• Closed and Open hold connections
• Basic step
• Box step
• Right and Left turns
• Cuddle hold
• Baseline step
• Know Bachata basic Rhythm
• Feel comfortable to dance a full song with a mix of the basic moves / elements
• Keep general frame
• Need to know the different hand connections and be able to switch between them (Palm to palm, hooks)
• Need to do proper preparations
• Need to be gentle and not grabby
• Follows not backleading
• Box Variations (Bonao, Diagonal, Bolero)
• Opposition Hips & Hip Swings in progress
• Basic Shadow position
• Footwork Fundamentals (eg. Tiki Ta, Quick step taps, In and Out, Cha Cha)
• Turn Variations (simple Misdirect, Delayed turn, Outside turn)
• Hesitation and Rock steps
• Tempo changes (Slowing down steps or doing Quicker steps)
• Consistently keep the Bachata Rhythm during the dance
• Matching energy of music (eg. If it's slow dance slow, if it's fast dance fast)
• Ability to connect movements and elements seamlessly without too many basics.
• Need to have enough vocabulary to combine elements in social dancing
• More of a solid connected frame - filling the frame
• Strong Posture (Shoulders down, Use of core)
• Leads - Good preparations and transitions between sensual movements
• Follows - Not rushing movements and waiting for the lead's direction
• Being more comfortable in closed hold connection
• Sensual Basic
• More of a solid connection in Shadow position
• Circular movements (Hip circles and Chest circles / Pinza with weight transfers)
• Waves (Side waves and forward back waves)
• Dips (Forward, Back, Intro to Cambre)
• Proper Basic Head movements
• Be able to get the hits (stop when the music stops)
• Know where the Mambo section is and don't do Sensual during Mambo
• Understanding of body movement (Isolations, completion of circles)
• Resets and Pendulums
• Adding styling to your dancing and dancing in between movements
• Solid Bachata basics throughout your dance (Opposition hips, Swing hips, Grounded steps etc.)
• More of a solid frame (staying connected in different holds)
• Proper Tension (Push / Pull connections) in Partnerwork
• Strong Posture (Shoulders down, Use of core)
• Leads - Good preparations and transitions between movements. Lead with clear and precise signals without excessive force.
• Follows - Follow with responsiveness, avoiding anticipation / backleading.
• Solid Basic Hip Movements (Opposition hips, Swing hips, Sensual basic/Ochos)
• Circular movements (Hip circles and Chest circles / Pinza with weight transfers)
• Sensual Foundations (Waves, Dips, Basic Head movements)
• Comfortable with more Intermediate Footwork elements (eg. different syncopations, patin variations, Bonao variations, Madrid)
• Comfortable with more Intermediate Turn Patterns and Arm Tricks
• Be able to get the hits (stop when the music stops)
• Be able to play with the different Rhythms / Instruments within a song
• Understanding 1 and 5, and being able to smoothly switch when the music phrasing switches
• Ability to maintain rhythm without relying on partner for timing
• Understanding of body movement (Isolations, completion of circles)
• Resets and Pendulums
• Adding styling to your dancing and dancing in between movements
• Solid Bachata basics throughout your dance (Opposition hips, Swing hips, Grounded steps etc.)
• Solid understanding of axis, weight transfers and managing your own balance
• Able to combine different elements together (eg. Turn variations with head movements; Incorporate footwork within Partnerwork)