There’s something magnetic about bachata. It’s more than just a dance; it’s a conversation between bodies, a rhythmic exchange that turns movement into meaning. And in cities across the US, more and more people are beginning to listen. 

At the heart of this cultural shift is Damian Guzman, founder of Bachata Sensual America and the driving force behind two of the nation’s hottest Latin dance events: Bachata Sensual Festival Houston and Bachata Sensual Festival Chicago. 

What started as a personal escape from shyness has evolved into a thriving community built on music, movement, and connection. 

From Puerto Rico to passion

Damian’s story begins in Santurce, Puerto Rico — a neighborhood pulsing with creative energy and cultural pride. Raised by a single mother, he spent his youth balancing academic and odd jobs, always striving to support his family and overachieve. 

Dance wasn’t part of his original plan. In fact, as an engineering student, Damian was more comfortable solving equations than spinning on a dance floor, but everything changed in 2013 when he attended the DC Bachata Congress. That weekend introduced him to something that would redefine his life: Bachata. 

Drawing on the style’s expressive technique and musicality, Damian began traveling abroad to study with world-renowned instructors like Korke and Judith, the creators of Bachata Sensual. These immersive experiences helped him become one of the first certified instructors in the US, equipped not just with skills but with a vision.

Building the culture, one step at a time

Returning to Houston in 2016, Damian discovered that there was no real bachata scene in the city. Instead of being discouraged, he saw possibility.

So, Damian started small. Socials and collaborations with local dance studios. Community outreach to introduce the genre’s unique flow and feel. His monthly event, Houston Loves Bachata, gained traction, setting the stage for a bigger, full-scale international dance festival.

By 2021, that dream became real. Despite the uncertainties of a post-pandemic world, Bachata Sensual Festival Houston launched to immediate buzz. Within two years, it had grown into a major gathering that draws dancers from over 35 states and 15 countries.

Why Houston? Why now?

Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., offered the perfect backdrop for a genre rooted in connection. Damian’s festival brought world-class talent directly to Texas and an influx of tourism, energy, and artistry with it.

Headliners have included Latin Grammy-winner Daniel Santacruz, Bachata Sensual pioneers Korke & Judith, and viral dance duos Luis & Andrea and Pablo & Raquel. But it’s not just about the big names. The event emphasizes workshops, socials, and community-building over competition.

“The goal has always been to recreate that feeling I have every time I visit Europe,” Damian says. “Not just dancing, but belonging.”

Dancing through transformation

Ask any attendee, and they’ll tell you the same: the weekend goes beyond steps and technique. It’s about emotional connection, community, and enjoyment.

For Damian, that’s the heart of it. “I used to be shy — dance gave me confidence and purpose,” he says, “but now, I get to help others experience the same transformation.”

Since launching Bachata Sensual America, Damian has hosted over 20 events and welcomed thousands of dancers — beginners, professionals, and everyone in between. Each one leaves a little more grounded, a little more open, and often, with lifelong friendships formed on the floor. 

A cultural catalyst

Beyond the personal stories, the festival has had a tangible impact on Houston. Hotels book out, local restaurants buzz with foot traffic, and dance studios see a bump in enrollment after every event. 

Indeed, Houston now proudly holds space in the Latin dance world, thanks in no small part to Damian’s tenacity, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing. Damian and his team are planning expansions in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York — places with diverse populations ready to embrace the magic of bachata — but regardless of how far the movement spreads, Houston remains his home.

This Memorial Day weekend, Houston will again pulse to the sound of bachata. There will be workshops by day, socials by night, and moments in between that words can’t quite capture but can only be felt, somewhere between the music and the heart.

And Damian? He’ll be there, as always — quietly leading, confidently moving, and reminding us all what’s possible when you follow your rhythm.