BACHATA DANCE CLASSES IN GHENT
BACHATA AT SHOONYA
Day:
Monday & Tuesday (varies by level)
Where:
Studio Ananta 1/2 (Ground Floor)
Teacher:
Alex, Lenka Badriyah, Ioanna
Levels:
Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
Language & Age:
NL/ EN | 12+
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Level 1 & 2 Schedule | Tuesday
Feb: 10, 24
Mar: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Apr: 21, 28
May: 5, 12, 19, 26
Jun: 2, 9
Level 3 Schedule | Monday
Feb: 9, 23
Mar: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Apr: 20, 27
May: 4, 11, 18, 25
Jun: 1, 8
Note: No class Feb 16–22 (Krokusvakantie) or Apr 6–19 (Paasvakantie).
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Details for our Fall/Winter semester are currently being finalized. Please check back in May for the full schedule and pricing.
Our Bachata Dance Program
Bachata
Bachata is a popular partner dance originating from the Dominican Republic and embraced worldwide. It is a versatile dance style with no strict rules. Generally, Bachata can vary between fast-paced dances with loose hand connection and romantic dances with closer body contact.
The dance is performed in a four-beat rhythm, with the basic step consisting of a side step count (1), bringing the other foot together (count 2), another side step (count 3), and concluding with a tap (count 4). This sequence is then repeated in the opposite direction. Bachata can be danced in both the classic close position, with the right hand on the partner's back, and the open position, where partners hold hands.
Important Registration & Partner Info
Partner Registration: Please note that for all our partner dance classes, registration with a dance partner is required.
Need a partner? Are you looking for a dance partner to join us? Join the Shoonya Dance Forum and connect with our vibrant dance community!
Which level is right for you? If you have prior experience in Bachata, we suggest beginning with our Level 2 class. Please speak with our instructors before joining Bachata Level 3 to verify your skill level.
Salsa/Bachata Practice Evening:
Join us every 2nd Friday of the month (excluding holiday weeks) for a lively practice evening from 20:00 to 01:00. Check our calendar for the latest updates!
What to wear & bring:
Please wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows you to move freely. For footwear, indoor dance shoes with suede or smooth leather soles, or comfortable socks, are recommended to protect your knees during turns. No street shoes of any kind are permitted in the studios. Don't forget to bring a water bottle and a small towel!
Select Your Level & Register
Bachata - Level 1
When: Tuesdays, 19:00 - 20:00
(15 sessions)Where: Studio Ananta 2
Price: €186
12% Discount for students (under 25 years)
80% Social Discount with UiTPAS
Bachata - Level 2
When: Tuesdays, 20:00 - 21:00
(15 sessions)Where: Studio Ananta 1
Price: €186
12% Discount for students (under 25 years)
80% Social Discount with UiTPAS
Bachata - Level 3
When: Mondays, 21:00 - 22:00
(15 sessions)Where: Studio Ananta 2
Price: €186
12% Discount for students (under 25 years)
80% Social Discount with UiTPAS
ALEX
Alex, from Bucharest in Romania; started dancing ballroom & other latin dances in 1993 and over the years has achieved numerous awards, both national and international in his career as a competition dancer and as a teacher. As a dancer he was part of the Romanian National Team in ballroom and latin, and a finalist and semi-finalist at the Romanian National Championships and Cups. As a dancer his biggest achievement is wining the European and World Champion title in Rueda de Casino in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 he became the Vice World Champion in Salsa in the competitions organised by the International Dance Organisation (IDO).
His teaching career both for social and competition dancing started in 2005. The couples who trained under Alex, became World and European Champions in Salsa, Bachata and Latino Show. For 3 years Alex lived in Turkey, and his students represented Turkey in the World Championships organised by the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) and became national champions.
Alex has a dance experience of over 30 years and a teaching experience of over 10 years. Even though he teaches Bachata, his favorite dance is still the Tango.
Alex loves the expression of passion and other feelings that you can express through dance and his favorite quote about dance has to be: “Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, except backwards and in high heels”.
BADRIYAH
Badriyah is a professional Raqs Sharqi dancer (bellydancer), devoted mainly to Egyptian classical and folkloric styles, modern fusion and the Golden Age of belly dance. Badriyah has won several important awards - she was awarded as silver Belly Dancer of the Universe 2012 (California, USA), Vice Miss Bellydancer of Europe 2011 (Germany) and bronze Bellydancer of the Universe 2011 (California, USA).
The biggest achievement of her dance career is performing for 6 years with Bellydance Evolution, led by the famous Jillina. She has performed in Japan, Hong Kong, USA, Taiwan, Australia, Morocco, Greece and other countries.
Her biggest passion is the history of Raqs Sharqi. She is a collector of vintage items depicting Egyptian dancers, and she is the organizer of Kan Zaman - The Golden Era Music & Dance Festival. She runs an online Raqs Sharqi Museum, and she plans to turn it into a physical museum based in Ghent.
Personally, the most wonderful thing for her is to see her students grow and fall in love with dance, no matter which forms the dance has.
IOANNA
Ioanna is qualified in international latin and ballroom dances by authorised professional dance academies in Greece. Besides, she has attended ballet and contemporary dance classes for 9 years. During her dance training years, she participated in national and international performances and competitions. She has experience as a dance instructor of latin and ballroom classes both in Greece and in Belgium
Perfect Pairings
Master the Isolations: Pair this class with Badriyah's Raqs Sharqi / Belly Dance to perfect your body rolls, fluid hip movements, and styling.
Expand your Partner Dancing: Love the connection of couple dances? Try our Cuban Salsa, Argentine Tango, or Lindy Hop classes to become a truly versatile social dancer!
Remember: Students taking multiple weekly classes automatically receive a discount at checkout!
