Bachata has become a very popular social Latin dance form in all Salsa dance clubs.
Similar to salsa, the step timing is three steps and then a one-beat pause. On slightly flexed knees the dancer takes three steps to four beats of music. The basic footwork pattern resembles merengue in that it is step-together-step. However, the difference is the dancer takes three steps in one direction (side-close-side) with a foot tap or a hip motion on count four (the pause) and then repeats it going in the opposite direction.

There are variations on how the Bachata is counted and taught. Some dance instructors call out the timing as "one, two, three, touch; one, two, three, touch." Some dance teachers call out the timing as, "one, two, three, lift; one, two, three, lift," while other dance instructors call out the timing as, "one, two, three, bump; one, two, three, bump." However the case may be, the basic step is fairly easy.

As with all Latin dances, once the footwork is learned the stylization of the body action is the more difficult part. Without the hip and body action, you are not dancing the bachata. Practice makes perfect. So flex your knees and practice that hip action!