Find your level.
Track your progress.

Our structured curriculum takes you from your very first step all the way to advanced social dancing. Each level builds on the last – at your own pace.

Your Journey - 9 Levels

  • How level progression works
  • Automatic progression: you stay with the same group and instructor as the level increases. No action needed on your part.
  • No manual switching: if you start in Beginner 1, you don't need to sign up for a higher level later. Your class moves up with you.
  • Yearly goals: a student starting in September typically reaches end of Improvers or early Intermediate by the end of the learning year, depending on the group's collective pace.

BEGINNER

1

Beginner 1

Starting from zero

Your very first steps into bachata. We cover the basic rhythm, weight transfer, and how to connect with a partner — all in a fun and welcoming environment.

  • No experience needed
2

Beginner 2

Building foundations

You know the basics — now we deepen your understanding of frame, leading and following, and add your first turns and partner figures.

  • Approx. 2-3 months of experience required
3

Beginner 3

Completing the basics

The final beginner level. We consolidate everything — timing, connection, essential figures — so you feel confident on any social dance floor.

  • Approx. 4-5 months of experience required

Improver

4

Improver 1

Refining your dance

The bridge between beginner and intermediate. We work on quality of movement, musicality, and cleaner technique across all the basics you’ve learned.

  • Approx. 6-8 months of experience required
5

Improver 2

Finding your style

Style starts here. We introduce more complex figures, body movement, and begin developing your personal expression on the dance floor.

  • Approx. 9-10 months of experience required

Intermediate

6

Intermediate 1

Dancing with intention

Musicality and connection deepen significantly. You start distinguishing bachata rhythms, using tension and release consciously, and adapting your dance to the music.

  • Approx. 11-12 months of experience required
7

Intermediate 2

Expanding your vocabulary

Complex figures, improvisation, and creative variations. You develop a personal style while maintaining precise connection and musicality.

  • Approx. 13-14 months of experience required

Advanced

8

Inter-advanced

Near mastery

You can dance with anyone at any level. Focus shifts to subtle communication, advanced lead & follow, and making every dance feel unique and musical.

  • Approx. 18-24 months of experience required
9

Advanced

Full expression

The highest level. Complete body control, creative improvisation, deep musicality, and the ability to highlight and support your partner at all times.

  • Approx. 2+ years of experience required

Beginner → Intermediate

What you need to master before moving up

Beginner → Intermediate

Timing & Musicality

  • Know the basic song structure (intro, bachata, mambo)
  • Recognise the downbeat (count 1) most of the time
  • Understand and mark a break in a simple way
  • Stay consistently on rhythm throughout a song

Connection & leading

  • Understand and apply the principles of frame
  • Know connection points in each dance position
  • Lead through partner connection and hands
  • Lead through intention, without using force
  • Understand tension and release in a simple way

Technique & body

  • Maintain correct posture with soft knees
  • Execute clean and controlled weight transfers
  • Know inside turns, counter turns, and pivot turns
  • Introduction to sensual bachata, body waves, bolero
  • Basic shoulder, hip, and torso isolations

Figures & social

  • Know all essential beginner figures (wrap, enroulé, shadow, madrid, etc.)
  • Connect figures smoothly and navigate the floor
  • Adapt to your partner's level
  • Open, relaxed, and respectful attitude in social dancing

Timing & Musicality

  • Recognize and distinguish rhythms (Derecho, Majao, Mambo)
  • Consistently start correctly on count 1
  • Identify and intentionally mark different types of breaks
  • Adapt dancing to musical variations (accents, silences)
  • Stay perfectly on rhythm throughout an entire song

Connection & leading

  • Adjust connection according to distance, figure, and style
  • Lead and follow with precision, lightness, and clarity
  • Use tension and release consciously and fluidly
  • Use different lead qualities (fluid, accented, suspended)
  • Apply advanced lead & follow (listening and proposing)

Technique & body

  • Maintain correct posture with soft knees
  • Master weight transfers and grounding
  • Execute turns with axis, speed, and control
  • Use precise isolations integrated into movement
  • Coordinate body, arms, and gaze fluidly

Figures & social

  • Develop and improvise variations of all basic figures
  • Connect figures with fluidity and creative intention
  • Adapt figures to the space and the partner's level
  • Highlight and support your partner during the dance
  • Express individual style while maintaining a social connection

Common questions about levels

How long does each level take?

There's no fixed timeline — progression depends on your group's collective pace, attendance, and the learning year. As a general guide, a student starting in September typically reaches the end of Improvers or early Intermediate by the end of the learning year. The group evolves together, so you progress naturally without needing to do anything.

Who decides when I'm ready to move up?

Your instructor does — based on the group's overall progress, not individual assessment. Because all students in a class move up together, there's no test or evaluation. Your instructor monitors the group's development throughout the year and advances the level when the majority are ready.

Can I join a level that's already started?

Yes, in most cases. If a group has recently started a new level, joining mid-way is usually fine. Contact us before signing up and we'll let you know whether the timing works for your level and the current group — we'll always find the best option for you.

What if I have some experience from another school?

We recommend starting with a free trial so your instructor can assess where you are in person. Experience from another school doesn't always map directly to our level system — and that's fine. A trial class is the best way to find the right fit without any pressure or commitment.
Free Trial
Free Trial