Bachata Stuttgart by Lou

Bachata Stuttgart by Lou is an international Bachata school in Stuttgart, Germany, founded on the principle that partner dance can be taught and danced without traditional gender roles. The studio teaches both Traditional (Dominican) Bachata and Modern Bachata across multiple levels, from beginner through advanced, using role rotation as a core methodology. This means all students, regardless of gender, learn both to lead and to follow.

Lou Steiger, the founder and lead instructor, is a certified Bachata instructor, psychologist, and event organizer who has been dancing since age 4. She began with ballet and Hip-Hop before discovering Bachata in 2015 during a stay in the Dominican Republic, where she lived with a local family in San Juan and experienced the dance as a lived social practice. She later trained in Bachata Sensual Style, completing certifications under Korke & Judith in Barcelona in 2017 and 2018. Following a period teaching as part of the instructor couple Jorge & Lou in Tübingen from 2017 onwards—a partnership that grew from six couples to over 130 students—Lou shifted her focus. In 2021, after that partnership ended, she began solo teaching in Stuttgart and became one of the first solo female Bachata instructors in Germany to introduce role rotation methodology in weekly classes. She has since completed further teacher training in Traditional Bachata certified by Bhavin & Soonruta and Argenis & Carolina.

Ferni Sanchez, a Dominican instructor, co-teaches at the studio. Ferni trained under Lou and completed her own teacher formation to offer high-quality classes, bringing cultural knowledge and creativity to her teaching.

Classes meet at Forró Haus in Stuttgart Süd and are taught in English to serve a diverse, international community. The studio offers six weekly classes across two days (Tuesday and Wednesday), covering Traditional Bachata (beginner, intermediate/advanced), Modern Bachata (improver/intermediate), Merengue, Footwork, and Bachata Fusion Choreo & Styling. All partner classes use partner rotation—you do not need to bring a partner—and students learn both leading and following. The studio emphasizes embodiment, awareness coaching, and non-verbal communication. Lou works with students on developing confidence and musicality while learning about Caribbean culture.

The school also offers private classes, wedding dance preparation for couples, and choreography training. Lou believes dance reconnects body and mind to the present moment and builds social connection—particularly valuable in times of increasing loneliness. The studio actively organizes and participates in regional events, offering workshops and social dance nights.

You can attend a free trial class to experience the role-rotation teaching style and learn basic steps in an international, queer-friendly environment. Classes are taught in English, use partner rotation so you do not need to bring a partner, and teach all genders both to lead and follow. You will dance with multiple partners during class as part of the studio's core approach.

Lou Steiger is a certified Bachata instructor, psychologist, and event organizer who has been dancing since age 4. She trained in Bachata Sensual Style and Traditional Bachata, and is known for introducing role rotation methodology to Germany's Bachata community. Ferni Sanchez, a Dominican instructor, also teaches at the studio and brings cultural knowledge and creativity to her classes.

Traditional Bachata beginner classes require no prior knowledge; Modern Bachata is improver/intermediate level but prior knowledge is helpful but not required.