Waltz Week and Bachata recap this week

Name: Learn To Dance
Price range: $$

9th August 2026

A picture of two people in a ballroom hold enjoying a dance class. Overlaid the text "AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3" above "WATLZ WEEK" and "PLUS BACHATA RECAP"

We hope those that attended our new-look Summer Social on Friday had a great time, we’ll be sending out a form for feedback in the next few days.

Don’t forget you’ve only got a few weeks to sign up for our Bridgend dance break coming up in September.

In classes this week we’ll be recapping the Bachata, and looking at Waltz.

⭐ Antony & Emma’s tip of the week
Make sure you allow just as much time to the closing of the feet, as you do to the other steps. The tendency is for people to rush the close on the 3rd step which leads to you not having enough time to prepare for the next step.

What we’ve been dancing

Bachata
- Beginner – the Basic chassse, Rotating the basic, the Underarm Turn to Right
- Improver – the Underarm Turn to Left, using that at the end of the rotation, combining both turns
- Improver 2 – the follower’s “figure 4” Arm Wrap
- Improver 3 – a sneak peek of the “Ria Bachata” sequence dance, Reverse Basic
- Intermediate 1 – Wrap, Rolling off the Arm, Changing Places chasses
- Intermediate 2 – the follower’s “figure 4” Arm Wrap, repeating on the other side, the Rebound
- Advanced – Combinations
- Over 50s – the follower’s “figure 4” arm wrap
Beginner Waltz Course – Natural Turn
Waltz Course – Wing, [bonus step] 6 count underarm turn
Foxtrot Course – more work on Change of Direction

What’s on the schedule this week

Around The Studio

Room full of dancers preparing to start dancing in a ballroom hold

Foxtrot Course Extension

Our Foxtrot course extends from Wednesday 19th August

The extension starts from this Monday, 3rd August, and is available to book now.

Book Now

Inter-school Competitions

We are gathering details of eligibility requirements for participating in inter-school competitions.

There is a competition coming up on Sunday 11th October at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre near Reading. Tickets will be available to purchase that will allow you to attend to spectate and support Learn To Dance students, or even compete yourself (subject to acquiring/working towards the appropriate exam levels).

We are just awaiting clarification on a number of questions we have asked the NATD, and then we will be able to confirm how you can go about competing if you are interested in that experience of Ballroom dancing. More details to follow.

Matthew & Ellie competing at their first London Area qualifier for the 2026 Medallist of the Year competition

Souvenir Programmes Available

For those that weren’t able to attend our 20th Anniversary Gala, or maybe want additional copies of the complimentary programme, we have copies at the studio that are available to purchase for £5 per programme.

Just ask a staff member if you’d like to purchase a copy.

(also we are currently putting together a gallery from the evening as the photographer’s photos have now come in, so look out for that soon)

Upcoming Events

Dancers on our 2024 Bournemouth Dance Weekend, in a guys and molls theme

Bridgend Dance Weekend – Friday 25th-27th September

Our Bridgend Dance Break (formerly Bournemouth) is looking at Foxtrot & Samba this year, with a “Golden Age of Hollywood” theme to the Saturday night.

Places start from £265pp and bookings close on 25th August. We’re already over 45% booked and only have 3 solo rooms remaining.

Book now

If you have any questions about anything coming up, please just ask.