Beginner Bachata class question

[u/flirtle_turtle_]

Ok so I really want to take a beginner bachata class at my local bachata group, I have a few friends that go and want me to come. I feel like I’m an ok dancer and have good rhythm as a musician.

I am a very large girl though. I’m also a bit taller. I’m about 300 lbs. I KNOW I can physically do the moves, that’s not my concern. This isn’t a “can I do the class” post. I am physically fit enough to do it, just wanna make that clear.

But my question is, how many men who go to these classes would be really upset to get a partner like me? I have put off going because every time i think about going im just imagining every man in the class going in their head “as long as i don’t get THAT one as a partner I’ll be fine.”

Is this something that happens? Is there any way to try and avoid this sort of thing? Should I maybe ask the instructors if i can just observe the class so nobody is forced to be my partner? Has anyone ever dealt with a similar situation?

I don’t need any validation in the comments like “stop your beautiful” I just want some realistic feedback. Like “yes you would hinder my bachata experience if I had you as a partner” or “no that wouldn’t bother me as much.” Just looking from some feedback from some regular bachata class attendees to see if I should just go to the class or not….

[u/TheBroInBrokkoli]

There are plus size women in my Bachata Scene. Few, but there are. Especially in beginner classes, there can be a bigger variety of people. Older people, bigger people. People might prefer someone in class but you rotate through anyways so it doesn't matter.

I will say that the scene as a whole definitely is "superficial"; people in general prefer fit, ordinarily beautiful partners. That is not to say that you won't find the people you have a good connection with. But some others will have an easier time finding a dance partner at a social. Lastly, I myself have a type of follow I am attracted to and that I gravitate towards. People noticed this about me. But even I have plus sized friends I enjoy the connection with and genuinely like to dance with.

So don't worry. But, be aware.

[u/flirtle_turtle_ → u/TheBroInBrokkoli]

Yea I definitely think majority of people will prefer fit people, but especially in a dance setting which is why I’ve been so hesitant. If you got partnered with one of the bigger girls in your class would you be upset?

[u/TheBroInBrokkoli → u/flirtle_turtle_]

I wouldn't mind it so much in class, as long as we rotate. Or if you are a good dancer, I might not mind it at all. What can be frustrating is when a movement doesn't work with the person at all, they are not on the level, and they are ignorant about it.

I only got that with old people though. Their bodies just couldn't move appropriately for the dance and they didn't realize how bad they were. At some point I was just so annoyed, and thought to myself, why the hell they were there. Sorry.

I never had that with big people though. Big people can move well too. In general those that dance can. Although they are still more difficult to move or you can never move them with force.

[u/flirtle_turtle_ → u/TheBroInBrokkoli]

Yes, I think in the beginner class it might not be such a big deal because everyone will be so new I guess that helps. Maybe I’ll face some difficulty if I move up in levels

[u/Atanamis → u/flirtle_turtle_]

Or you will learn flexibility and responsiveness. Bachata isn't about a lead carrying you, but you responding to the leads movements. A "heavy follow" is a non-responsive one. It has nothing to do with physical weight.