Bachata
Forward-and-Back Basic
Also known as: Paso adelante-atrás
Open the door, change the distance. The front-to-back basic that opens the embrace and sets up turns.
Coach's notes — the how & why
What This Move Is
A rock forward and back instead of side to side, with the same three-steps-plus-tap structure. In place it is a base pattern; travelled, it walks the couple down the line of dance. Crucially it opens the frame, making it the natural bridge from the closed home into open hand-hold work.
Key Points
- Lead: Rock forward on 1 through the chest and frame; to open, let the back step grow so the embrace breathes into a two-hand hold.
- Follow: Step back as the lead steps forward, matching weight; keep the frame from collapsing on the forward rock.
- Timing: Forward 1-2-3, tap 4; back 5-6-7, tap 8.
- Common mistake: Collapsing the frame on the forward step or over-travelling so the couple drifts off their slot.
Style Notes
A key CONNECTOR: it is how you leave the closed embrace for the open-hands cluster without a jarring transition.
Quick notes, not instruction — always learn moves in person with a qualified teacher.
- Musical use
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Frame
- Style
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