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One of the most basic differences between salsa and bachata is their speed - as you can see from this bachata video, bachata is a leisurely 120 beats per minute, and most of us can dance it all evening without getting tired, whereas in this salsa video, you can see it's faster-paced, and can be exhausting, at 150-250 beats per minute!
But that's not the only difference. Some people ask whether bachata is more sensual. The answer is yes and no. Sensual bachata was created to promote smooth body movements such as body rolls and waves, rather than becoming something more intimate between dance partners, but it can sometimes look like a more intimate dance. Bachata also comes in at least 3 flavours - Dominican (traditional), Moderna, and Sensual. At Latin Vibes we work with a mix of these, but our beginner classes are purely Dominican and Moderna.
You'll also find that because Salsa is firmly embedded in popular culture, it's easier to find in any city, and you can normally try a variety of classes and teachers before settling on one you like (or going to all of them is also an option!). Bachata is less well-known but the music is quite often played at Salsa socials, giving a bit of exposure to salseros. And some cross to Bachata and never come back!
The right answer is - try it yourself! There are plenty of salsa classes in every town and city, and bachata, while not yet catching up, is growing. You will be welcomed at any of them, and you will be given the chance to try them out without judgement or being made to feel uncomfortable.
Navigate back to our main menu to find details of classes, or drop us a question on our contact page!