Student Spotlight:

Juan Perez

Bachata Student

Juan is a dedicated student at Movers and Shakers Dance Academy whose love for bachata music inspired him to join the program. Through classes and social events, he’s built connections with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Juan values the sense of community at the academy and appreciates how dancing has boosted his confidence.

Juan shares more about his dance journey through the following interview questions.

1. How did specific events or people influence your decision to start learning bachata?

I loved the music so I joined several bachata courses and it led me to better outings and fun friendships with people from different up bringing's, cultures and personalities.

2. What strategies do you use to remember the steps and techniques taught in class?

Slow repetition till I was ready to follow an actual song.

3. Can you describe a time when a bachata class at the academy felt like a bonded community or family to you? What contributed to that feeling?

In multiple occasions, many dancers will have their own event and invite other dancers. Making you feel part of a family. It happens quite often.

4. Do you prefer dancing with the same partner all night or switching partners frequently? Why?

I prefer to dance with one person all night instead of multiple people a night. Dancing is a form of ritual so I would prefer to share energy with one person at a time.

5. How do you feel the bachata lessons at Movers and Shakers have helped you grow as a dancer and as a person?

Even though I have a long way to go, it's helped me with my confidence in a public spaces. And with these classes, this confidence of mine will continue to growing.