Bachata

    Bachata in Edinburgh

    Exploding in popularity across the city for all the right reasons

    About bachata in Edinburgh

    Bachata has exploded in popularity in Edinburgh, with multiple events and classes running every single week and an increasing amount of bachata focused workshops, one offs and festivals coming to the city. Better still, most salsa nights now run a bachata room or rotation, and there are dedicated sensual bachata classes for those wanting to go deeper into the modern style. Whether you are a practiced bachatero, or taking your first steps, let bailemo guide you through the best in bachata in Edinburgh.

    What is Bachata?

    Bachata events tonight

    Wednesday Classes & Party (ft World Cup Semi-Final)
    Today

    Latin Dance Edinburgh

    Wednesday Classes & Party (ft World Cup Semi-Final)

    7pm–12amLa Belle Angele, Edinburgh, EH1 1HJ
    £7–£14
    BachataSalsa
    All bachata events

    Bachata events & classes this week

    Events

    Wednesday Classes & Party (ft World Cup Semi-Final)
    Today

    Latin Dance Edinburgh

    Wednesday Classes & Party (ft World Cup Semi-Final)

    7pm–12amLa Belle Angele, Edinburgh, EH1 1HJ
    £7–£14
    BachataSalsa
    Salsa Thursdays
    Tomorrow

    Orlando OG

    Salsa Thursdays

    7pm–12am47 Hanover Street, EH2 2PJ
    £0–£10
    SalsaBachata
    This Friday (100% Salsa Room) + (100% Bachata Room)
    FRI 17 JUL

    Latin Dance Edinburgh

    This Friday (100% Salsa Room) + (100% Bachata Room)

    7.30pm–1amThe Pear Tree, 34 W Nicholson St, Edinburgh, EH8 9DD
    £10–£14
    SalsaBachata
    Salsa & Bachata Saturdays @ El Barrio Latino
    SAT 18 JUL

    Orlando OG

    Salsa & Bachata Saturdays @ El Barrio Latino

    7pm–12am47 Hanover Street, EH2 2PJ
    £0–£10
    SalsaBachata
    End of Carnival After Party
    SUN 19 JUL

    Alma Latina Dance Project

    End of Carnival After Party

    7pm–12.30amWash Bar, EH1 2LP
    £0
    KizombaSalsaBachata
    Sunday Salsa & Bachata Social
    SUN 19 JUL

    Latin Roots

    Sunday Salsa & Bachata Social

    8pm–10.30pm16a George Street, Shanghai Club, EH2 2PF
    £8–£10
    BachataSalsa
    Bailemo
    SUN 19 JUL

    Alma Latina Dance Project

    Free Social Until 1am

    9pm–1amWash Bar, EH1 2LP
    £0
    SalsaBachata
    Tuesday @ El Barrio Latino
    TUE 21 JUL

    Orlando OG

    Tuesday @ El Barrio Latino

    7pm–1amEl Barrio Latino, 47 Hanover Street, Edinburgh
    £0–£10
    SalsaBachata

    Classes

    Beginners Course (Stage 1)
    Tomorrow

    Bailarte

    Beginners Course (Stage 1)

    Drop in
    7pm–8.30pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £50Drop in: £17
    beginnerBachataSalsa
    Improvers Course (Stage 2)
    Tomorrow

    Bailarte

    Improvers Course (Stage 2)

    Drop in
    8.30pm–10pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £60Drop in: £17
    improverSalsaBachata
    Bailemo
    SUN 19 JUL

    Alma Latina Dance Project

    Open level Bachata

    Drop in
    6pm–7pmWash Bar, EH1 2LP£7–£12
    improverBachata
    Beginners Course (Stage 1)
    MON 20 JUL

    Bailarte

    Beginners Course (Stage 1)

    Drop in
    6.30pm–8pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £50Drop in: £17
    beginnerSalsaBachata
    Intermediate Course (Stage 3)
    TUE 21 JUL

    Bailarte

    Intermediate Course (Stage 3)

    Drop in
    7pm–8.30pmThe Crags Centre, EH8 9RYBlock: £60Drop in: £17
    intermediateSalsaBachata
    All bachata eventsAll bachata classes

    Best places for bachata in Edinburgh

    There are simply so many places to dance bachata in Edinburgh from fan favourites such as The Mash House or La Belle Angele to El Barrio. So take the guesswork out of it, and let our running pick of the most loved bachata nights in the city guide you to your next event and class. All have been chosen based on community turnout, music quality and atmosphere.

    See the best bachata nights

    New to bachata?

    Brand new to bachata? Edinburgh is a great place to start. Most teachers run drop-in beginner classes - no partner or experience needed. Within a few weeks you'll be confident enough to head to a social and dance with the wider community.

    Beginner bachata classesHow dance levels work

    Where does bailemo fit in?

    Bailemo is Edinburgh's home for finding the best bachata events, classes, organisers and locations. We pull together every class, social and party in the city so you don't have to hunt across Facebook groups, Instagram stories and posters. Whether you're looking for tonight's social or a beginner course starting next month, it's all here in one place. Not exactly sure what you're looking for? No problem, drop us a line and we are happy to point you in the right direction!

    Let's dance

    Not sure about bachata?

    Edinburgh's Latin scene has plenty of flavours - explore the other styles to find your fit:

    Organising a bachata event?

    Run a bachata class, social or party in Edinburgh? Use our extremely user friendly submission form to list it on bailemo, so the community can find it. Submissions are reviewed quickly and appear on the homepage, the events page and right here on this style page.

    Submit your event

    Bachata FAQs

    What's the difference between sensual bachata and traditional bachata?

    Traditional (Dominican) bachata is bouncy, upbeat and footwork-driven, played on guitar-led classic tracks. Sensual bachata is the modern style most Edinburgh dancers know - slower, with body waves, dips and a closer connection, often danced to bachata remixes of pop songs.

    Do I need a partner to start bachata in Edinburgh?

    No - Edinburgh bachata classes and socials rotate partners throughout the night, so solo dancers are the norm. Beginner classes are specifically designed for people turning up on their own. Although if you do have a partner, bachata is a wonderful dance to do together.

    How quickly can I learn bachata?

    Bachata has one of the gentlest learning curves of the Latin partner dances. Most people are comfortable on a social floor within 3 to 6 weeks of weekly beginner classes.

    Is bachata more popular than salsa in Edinburgh now?

    Bachata has grown enormously and many nights now run a dedicated bachata room or rotation alongside salsa. The two scenes overlap heavily, with many dancers doing both.

    What should I wear to a bachata social?

    Comfortable, breathable clothes you can move in, comfort is key!