FTLOB's 12th Anniversary Bash
Come celebrate 12 years of Bachata in the ‘Burgh with For the Love of Bachata!!
Back in February 2013, Jessica Taylor created the Facebook page for her now well-known and well-loved company in an attempt to get her local Pittsburgh Latin dance community to love Bachata more. Before this time, Bachata was still played, but only 2-3 songs a night. Thanks to OG dancers, instructors, performers, and promoters like Catherine Griffin, Beto Ayala, Sonny Moyer, Olga Rydsik, and Loyal Martinez, Jessica’s love for Bachata had something to build on.
And 12 years later, FTLOB has turned its focus to the roots of Bachata, brought talented instructors and artists to Pittsburgh, began offering weekly classes, takes dancers to experience Bachata in its culture, and is still fulfilling its original plan: spreading the love of Bachata.
This is a 1-day bash meant to inspire and invigorate you without taking a toll on your energy stores.
✨ Date:
Saturday, March 8th, 2025
12pm-3:30pm, 9pm-1am
Guest instructors:
✨ Sebastian James/ DJ Sebas (Denver)
✨ Ciara (Virginia)
Organizer:
✨ Jessica Taylor / DJ Tay
✨ Schedule:
12:00pm-3:30pm 3 Workshops
12pm On the Spot Variations (Sebastian)
1:15 pm Body Movement (Ciara)
2:30pm How to Have More Fun with Your Turns (Sebastian)
3:30 break
9pm Partnerwork with Personality (Ciara)
10pm-1am Anniversary Party feat. DJ Sebas
✨ Party Details: 10pm-1am
Location: Arthur Murray Dance Center
136 6th St, Pittsburgh PA
Dress code: Wear what makes you feel good!
Misc: BYOB responsibly
Music mix: Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, Dembow animations
✨ Full pass: $75
✨ Walk-in Prices:
$20 per workshop
$25 bundle 9pm workshop + social
$10 for the social-only (enter after 10pm)
✨ Online Discounts:
Full-time students: Get 40% off the full pass online with code: FUNSTUDENT
As-needed: If you need a discount to be able to attend this event, email fortheloveofbachata@gmail.com and share what price you can pay, and I’ll make you a custom code to bring the price down to that.
🔥 Buy your pass now at --> www.fortheloveofbachata.com/popups
✨ Code of Conduct
All attendees, artists, and volunteers must abide by the Code of Conduct. To see this code, visit: https://www.fortheloveofbachata.com/attendees
Foundations of Bachata 8-Week Course Begins
Tuesdays April-May
FOUNDATIONS OF BACHATA
7-8:30pm (90 minute classes)
In this 8 week course, you will:
Develop a variety of basic steps
Learn the fundamental elements of Bachata music
Develop the roots of connection that allow you to both lead and follow a variety of basic steps
Please note: All dancers will learn both roles regardless of gender
Utilize weight transfer to improve leading and following
Use the elements of Bachata music to cultivate musicality in partnerwork
Apply various break steps and body movements to cultivate personal style
Practice and apply social norms of dance within partnerwork
Appreciate the Dominican roots of Bachata
These courses do NOT use pattern-based learning, as memorized patterns can prohibit creativity. You will learn the foundational elements of Bachata and will learn to create your own style of dancing using those basics, variations, and concepts of musicality.
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This class is taught by Jessica Taylor, owner of For the Love of Bachata.
She has an extensive background in educational psychology and methodology plus 15 years of professional teaching experience as a Spanish teacher. She has taught all ages and believes deeply in every person’s ability to learn with the right learning experience plus patience and support.
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Time: 7:00pm-8:30 pm
Location: Allegheny RiverTrail Park, 285 River Ave Pittsburgh PA 15215 (Off Freeport Rd in Aspinwall)
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.
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.
Foundations of Bachata 8-Week Course (week 2)
Registration required, either 4-weeks or all 8-weeks. Sorry, no drop-ins.
Free parking inside park, public restrooms
Foundations of Bachata 8-Week Course (week 3)
Registration required, either 4-weeks or all 8-weeks. Sorry, no drop-ins.
Free parking inside park, public restrooms
Foundations of Bachata 8-Week Course (week 4)
Registration required, either 4-weeks or all 8-weeks. Sorry, no drop-ins.
Free parking inside park, public restrooms
Foundations of Bachata 8-Week Course (week 5)
Registration required, either 4-weeks or all 8-weeks. Sorry, no drop-ins.
Free parking inside park, public restrooms
Foundations of Bachata 8-Week Course (week 6)
Registration required, either 4-weeks or all 8-weeks. Sorry, no drop-ins.
Free parking inside park, public restrooms
Foundations of Bachata 8-Week Course (week 7)
Registration required, either 4-weeks or all 8-weeks. Sorry, no drop-ins.
Free parking inside park, public restrooms
Foundations of Bachata 8-Week Course (week 8)
Registration required, either 4-weeks or all 8-weeks. Sorry, no drop-ins.
Free parking inside park, public restrooms
Beaches & Bachata Trip to DR
This is the ultimate experience for Bachata lovers. Heading to the homeland of Bachata will give you a greater appreciation for the culture, dance, and music, and you’ll come home noticeably changed. On this trip, you’ll take 6 Bachata lessons with local instructors and social dance every night while also balancing your study with fun (a 1-day excursion is included), rest (free time & even a yoga class are part of the program), AND you don’t have to worry about getting lost, because the schedule, airport shuttle, and connection to the community are already taken care of.
For more information on this trip, inquire with FTLOB directly.
FTLOB Summer Weekender
This is a weekender for Bachata 🇩🇴 lovers!
Featuring..
- Bachata on Mt. Washington
- 3 guest instructors
- 2 days of workshops
- 2 nights of dancing
- Dominican food vendor 🤤
- GOOD VIBES!
Pop-Up Social @ Allegheny RiverTrail Park
Good vibes all around! Join us for another beautiful night of dancing inside the lovely Welcome Center at Allegheny RiverTrail Park!
Friday, January 31st, 6:30-10pm
6:30pm mini lesson, 7-10pm social dancing + Dembow animations
Music by DJ Tay - Bachata + Merengue + Salsa + Dembow
Price: $10 walk-ins, cash, Venmo, Zelle preferred; PayPal accepted. NO credit cards.
Location: Allegheny RiverTrail Park *INSIDE* the Welcome Center - 285 River Ave. Pittsburgh PA (Aspinwall)
Attire: Wear what makes you feel good
BYOB Responsibly
This event is family friendly! Our code of conduct applies to all people who enter our socials. Everyone must sign at the door. To read the Attendee Agreement in detail ahead of time, please visit: https://www.fortheloveofbachata.com/attendees
Beaches & Bachata
Talk with someone on the FTLOB staff to see if B&B is a good experience for you.
Elements of Footwork: 4&1 Syncopations (Special Workshop)
Pre-requisite for this workshop:
8-week Bachata course with FTLOB and/or
Fundamentals Weekender and/or
private lessons in Bachata with FTLOB
Elements of Footwork: Box Variations (Special Workshop)
Pre-requisite for this workshop:
8-week Bachata course with FTLOB and/or
Fundamentals Weekender and/or
private lessons in Bachata with FTLOB