Bachata turns are a cornerstone of partner dancing, requiring precise hand positioning, strong preparation, and smooth transitions.

The Basics

Before diving into turns, it’s crucial to start with a solid basic step:

1. Step on counts: 1, 2, 3, and tap on 4.
2. Continue with 5, 6, 7, and tap on 8.

This foundation helps establish rhythm and prepares you for more complex moves.

The Left Turn

A classic and versatile move, the left turn requires preparation:

• Begin the basic step and prepare on counts 3 and 4.
• Raise the lead’s hand to eye level, tracing a smooth "halo" around the follow’s head to maintain balance.
• Follows should maintain their frame, avoiding excessive grip or arm movement.

Step it out with precision: 5, 6, 7, and tap on 8.

The Right Turn

The right turn follows similar principles, but the lead uses their right hand to guide the follow’s left hand:

• Prepare on counts 7 and 8, ensuring the frame stays relaxed and controlled.
• Step through the turn smoothly: 1, 2, 3, and tap on 4.

The Cuddle Move

Adding a playful twist, the "cuddle" turn transitions into a close, wrapped position:

• Execute a left turn but maintain connection, wrapping the follow’s arm around their waist.
• Walk forward together: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4, and return on 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.
• Leads should keep their hands relaxed and open, ensuring a smooth connection.

Exiting the Cuddle

To exit, prepare the follow for a right turn:

• Slightly wind the lead’s hand on counts 7 and 8.
• Guide the follow into the turn: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4, and finish with the basic step.

Key Tips for Success

• Preparation is key: Always raise your hand early, allowing time for smooth transitions.
• Maintain your frame: Follows, keep your movements controlled and avoid gripping.
• Relax your hands: A light, open connection ensures fluidity and comfort.

With practice and attention to these techniques, you’ll gain confidence and control in your Bachata turns. Ready to hit the dance floor? Keep practicing, and we’ll see you there!

Looking to spice up your Bachata skills? We’ve got a simple and playful combo that’s perfect for your next social dancing adventure! Follow these steps to master the sequence and dance with confidence.

The Foundation: Basic Step

Every great dance starts with a strong foundation. Begin with the basic step to find your rhythm:

1. Step: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4.
2. Continue: 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.

This step sets the stage for all the fun to follow!

Sways and Taps

Time to add some flair! Transition into sways:

1. Sway right and tap.
2. Sway left and tap.
3. Repeat the pattern, adding a slide for extra style.

Pro tip: Keep your movements smooth and flowing for a polished look.

Box Step

Next, introduce the box step:

1. Step forward: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4.
2. Step back: 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.

This step is a staple of Bachata and adds versatility to your dancing.

Turns to Impress

Bring dynamic energy with turns:

• Left Turn:
  1. Step left: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4.
  2. Complete the turn on: 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.
• Right Turn:
  1. Step right: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4.
  2. Finish turning: 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.

Practice your turns to ensure they’re clean and controlled.

The Cuddle Move

Add a playful element with the cuddle move:

1. Begin with a basic step.
2. Transition into the cuddle by leading the follow into a close position.
3. Walk forward together with smooth steps.

Exiting the Combo

To exit the cuddle, guide your partner into a simple turn:

1. Lead into a right turn: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4.
2. Return to the basic step: 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.

Putting It All Together

Here’s the full sequence:

1. Basic step.
2. Sways with taps and slides.
3. Box step.
4. Left turn.
5. Right turn.
6. Cuddle move with a forward walk.
7. Exit and finish with a basic step.

Final Tip

Practice this combo at home until it feels natural. Once you’ve nailed it, take it to the dance floor and have fun connecting with your partner.

Happy dancing!

This tutorial is all about basic turns. Not all of them but a few you can try out at home or at a social night.

The Basic Step

Every great dance starts with a solid foundation. Here’s how to master the basic step:

1. Start by stepping on counts: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4.
2. Then continue: 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.

This is your go-to step for finding your rhythm and preparing for more complex moves.

The Left Turn

Once you're comfortable with the basic step, it’s time to add a left turn for the follow (the dancer being led):

1. Begin with the basic step: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4.
2. On the next counts, turn the follow to the left: 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.

The Right Hand Turn

For this variation, the lead uses their right hand to guide the follow’s left hand into a turn:

1. Step as usual: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4.
2. Then guide the follow into a right-hand turn: 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.

This move keeps the flow dynamic and adds visual appeal to your routine.

The Cuddle Move

The "cuddle" is a playful variation of the left turn, where the follow ends up facing the lead directly:

1. Begin with a left turn as before.
2. Transition smoothly into a close position (the cuddle) paying close attention to the movement on 7, 8.
3. Walk forward and back together. You can also try a kick variation.

Exiting the Cuddle

To exit, the lead initiates a simple right turn:

1. Use your left hand to guide the follow into a turn: 1, 2, 3, tap on 4.
2. Finish with a return to the basic step: 5, 6, 7, tap on 8.

Putting It All Together

Combine these moves into a seamless routine:

1. Start with the basic step.
2. Add the left turn.
3. Incorporate the right-hand turn.
4. Flow into the cuddle move.
5. Walk forward together and finish with the exit turn.

Practice Makes Perfect

Try these moves at home and practice until you feel confident.

Get dancing, have fun, and we’ll see you on the dance floor!

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