Adelaide’s busiest Bachata dance school can turn you around in just 3 weeks!
Considered to be more sensual than Salsa, Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s and focusses on the connection between dance partners. It’s become a global movement that continues to expand as more and more people around the world discover its energy, sense of fun and style.
The Adelaide Bachata Academy (ABA) in Walkerville is the only local school to specialise exclusively in the dance.
Instructors Thien Le and Alice Warren founded the academy in 2021 with just 10 students. Word of mouth spun that out to 80 students within two months, and in their first three years of operation, over a thousand students have side-stepped their way through the doors.
When not running classes and private lessons in Adelaide, the competition-winning duo teach nationally and internationally, and travel globally to learn from the best and bring back the latest trends and concepts. Earlier this year they judged a Bachata competition in Japan and will be doing the same again later this year at the Australian Bachata Championships in Sydney.
Despite their high profile on the dance scene, Thien and Alice remain down to earth, personally welcoming all students, and ensuring the classes remain safe, fun and challenging. They lead by example to build a social element into each class so even singles are stepping up and having a spin at it. You don’t need a partner or any dance experience to take a class.
The 60-minute lesson moves fast but the academy is unique in scheduling an additional half hour social dance immediately after each lesson so students can stay back and practice what they’ve learned for no additional cost. The three levels of tuition on offer are spaced apart to ensure students get the practice they need.
With plenty of people for singles and couples alike to dance with, ABA prides itself on having an equal number of leaders and followers in every class. This means that no one misses out, a major selling point that often results in new terms selling out frequently. The school recommends booking early.
Also unique to ABA is the use of their ‘Bachata Blueprint’ self-grading sheets, which enables students to reflect on their skills and understanding before making the move to a higher level. Each term runs only 3 weeks, so it’s common to see advanced learners mixing with the beginners to revisit and fine-tune their footwork and techniques. This in turn helps any newcomers to learn from their peers too.
For those who do excel, performance routines and the opportunity to compete locally and interstate are also on offer.
Adelaide Bachata Academy offers beginner’s courses every Sunday night from 6pm at 98 Walkerville Terrace, Walkerville. The cost is $60 per 3-week term.
If you’re ready to dance the night away, find out more through their Facebook and Instagram pages.
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