Bachata Classes in Bristol
FEEL THE VIBE.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY.
Bristol’s home for bachata. Learn, Dance, Socialise. Weekly classes and weekend parties for all levels, in one of the UK’s top bachata schools. No partner needed. Everyone welcome!
About Bristol Bachata
Founded in 2018 by international artist Jan Tabaka, Bristol Bachata school (featured on BBC One and BBC Four) is the heartbeat of the South West’s Latin dance scene. Having taught at top international festivals across Dubai, France, Turkey, Spain, and Greece, Jan and the team bring world-class instruction directly to Bristol.
From Zero to Hero. We build solid fundamentals with a fun, relaxed, yet highly technical approach. Whether you're an absolute beginner stepping onto the floor for the first time or an advanced dancer pushing your limits, we guide you step-by-step through Sensual, Moderna, Dominican, BachaZouk, and Influence styles.
Expect a complete dance ecosystem: friendly drop-in weekly classes, technical masterclasses, weekend parties, summer outdoor events - we have it all. Our proven methodology has empowered thousands to fall in love with dance, raising UK Bachata champions and instructors in the UK all the way to Australia.
Come for the dance, stay for the vibes and community!
Join 1000+ happy dancers
in the South West
Jan Tabaka
Founder, Head Instructor & International Teacher
Mon & Wed Classes
Split group classes so you learn at your own pace, guided by 11 passionate teachers.
Mondays & Wednesdays
Totos By The River, 125 Redcliff St, BS1 6HU
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7:30 - 9:30 PM
Split Level Classes
Beginners, Improvers, Intermediate & Advanced running simultaneously.
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9:45 - 11:15 PM
Party & Practice Social
Apply what you learned, grab a drink, socialise and dance the night away!
More Than Just Weekly Classes
- Epic Friday & Saturday Parties @ Docklands (scroll down)
- Private 1-on-1 Bachata Coaching
- Special Events: Hen Parties, Birthdays, Festivals & more
Choose Your Pass
Pay per class or get a monthly pass online. Booking in advance is highly recommended!
Single Class
1 hour of class instruction + the social party afterwards.
Full Night Pass
Get the full experience: 2 hours of classes + the social party.
- 2x 1-hour Classes
- Access to all levels
- Free Social Entry
Monthly Passes
Pay once a month and dance every week.
Monthly Pass: One Night a Week
One event a week. Choose Monday or Wednesday.
- 2 classes & party at 1 event per week: Mon or Wed
- Access to all levels
Monthly All-In Pass
Everything, all classes and parties every week: both Monday and Wednesday.
- All in classes & parties at 2 events per week: Mon & Wed
- Access to all levels
Friday & Saturday Parties
Our biggest nights out: great music, great people and a packed dance floor at Docklands.
Friday 6th November 2026
Docklands, Bristol
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Times
Friday Bachata Party
8:00 – 10:15pm: Classes
10:30pm – 1:30am: Social Party (90% Bachata + Salsa & Kizomba) with DJ Jan -
Venue
Docklands
Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Road, BS2 8UA
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Tickets
Class + Party £20 · Party only £14
Book online or pay on the door cash/card. Come solo or with friends, BYOB, no bar on site, free parking outside, all levels welcome.
Friday 20th November 2026
Docklands, Bristol
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Times
Friday Bachata Party
8:15 – 9:00pm: Complimentary class
9:00pm – 1:00am: Social Party (90% Bachata + Salsa & Kizomba) with DJ Jan -
Venue
Docklands
Docklands Community Centre, 29 Brigstocke Road, BS2 8UA
-
Tickets
£12 · Party with complimentary class
One price for the whole night, class included. Book online or pay on the door cash/card. Come solo or with friends, BYOB, no bar on site, free parking outside, all levels welcome.
Also coming up: Fri 4th Dec & Sat 19th Dec. More details and posters coming soon.
Private Bachata Classes
Personal coaching with Jan, tailored to your level and goals. For couples and small groups, please message me for prices.
1 Private Class
One hour of 1-on-1 coaching.
Block of 5 Hours
Five hours of 1-on-1 coaching. Just £60 an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first night. Tap a question to see the answer.
What is bachata, and what should I expect on my first night?
Bachata is a partner dance that began in the Dominican Republic. It's smooth, romantic and all about connection, danced to music with a steady, easy-to-follow beat. It's one of the most popular Latin dances in the world, and a great one to start with. At Bristol Bachata we teach Sensual, Moderna, Dominican and Bachazouk-influenced styles.
Here's how your night will go:
- Arrive and say hello. Come a few minutes early, and a friendly face will point you to the right group.
- Class (7:30 to 9:30 PM). Beginners start from the basics: the steps, the rhythm and how to move with a partner. Other levels run alongside at the same time.
- Party and practice social (9:45 to 11:15 PM). Put what you've learned into practice, grab a drink and enjoy the music. There's no pressure, so dance as much or as little as you like.
You don't need any experience, a partner or special clothes. Everyone was a beginner once, and our community loves helping newcomers feel at home.
Do I need a partner to join?
Not at all! Most people come on their own. In class we rotate partners, so you'll dance with lots of different people and meet the community along the way.
I've never danced before. Is this class for me?
Absolutely. We run split-level classes (Beginners, Improvers, Intermediate and Advanced) at the same time, so you learn at your own pace with a teacher guiding your level. Your first class is free if you're an absolute beginner.
When and where are the classes?
Classes run every Monday and Wednesday at Totos By The River, 125 Redcliff St, Bristol, BS1 6HU. Classes are from 7:30 to 9:30 PM, followed by the party and practice social until 11:15 PM. Our Friday and Saturday parties are held at Docklands. Check the schedule above for the next date.
How much does it cost, and how do I book?
A full night (two classes plus the social) is £14, a single class plus the social is £10, and the social only is £6. You can book in advance on our online store, which is highly recommended, where monthly passes are also available. You can also pay at the door by cash or card.
What styles of bachata do you teach?
We specialise in Sensual, Moderna, Dominican and Bachazouk-influenced bachata. Our 11 teachers focus on connection and technique, so you'll build a strong foundation whatever style you end up loving most.
Is there parking, and what should I know before I arrive?
There is free parking after 6 PM on the single yellow lines nearby, spots limited.
What should I wear, and do I need special dance shoes?
No special dance shoes needed! Wear something comfortable that you can move in. For shoes, pick something comfortable with a smooth, flexible sole that lets you pivot and glide easily. Very grippy soles can be hard on your knees and ankles when turning. Some people like to dress up a little for the social, but it's completely up to you.
Do you offer monthly passes?
Yes! If you're ready to commit, monthly passes are available on our online store. They're a great way to keep improving week after week, and you can see the current options and prices there.
Do I need to pre-book, or can I pay on the door?
You can do either. Booking in advance on our online store is highly recommended, as it guarantees your place and makes for a smoother entry. If you decide last minute, you're welcome to turn up and pay at the door by cash or card.
How do I know which level to join?
We teach different levels at the same time: Beginners, Improvers, Intermediate and Advanced. If you've never danced bachata, or only done it a handful of times, start in Beginners. If you're not sure, just ask a teacher when you arrive and we'll point you to the right group. You can always move up as you progress.
Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Ask Us a Question on WhatsApp
Dance Floor Vibes & Etiquette
Keep it fun, safe, and respectful for everyone!
Stay Fresh
Arrive clean, with deodorant and fresh breath.
Respect the Class
Listen to teachers when they're explaining. No talking over them.
Mind the Space
Respect your partner's boundaries and personal space.
Safe Hands
Keep holds safe, respectful, and never force a move.
Meet Their Level
Don't try tricky moves or "teach" on the social floor.
Watch the Floor
Avoid collisions, and look out for others around you.
OK to Say No
If you feel uncomfortable, it's totally okay to decline a dance.
We've Got Your Back
Spot something off? Tell Jan or a member of our team!
Terms & Conditions
- Each event participant agrees and is obliged to respect this Code of Conduct or may be denied entry.
- Purchased tickets are valid for the date and person named on the ticket. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you would like to change the person’s name on the ticket please contact us prior to the event.
- With each purchase your email may be added to the newsletter list which you have a right to unsubscribe from.
Privacy & Cookies
Privacy Policy
Last updated: 17 October 2026
Who we are. Bristol Bachata (run by Jan Tabaka) is responsible for your personal data.
What we collect and why. We only collect what you give us: your name, email address and phone number when you buy a ticket or pass, message us (for example on WhatsApp), or ask to join our newsletter. We use it to provide your classes and events, answer your questions, manage your booking and, if you are on our newsletter list, send you news and events. This is based on delivering the service you asked for, and for the newsletter, our legitimate interest in keeping our members informed. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Who else handles your data. Online purchases are processed by SumUp, which has its own privacy policy. WhatsApp (Meta) handles messages you send there. This website is delivered through Cloudflare and uses fonts loaded from Google Fonts, which means Google can see your IP address when you load the page. We do not sell your data.
How long we keep it. We keep booking and contact details only for as long as we need them to run our classes and events and meet our legal and accounting obligations, and keep newsletter details until you unsubscribe.
Your rights. You can ask to see, correct or delete your data, object to how we use it, or unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time by contacting us.