Connect. Breathe. Flow.
Bachata Connection® is a locally owned small business currently based in Tri-Cities, WA. We offer bachata workshops, socials, and private lessons, with a focus on Bachata Sensual rooted in the foundations developed by Korke & Judith in Spain.
We collaborate with local dance groups and are passionate about sharing our love for bachata and Latin dance as a whole. We take pride in creating respectful, safe, and community-oriented classes. We can’t wait to dance with you!
No matter your dance experience, age, flexibility, gender identity, musicality, or background – you are welcome here. 💃🕺
About Bachata Connection®
Bachata Connection was started in early 2023 with the goal of spreading the joy of bachata in Yakima, WA.
Our very first drop-in bachata class was so full that not everyone could fit on the dance floor! That overwhelming response sparked the beginning of this small business. Shortly after, we began organizing social dances and 4-week class series for the community. Week after week, students continued to show up eager to learn, practice, and ask when the next events would be scheduled. This is when we knew that Yakima was not only interested in learning more bachata, but dedicated to practicing.
We have been hosting bachata socials every couple of months in Yakima, and have an occasional workshop or special event. When possible, we will coordinate to bring in guest instructors to assist with events.
Bachata Connection is proud to announce that in the first year of business, over 200 students across Central Washington enjoyed socials, workshops, private lessons, and 4-week series. You all are the reason why Bachata Connection exists! Thank you for your continued support.
Meet your instructor!
Sholeh Sharif is originally from Seattle, where she began her dance journey at Salsa Con Todo in 2021. She quickly fell in love with sensual bachata, proceeded to join a team, went to weekly socials, and danced every chance she got.
After moving to Yakima in 2022 for medical school, Sholeh was ecstatic to find a dance community. There were salsa socials a few times per month and groups of people who loved dancing as much as she did!
Sholeh soon realized there was a desire in the community to learn more bachata, but nobody to teach. Her love of sensual bachata, community, movement, and teaching fueled the beginnings of sensual bachata classes in Yakima. With support from the already established dance community in Yakima, her mother Michelle, and partner Rylie, Sholeh founded her small business Bachata Connection. As a bachata follow & lead, she often teaches classes on her own; but leans on her community when they’re able to assist. Previous dance team partner Hasan Simanto from Seattle often co-teaches the drop-in classes for our bachata socials in Yakima.
Sholeh loves teaching bachata and plans events whenever her medical school schedule allows. When she’s not dancing or studying, Sholeh enjoys spending time with loved ones, going to coffee shops, and…well…planning the next time she can dance.
Sholeh is currently doing her rotations for medical school in Tri-Cities, WA and has continued her teachings here. She hosts 1:1 private lessons for students regularly and occasional group workshops in Richland, WA. Keep an eye on the upcoming events tab for socials in Yakima, WA.
Hasan & Sholeh after teaching a drop-in class at our social in May 2025.