FEEL THE VIBE.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY.
Bristol’s home for bachata. Learn, Dance, Socialise. Join one of the biggest, most established, complete and friendliest bachata communities in the UK. No partner needed. Everyone welcome!
About Bristol Bachata
Founded over 8 years ago by an international dance teacher Jan Tabaka, Bristol Bachata has grown into the heartbeat of the South West's latin dance scene. Featured on BBC One and BBC Four, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier dance education in an environment that is fun, relaxed and feels like home.
We cover comprehensive and in depth training of Sensual Bachata, Moderna, Dominican, Bachazouk & Influence. But more than just steps, we teach connection, playfulness, creativity and safety on social floor.
Our community is built on a foundation of inclusivity. Whether you're an absolute beginner taking your very first steps or an advanced dancer looking to refine your technique, our 11 passionate teachers are here to guide you. 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
Weekly Classes & Parties
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!
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. Buy online, or message us on WhatsApp to set up a regular standing order.
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
Private 1-on-1 Lessons
Personal coaching with Jan, tailored to your level and goals. Book online or message me on WhatsApp.
Block of 5 Hours
Five hours of 1-on-1 coaching. Just £60 an hour.
Friday & Saturday Parties
Our biggest nights out: great music, great people and a packed dance floor at Docklands.
Friday & Saturday Parties
Docklands, Bristol
Friday 16th October 2026
Friday 6th & 20th Nov
Fri 4th Dec & Sat 19th Dec
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Fri 16 Oct
Friday Bachata Party
9:00pm – 1:00am: Social Party (90% Bachata + Salsa & Kizomba)
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Venue
Docklands
Docklands Community Centre, BS28UA
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Tickets
Book online or on the door cash/card
£12. Tickets available online & on the door. No partner needed, all levels welcome!
Friday or Saturday Parties
- Epic parties @ Docklands
- No partner required, all levels welcome
- More dates and posters coming soon. Confirmed dates Fri 6 & 20 Nov, 4 Dec and Say 19 Dec
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?
I've never danced before. Is this class for me?
When and where are the classes?
How much does it cost, and how do I book?
What styles of bachata do you teach?
Is there parking, and what should I know before I arrive?
What should I wear, and do I need special dance shoes?
Do you offer monthly passes?
Do I need to pre-book, or can I pay on the door?
How do I know which level to join?
Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Ask a Question
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 myself 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 Bristol Bachata 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: 15 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 and code libraries loaded from Google Fonts, Tailwind and Font Awesome, which means those providers 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.