Every Spring in Houston, something more than just music feels the air. There’s laughter spilling out of hotel lobbies, dancers practicing turns in quiet corners, and an unmistakable energy that draws people in. This is the Bachata Sensual America experience in Houston (Bachata Sensual Festival Houston) — an event that has quickly grown into a must-attend weekend for dancers across the country and far beyond.
Started in 2021, the festival began as a passion project and has since become a movement. Today, it brings together dancers from over 30 States and more than 10 countries, creating not just a dance floor but a global community.
At the center of it all is Damian Guzman, the founder and director of Bachata Sensual America.
“Bachata is more than a dance — it’s a way to connect,” says Guzman. “When we started the festival, it wasn’t just about technique. It was about creating a space where people feel seen, safe, and inspired in a healthy and inclusive environment.”
A vision rooted in connection
Damian’s idea for the festival came from a personal place. After experiencing the warmth and connection of Europe’s Bachata sensual scene, he realized something was missing in the US dance community. Classes existed, sure. Socials, too, but the emotional connection that he experienced in festivals in Europe — that deep sense of community — wasn’t quite there.
The first Bachata Sensual Festival Houston (BSFH) was small, but the vibe was undeniable. Word traveled fast. Within a couple of years, the festival was hosting hundreds of dancers and instructors from all over the world.
What makes it different? Damian says it’s the intention behind the experience.
“In Europe, people come to feel the music, to really connect with each other,” he says. “It’s more than just dancing; it is a lifestyle. I wanted to recreate that sensation in the US, and Houston was the perfect place to start.”
More than just dance lessons
You don’t have to be an expert to attend the festival. In fact, that’s kind of the point. Dancers at every level are welcome, from people still figuring out the basics to those who’ve been dancing for years. It’s a mix of talent, culture, and enthusiasm that creates something electric.
There are workshops during the day — everything from musicality and body movement to how to really feel the emotion of a song. At night, the socials take over. These aren’t your average parties. They’re full-on celebrations, with DJs spinning until the early hours of the morning and dancers filling the floor with their unique styles.
Between classes and socials, the festival also offers casual meetups, meals, and chill hangouts. People make friends here — real ones. Not just a “see you next year” kind of thing, but friends who keep in touch, train together, and grow as dancers and people.
A global flavor
The festival doesn’t just showcase local talent. It invites the world in. Every year, artists like Korke & Judith, the Spanish creators of Bachata Sensual, come to teach and inspire the next generation of dancers. Their presence is more than symbolic — it’s a chance for US dancers to connect directly with the style’s roots.
The 2025 lineup brings a powerhouse of global talent to Houston, turning the city into a true international hub for Bachata. Artists and instructors flying in this year include:
- Daniel Santacruz (Dominican Republic): A Latin Grammy-winning singer whose smooth vocals are beloved throughout the bachata world.
- Korke & Judith (Spain): The original creators of Bachata Sensual, credited with transforming the genre into what it is today.
- Ataca (Dominican Republic): A beloved name in the US dance scene with a massive following and years of influence behind him.
- El Tiguere del Mambo (Dominican Republic): A dynamic force known not just for his dancing but also for founding the ADN Bachata World Festival.
- Luis & Andrea (Spain): Internationally acclaimed champions with a reputation for high-energy performances and precision.
- Pablo & Raquel (Spain): Pioneers of the Smooth Bachata style, bringing fluidity and finesse to the festival floor.
“Bringing Korke & Judith here isn’t just about star power,” Damian says. “It’s about keeping the art form grounded in its origins while also letting it evolve here.”
Learning from these international artists gives attendees something they can’t get from a YouTube video or a drop-in class. It’s the kind of knowledge that only comes from immersing yourself in the experience — body, mind, and heart.
A boost for Houston’s local scene
BSFH has done more than build a dance community. It’s also made a noticeable impact on Houston’s local economy.
Each year, hotels book up quickly. Restaurants near the venue stay busy all weekend. Rideshare drivers say it’s one of their busiest weekends of the year.
Local businesses, especially those tied to the arts and hospitality, get a solid bump in visibility and income. For many, it’s a chance to showcase their culture and connect with visitors in a meaningful way.
Stories that stick
For most people who attend BSFH, the highlight isn’t just the dancing. It’s the stories they leave with.
Some come to sharpen their skills and leave with a whole new circle of friends. Others come not knowing what to expect — and find something deeply personal in the music and movement.
Many have said the festival helped them feel confident again, as it did for Guzman. “From being just an engineer, I became a passionate dancer, and I love to bring this to people who share that same passion,” he shares.
What’s next?
With each passing year, the festival gets bigger — but the mission stays the same. Damian and his team are already planning for 2025 with hopes of adding more programming, artist collaborations, and community outreach. They’re also exploring bringing the festival’s energy to other major cities, including Chicago, with the Bachata Sensual Festival Chicago to be celebrated this September — spreading the love for Bachata Sensual while staying true to the heart of what makes the Houston event so special.
“We want to grow, but we’ll never lose sight of why we started this,” Damian said. “It’s always going to be about people — about building something unique together and creating magic.”
As the last song plays and the lights dim on another unforgettable weekend, one thing is clear: this festival is more than just an event. It’s a movement, a heartbeat, a space where dance brings people together and keeps them coming back.