How State Street Became a Dance Floor
By Iris Heckes
After finishing up the first portion of Salsa instruction, Ruiz announced through her miniature mic, “I love salsa, but my heart belongs to bachata.” Throughout the evening, Ruiz offered insightful tips. She declared, “How do you move your hips? You use the floor.”
On Sept. 30, a bustling crowd gathered outside M. Special and Downtown Eats on State Street for Brenda Ruiz and Bachata Flows’ last night of free bachata and salsa dance lessons. Known as The Sizzlin’ Salsa & Bachata Nights, these lessons took place every Wednesday night in September from 6 to 8 p.m.
Each two-hour-long session was divided between instruction and free dance. Ruiz spent the first hour teaching dancers and passersby coordinated steps and swift hip movements. Ruiz then had strangers pair up and rotate through a partner dance on the public dance floor. “The connection matters,” said Ruiz.
After the lesson, music filled the street, and dancers demonstrated their newly learned techniques to the beat, participating in “open dance.” Beginners and regulars came together and shared dances while spectators along the street eyed the floor, deciding whether or not to join.
The dance sequences made some sweat, some laugh, and a few briefly frustrated, but all ended with smiles.
The Sizzlin’ Salsa & Bachata Nights were a part of the State Street Dance lessons program, and while September may have ended, there are many other dates and dance classes to look forward to. Sizzlin’ Salsa & Bachata Nights will happen again in April and September 2027. October (and May 2027) will feature Kickin' Country Line Dancing, followed by June West Coast Swing Dancing lessons. All classes are on State Street on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a timing format similar to the Salsa and Bachata classes.
Ruiz keeps the good vibes going with Bachata Flow. In addition to hosting free State Street dance lessons, Bachata Flow also has a dance tour in the Dominican Republic in November. Those interested can experience dance workshops, beautiful excursions, social dancing, and a tour designed to make participants feel like locals. The Instagram handle for Bachata Flow is @bachataflow.b.
Salsa dance is a Caribbean and Latin American family of social dance and music. It is quicker and has an energetic, rhythmic feel. Bachata is of Dominican Republic heritage. Bachata tends to be more intimate and grounded with a basic rhythmic pattern. The two very different dances combined to make a night worth remembering.
For some Santa Barbara locals, the nights of dance allow them to take away moves, rhythm, and memories.
