To those WHO dance bachata, what part of learning this dance was the most difficult for you?

[Insecure2]

Recently, I have started to learn bachata and I have to admit I have problems with moving some body parts, for instance the chest without moving the rest of the body. I think it's called isolation. Did anyone have a similar problem? How did you cope with IT?

[RavVid]

I have done a fair bit of latin but never bachata. Looks a nice dance with snake like movement.

For what it is worth tension in the abdomen is common across dances and body work like plates & yoga. As adults we get used to slouching and breathing badly. it should be from the belly.

i'm just guessing that might be where your problem is. i have cinched up my belt to remind me to keep an upright posture outside of dancing and have known girls to tie string around their waist for the same thing.

You might consider doing some pilates bridges cause that does turn on those core muscles. I'm pretty sure where your isolation would come from and it would help you to do something related with out the pressure of dancing.

Generally it takes a girl 6 months to learn partner dancing and they really bloom when the abdo's turn on. Be patient with yourself. Good choice to have made!

[Insecure2]

Thank you. I regały appreciate the advice.

[RavVid]

No problem. Hope it helps. One of the good things about partner dancing is guys and gals necessarily have to be nice to each other. Quite retro. Enjoy.

[Massageman]

Yes, it is called isolation- or more specifically- "muscular isolation". We had to learn the concept and ways to induce or suppress it icw providing Massage Therapy. There are exercises you can do such as simply laying down and contracting your toes without moving your leg: contracting your hand without moving your arm; tenseingyour belly without tightening your hips, etc.

[Insecure2]

Oh, I see. How long should I do that for?

[Massageman]

The first few times, it IS going to feel really strange- you will be fighting to gain control of the areas you are isolating- this is expected and normal. Once your body is able to "find and isolate" an area, just hold it for a few seconds in the beginning. Maybe try it 1-2 times a day to start. You need to build the ability to isolate areas- you are training your muscles just as Liberace had to train his fingers to play the piano. (Mimes and belly dancers are very good at muscular isolation). You can gradually build your way up to 20-30 seconds per rep, maybe 8-10 reps, 3x a day. Expect to feel a few aches because you will be calling on muscles to make movements they really haven't been making in a certain previously. Specifically- The bachata will require extensive hip movement and isolation. You will need to train your lower back, too (lay on a floor and touch to the small of your back to the floor), hips, upper legs (relative to both the low back and lower legs) at the very least. Once you have the ability to isolate your movements and able to hold/release each movement at will with no hesitation, then you can start adding the rhythm of the dance. FWIW- I attended a "relaxation workshop" decades ago, and we had to- separately- tense each body area- foot, lower leg, upper leg, etc. and it was hard, so don't give up. You can't learn this overnight! I wish you well. If you get to a point where it is painful, stop, and rest for a few days. If pain recurs, get an MD OK before going any further.

[Insecure2]

Ok. That's really helpful. Thank you very much for the tips😉

[Massageman]

No problem. Ease into it and if in doubt, stop.

[msmissydc]

I have tried different latin styles dances but non for a longer time. Bachata was 1,2,3 hip, to 8 (hip) right? 🙈 Sorry can't even remember that.
I Really Want To do more partner Dance, especially latin. 😭

[Insecure2]

Yes, there was this 1,2,3 hip options.

[RavVid]

Just about every latin dance subsitutes a hip movement for a step. Just varies as to whether it is on 1 or 2 or 3 or 4.

[RavVid]

Well make time to go dancing! In my locale there are venues that run dance lessons so you don't to have a partner.

I like that it is the most social of environments. if I ask a girl at a club to dance I am hitting on her but in a partner dancing venue I am just asking if she would like to dance. Very different dynamics.

Enjoy.

[FreyaRed]

Psychology armchair is yellow and the sky is blue, I'm bipolar and I am too.

[Anonymous]

yeah lots of people having trouble being able to isolate movements, while i have trouble NOT getting a boner 😂

[Insecure2]

Well MEN probably have that sort of problem, too.

[D_Bone_Steak]

Never heard of it and never gave a shit. What are you Latin or something? I just fuck, dancing is for fags.

[Shihab_91]

I don't have experience, but can i dance with you?

[Insecure2]

Yes, of córce. I don't really mind.