements that can be perfected if you focus on Salsa dance first.
So here are all the reasons why you should learn Salsa dance first:
- Salsa dance is more popular than Bachata
Salsa dance is, by far, more popular than Bachata. Salsa has been known to the World longer than Bachata. You will be able to find Salsa social events in your area easier than Bachata social events. I have heard of and attended countless salsa dance events in my city but haven’t heard a lot about Bachata dance events. Bachata social events are more prevalent in larger cities.
- You Can Dance Salsa Without A Partner
A huge benefit of learning Salsa before Bachata is that you can dance without a partner. I have covered this topic in great detail in the most recent article, “Can You Dance Salsa Without A Partner.”
You will not be the right dance partner if you don’t know how to dance independently. Salsa allows you to improve your individual techniques because there are many steps performed solo. On the other hand, Bachata is a partnered type of dance, and you need to depend on having a partner to dance. Basically, if your partner is not available to dance, you can’t dance either.
You can dance Salsa on your own time and at the comfort of your home without depending on somebody else how well you are doing.
- Salsa Dance Is More Energetic
Salsa is much faster than Bachata. Salsa demands quick steps, quick movements, and rapid turns. On the other hand, Bachata is danced at a much slower pace. Therefore, if you can keep up with the Salsa pace, you won’t have any issues with Bachata. If you learn Salsa first, you will build your stamina for any other Latin dance styles.
- Partner Closeness and Intimacy
Although both dances are considered partner dances, Bachata is more intimate, and you need a partner to dance the Bachata. As I mentioned earlier, you don’t need a partner for Salsa, which is a huge advantage. In salsa dancing, steps matter the most, whereas, in Bachata dancing, chemistry and intimacy matters. So, if you don’t have the right chemistry partner, you will have a hard time dancing the Bachata.
Couples are standing closer to each other while dancing the Bachata, and if you don’t feel comfortable with your partner, your body language will show that.
On the other hand, when you are dancing Salsa and don’t feel comfortable with your dance partner, you can always dance solo.
This will give you enough time to improve Salsa and find a partner that you have chemistry with, and perhaps decide to learn the Bachata together.
Final Words
Eventually, you should learn both dances. Salsa and Bachata are both club dances with different feels. However, learning Salsa dance first will be a great introduction to Bachata. Salsa dance is a bit faster than Bachata, so if you know how to catch up to the Salsa beat, Bachata will not be a problem for you.
