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!
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 have to miss a lesson or two in the series?
No problem! I send a written recap each week of the main ideas covered in class, including graphics and short videos of the basic steps learned so you can practice at home.
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. (I offered this trial over the summer and both people that used it elected to stay on!)
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!”
what classes do you offer?
Currently, i offer two different weekly classes for bachata throughout the year: My Foundations of Bachata 8-Week Course and a 4-week Bachata Partnerwork Improvers Course.
Click on the links below to read more about each class and to see the dates when these classes will be offered.
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!