Bachata
The Candle / Sentadilla
Also known as: Candle, sentadilla (squat), vela — flag: contested/regional naming
Sink and rise, spine safe. A controlled knee-bend descent and rise that protects the spine.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A slow vertical sink-and-rise led through a stable frame, both partners staying over their own base. Crucially it is a knee-bend descent, keeping the spine safe — contrast it with a back-loading bend.
Key Points
- Lead: Lead through a stable frame, controlling the descent and rise; both partners stay over their own base — it is a knee bend, not a spine load.
- Follow: Controlled squat/descent with leg strength, maintain posture, rise with control.
- Timing: Sink over 1-4, rise over 5-8, or matched to a phrase.
- Common mistake: Collapsing into the lead or losing your own base; confusing it with a back bend.
Style Notes
Naming flag: 'sentadilla' literally means squat and usage varies by school. A safer dramatic moment than the bends because the load is in the legs, not the spine.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Advanced
- Type
- Frame
- Style
Chains into
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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.
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