reclaiming Dominican bachata — one step at a time
The Mission...
to grow and protect real Dominican bachata culture —
in New York and beyond.
In the city with the largest Dominican population outside the island, this music should be front and center. The roots lead. Fusions can follow. Street-born, family-first, playful, and grounded — this version deserves more space, more love, more volume.
This isn’t just about classes or events. It’s about staying true to the sound that raised us and recreating the spaces we grew up in. When you walk into a Tres Golpes space, it should feel like a place you’ve always known: the backyard, the living room, the block — family waiting, music floating, stories unfolding.
This is for the dancers who stopped going out because the music didn’t feel right. For the ones left waiting for that one bachata track to drop. For those scrolling their feeds, wondering where our sound went.
We’re here to build on what others have started and to give back to a community that gave us everything.
Bachata is Dominican. That should never need a footnote. You shouldn’t have to search high and low to find events that stay loyal to tradition.
We’re here to change that — starting at home.
Our Core Values
These six values guide every class, every event,
and every interaction in our community.
Connection. Connection. CONNECTION
Everything starts with how we connect — to the music, to the culture, to each other, and to ourselves.
Partner work is just one layer. We train push-pull tension and how to listen and have a conversation without words.
1
Spaces Built for
Social Dancers
This isn’t a club or a lounge. It’s a floor made to dance, with anyone and everyone. All levels are welcome.
No breaks. No performances. Just nonstop music with people who love the roots and the classics.
4
Rhythm is Felt,
Not Memorized
We don’t teach choreo — we teach feeling. Drills, discovery, and play unlock your flow and develop your style.
Forget the counts, get out of your head — rhythm is already inside you. We just help dig it out.
2
Safety. Respect.
Presence.
We create spaces where people feel safe, grounded, and respected. No one’s entitled to your time or energy.
Consent isn’t optional — it’s required. Show up like you would with family: check in, take care, be cool.
5
Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
Dominicans are known to "play too much," so why would our dancing be any different?
There’s no “right” way to dance. You can be clean, chaotic, flirty, serious, grounded, light, fast, slow, big or small.
3
We Don’t Just Follow —
We Lead
Every class, workshop, and event is intentionally designed — to build the things we want to see more of.
Both on and off the dance floor — from organizers to attendees, teachers to students — anyone can be a leader.