A Message from Our President Tim Cannell

Bachata music is different in that it is characterized by a special set of instruments playing the unique Bachata rhythm. The sound of these instruments, and the special rhythm, makes Bachata music immediately recognizable; it can be nothing else.

The Bachata dance invites you into this rhythm with its sultry moves and close hold. The basic movement is a curvy, swaying side-to-side hip movement evocative of the romance and pathos of the Caribbean isle from which it comes.

To teach this special dance with its unique rhythm we have invited a competitive Bachata champion and experienced teacher, Ali Ahearn.

Ms. Ahearn grew up in the Finger Lakes region of N.Y. State and began dance lessons there at age 3 focusing on ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance. With yearly dance recitals and then high school theater productions she became hooked on the creative aspects of dance and decided to pursue dance as a career.

Ms. Ahearn earned a BFA in Dance at SUNY College in Fredonia and then danced for some dance companies and cruise lines on the east coast. She eventually settled in Raleigh with an Arthur Murray studio where she learned the basics of social dance. Now with her own studio, Rhythm and Shine, she’s grown to love sharing her love of dance with her students.

Come for the lesson on Saturday, June 14th, when Ali will share her years of experience teaching social dancers. Then stay for the 2+ hours of General Dancing with music for all the ballroom and social dances and an extra dose of Bachata songs.