Weekly Bachata Classes in Pittsburgh
Build your confidence through dancing!
Hi! I’m Jessica, the founder of FTLOB and a professional teacher over over 16 years. While I teach Spanish by day, I also love applying my professional skills to our shared hobby of social dancing.
Having intensely studied the processes of learning through several lenses (2nd language acquisition, early childhood literacy, TESL, business & computer education), you can trust that the time you spend in my classes will be leading you towards true growth.
Nope, I won’t keep you busy doing choreos & patterns in class — because I know that performance skills don’t translate to the social dance floor. If you’re ready for a new approach to learning that will empower you, you’ve come to the right place!
What are past learners saying?
“I am grateful for having the opportunity to have started Bachata lessons with you and all the other wonderful people. You have a gift of making people feel comfortable to be vulnerable and let loose. Thank you for that!”
“You taught me the importance of slowing down, connecting to your partner, and enjoying the music.”
“My biggest take away was how enjoyable it is. Not that I didn’t enjoy it before (obviously I like Bachata) but your class truly brought a joy to the dance without always being concerned about technicalities like ‘combos.’ I hope to take the class again and participate in more events!”
“Your thoughtfulness and care in trying to put together a well-rounded and engaging learning experience are so evident. I do wish that’s how I had learned Bachata from the beginning, rather than the kind of workshops that simply teach steps and combos that you’ll never use again.”
”I’ve danced Modern and Sensual Bachata for almost 5 years. It’s always been fun however I always felt like I was missing a little something. Learning the concept of foundational shapes, musicality, and body movement. I’ve studied Bachata from this lens before. The biggest difference was Jessica used her experience as an educator, social dancer, and years of taking privates and seminars. This class is as unique as Jessica is, and she makes space so all of her students can show up as their unique selves.” -
“Every time gets better!”
a good dance is made up of a few things:
quality movement
connection to partner
musicality
space for individual expression
playfulness
Notice: fast, complex, & fancy moves or footwork did not make the list!
current class offerings:
Foundations of Bachata is designed to help you:
add more skills to your Bachata dancing
learn to lead and/or follow without your partner needing to “know” it already
develop that delicious, grounded body movement you see in videos
understand Dominican culture as it pertains to Bachata
know and appreciate the rhythms of Bachata music
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Bet on Yourself This Year
Taking this course is an investment in who you want to become. By showing up each week you will be actively re-wiring your brain for movement, rhythm, musicality/creativity, and, most importantly — joy.
If you struggle with…
moving your body and “looking like a dancer,” this class will inspire you to have fun (and find patience) in reconnecting your brain and body for musical movement.
anxiety and letting go of control, know that every time you show up and try, you are also rewiring your brain for safety.
confidence, this class will help you see yourself as a capable and worthy learner who can do anything as long as they don’t give up.
impatience, this course will also encourage and challenge you to slow down and appreciate the journey.
feeling limited in by dance rules, this class will inspire you to create your own style through small, creative variations.
And if you’re hopeful of how you can learn, grow, and become your best self — this class is most definitely for you, too.
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What if i have to miss a class or two in this cycle?
No worries! There are a few things I do to help minimize getting behind when life hits you unexpectedly:
WEEKLY RECAP EMAILS - each week I will send you a brief summary of what has been learned
BASIC STEP VIDEO CLIPS - in the recap emails, I will also include a short video of the basic step for you to practice along from wherever you are
BONUS LEARNING - in several of these emails, I will include videos and more to help deepen your learning outside of our 90 minutes together.
Additional FAQs
Do I need a partner?
Nope! All dancers rotate in class to get practice leading and following different dancers.
What level dancer is this class for?
It’s open level, from first timers to experienced dancers. This class is extremely content rich and is suitable for all levels of learners. You will get what you’re ready to get each time you take it.
What if I’m not ready to commit to an 8-week class?
I’m offering a 4-week trial for this class! Sign up for the first 4 weeks using code “4WEEKTRIAL” at checkout. If, after 4 weeks, you decide you want to continue, just pay the remaining half in person.
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Details:
Dates: Tuesdays July 7th-August 25th
Time: 7:00pm-8:30 pm
Cost: $144 for 8 weeks, 90 minute lessons
Location: Allegheny RiverTrail Park, 285 River Ave Pittsburgh PA 15215 (Off Freeport Rd in Aspinwall) Class will be held in the outdoor pavilion. Free parking inside park, public restrooms.
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Not ready to commit to 8-weeks?
A 4-week trial is available. Use code “4WEEKTRIAL” at checkout to pay 50% of the cost of the course now. If you want to stay for the 2nd half, you can pay the remainder via cash, Venmo, or Zelle.
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Discounts
Full-time student discount: use code STUDENT to save 40% on any class package.
Combine the student discount + 4week trial using code 4WEEKSTUDENT.
Name your discount: If you need a discount to attend class, email me at fortheloveofbachata@gmail.com and tell me the price you can afford to pay for the class. I will make a custom code for you.