Bachata
Candé Footwork
Also known as: Candé (named for Candelario, Joan Soriano's father)
A named shine from the source. A specific traditional Dominican footwork pattern woven into the flow.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A specific named footwork pattern from the traditional Dominican repertoire, documented through the Soriano family. It is woven flexibly into the dance as a syncopated shine rather than performed as fixed choreography.
Key Points
- Lead: Either partner can initiate it within the music; it is subtle styling, not a partner lead.
- Follow: You can lead this yourself as a moment of footwork expression.
- Timing: A syncopated pattern fit into the 4-count, resolving on the reset.
- Common mistake: Treating it as a rigid routine rather than a flexible, music-responsive pattern.
Style Notes
Carries real Dominican heritage. Teach it as a feel and a flavour to improvise with, not a memorised sequence.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Intermediate
- Frame
- Style
Chains into
After this, you can flow into…
Learn these first
One way to flow
Go deeper with your coach
Own Candé Footwork, 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