Bachata
The Lean
BachataAdvanceddips-dropsSensual
A supported incline, not a drop. A controlled lean-in supported through the frame, kept within the follow's range.
Also known as: Lean-in, incline (regional)
This move builds: Comfort …on the always-on five — Connection, Frame, Comfort, Posture, Consent.
- Entry
- closed embrace
- Exit
- closed embrace
- Tempo
- slow
- Musical use
- break
- Connector
- No
- Level
- Advanced
- Cluster
- dips-drops
- Style
- Sensual
What This Move Is
A controlled incline — not a full drop — where the lead provides a counterbalance and controls the depth so the follow's spine stays within her limit. The more upright, the safer.
Key Points
- Lead: SAFETY — support through the frame and back-of-shoulder contact, controlling depth so her spine stays within her range. Lead the recovery actively; keep it upright.
- Follow: Engage the core and maintain your line; you have little control over depth here, so you must be able to abort, and the lead must not exceed your range.
- Timing: Down on an accent, hold briefly, recover.
- Common mistake: Going past the follow's back flexibility — risky because the follow cannot easily self-limit depth.
Style Notes
PARTNER-ONLY. Never on unknown partners. The first step in the dips family, and the safest, because it stays relatively upright.
Chains into
After this, you can flow into…