Bachata
Body Wave — Forward
BachataBeginnersensual-bodyworkSensualconnector
The signature ripple, the safe direction. A top-down forward ripple through the body, led safely through the frame.
Also known as: Wave, onda
This move builds: Comfort …on the always-on four — Connection, Frame, Comfort, Posture.
- Entry
- closed embrace
- Exit
- closed embrace
- Tempo
- slow
- Musical use
- break
- Connector
- Yes — connects closed embrace → closed embrace vocabulary
- Level
- Beginner
- Cluster
- sensual-bodywork
- Style
- Sensual
What This Move Is
A signature sensual move: a sequential ripple through the body — chest forward, then core, then hips, knees softening to absorb — led through the frame so the follow's body reads the top-down wave. The forward direction is the safe one; do not tack a backward bend onto the recovery.
Key Points
- Lead: Lead the wave through the connected hands and arms so the ripple reads chest-core-hips, with soft knees. Forward wave is safe — never add a backward cambré onto the recovery.
- Follow: Move sequentially — chest, core, hips — knees softening; one part after another, not all at once.
- Timing: One wave unfolds over 2-4 counts, commonly 1-2-3-4.
- Common mistake: Rushing so the sequence collapses into a single lurch, or holding the breath and going stiff.
Style Notes
Can flow into or out of a position change. The cornerstone of the sensual layering axis and a safe first wave for any partner.
Chains into
After this, you can flow into…