Class Levels
Find Your Level — Bachata Classes in Perth
At Refinery Dance in West Perth, we run structured Bachata classes for every level — from complete beginners through to intermediate dancers. Every class has a clear entry point so you always know exactly where you belong and what comes next.
Not sure which level is right for you? Read the descriptions below — each one tells you exactly who it's for.
Beginners Bachata — Sundays 2:00–3:00pm
No dance experience? No problem. This is where it starts.
This class is for you if:
- You have no dance experience at all
- You know other styles but not Bachata
- You've picked up a few moves socially but don't really understand how or why things work
- You want to learn a new role (lead or follow)
- You want to tidy up your basics from scratch
We introduce you to Bachata's traditional roots and Moderna steps — the essential foundation for anyone dancing this style. You'll learn how things work, not just what to do, which means your dancing improves faster and sticks.
No partner needed. We rotate partners throughout class so you get to dance with everyone and build confidence naturally.
📍 West Perth | 📅 Sundays | ⏱ 2:00–3:00pm | 💃 Complete Beginner
Bachata Sensual Foundations — Sundays 3:00–4:00pm
You've done the basics. Now let's go deeper.
This class is for you if:
- You've completed a Beginners Bachata series and are ready for your next challenge
- You've done Bachata classes elsewhere and want to start learning Bachata Sensual specifically
- Terms like frame, boleo, isolation, or weight shift are unfamiliar to you
- You know lots of combos but aren't sure what to do when the music slows down
Bachata Sensual is a contemporary style that blends traditional Bachata with elements of body movement, isolation, and connection. This class is slower paced with real attention to detail — we want you to understand how to move your body so your dancing isn't limited to the combinations you've been taught.
📍 West Perth | 📅 Sundays | ⏱ 3:00–4:00pm | 💃 Post-Beginner
Bachata Sensual Pre-Intermediate — Thursdays 7:00–8:00pm
You've got the foundation. Now check it holds.
This class requires you to already be able to:
- Maintain correct footwork throughout a full dance
- Re-engage your frame when it breaks
- Isolate your chest and hips independently
- Dance without relying on your partner to carry you through
If you can confidently say yes to all of the above, you're ready for this class. We move faster here, building on real technique rather than revisiting basics from scratch.
Tip: This class runs directly before Intermediate on Thursday nights and is mandatory for anyone wanting to attend the Intermediate class.
📍 West Perth | 📅 Thursdays | ⏱ 7:00–8:00pm | 💃 Pre-Intermediate
Bachata Sensual Intermediate — Thursdays 8:00–9:00pm
Connection, musicality, and adaptability — the next level.
This class is for dancers who meet all the Pre-Intermediate requirements and have attended that class immediately beforehand.
You're ready for Intermediate if you are:
- Aware of music and energy changes and can respond to them
- Conscious of adapting your dance to your partner in real time
- Ready to implement concepts beyond what you've previously been taught
The Refinery Edge: Attending Pre-Intermediate directly before Intermediate isn't just a rule — it's what makes this class exceptional. Everyone arrives with their technique freshly calibrated, which means the Intermediate class runs faster, cleaner, and at a higher standard. You never have to worry about dancing with someone who isn't ready. Plan to attend both Thursday classes together.
📍 West Perth | 📅 Thursdays | ⏱ 8:00–9:00pm | 💃 Intermediate
Bachata Solo Lab — Tuesdays 8:00–9:00pm
The class most dancers wish they'd started sooner.
Open to all levels. This is the class that gives the biggest returns — and the one dancers most often say they wish they'd joined earlier.
Solo Lab is for you if:
- You want to work on your own movement without the distraction of a partner
- You want more tools to express what you hear in the music
- Your body isn't yet doing what your mind wants it to do
- You want to feel more confident and free on the dance floor
A different challenge every week. No partner needed. Just you, the music, and your movement.
📍 West Perth | 📅 Tuesdays | ⏱ 8:00–9:00pm | 💃 All Levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the classes held?
All classes are held at Refinery Dance Studio @ Vault Creative, 15 Gordon Street, West Perth.
Do I need a partner to attend?
No. All our classes are designed for individuals. We rotate partners throughout class so everyone dances with everyone — no awkward "bring a friend" pressure.
What is Bachata Sensual?
Bachata Sensual is a modern style of Bachata that incorporates body waves, isolations, and fluid partner connection. It evolved from traditional Bachata and is now one of the most popular social dance styles in the world. At Refinery, we teach both traditional and Sensual styles depending on the level.
What's the difference between Bachata Moderna and Bachata Sensual?
Bachata Moderna refers to the contemporary evolution of traditional Bachata, with added footwork patterns and turns. Bachata Sensual is a specific style focused on body movement, connection, and musicality. Our Beginners class covers Moderna; from Foundations onwards we move into Sensual.
How do I know which level to join?
Read the entry requirements listed for each class above. If you're unsure, start at Beginners — it's always better to have solid foundations than to struggle in a class that's ahead of where you are. You can always progress quickly if you're ready.
Can I join mid-term?
Reach out to us before joining a class mid-series and we'll let you know whether it's a good time to jump in or whether waiting for the next intake will serve you better.
What should I wear to class?
Comfortable clothes you can move in. For shoes, anything with a smooth sole is ideal — avoid thick rubber-soled sneakers as they grip the floor too much. Bring a water bottle.
Is there parking near the studio?
Yes, street parking is available on and around Gordon Street, West Perth.