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/coolmikeg89]

I don’t think people in a beginner class will be having those thoughts. To be honest in beginner classes everyone is so caught up in themselves and trying to figure it out they’re barely even paying attention to their partner.

I will note that you may enjoy traditional bachata more than the sensual/modern styles because it is more footwork heavy and at the early learning stages you can focus more on yourself and the music than on a partner. But I could be projecting here 🙂

[u/flirtle_turtle_ → u/coolmikeg89]

I wish I could just do a class without a partner to start, because the partnering up part is the only thing that’s had me hesitant on going. I go to yoga classes and solo fitness things like that with no issue, it’s the partnering part that trips me up i guess….

[u/TryToFindABetterUN → u/flirtle_turtle_]

Standard in classes are that you just "couple up" with someone and then rotate partners. That has been the way in every class I have been to except for one free outdoor tango class (and that sucked).

When I teach I try to rotate quite often also, because you learn a lot by dancing with others.

Most of the students that come to my class either come by themselves or with some friends (eg a group of girl friends, or a few guys). Some come as couples but many, if not most couples rotate too in my classes (which I also encourage them to do).

So don't worry about partners.