Bachata
Body Wave — Forward
Also known as: Wave, onda
The signature ripple, the safe direction. A top-down forward ripple through the body, led safely through the frame.
Coach's notes — the how & why
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.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Frame
- Style
Chains into
After this, you can flow into…
Learn these first
One way to flow
Go deeper with your coach
Own Body Wave — Forward, then make it yours
This page is free, always. Your online coach goes further on every move you own — styling that makes it look like you, variations to keep it fresh, and how to hit it on the music.
- Styling
- Variations
- Musicality