Today we’d like to introduce you to Raelin McCall.
Hi Raelin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually started dancing in high school on the step team, and at home I was that kid who was obsessed with playing Just Dance and the Michael Jackson Experience — no formal training, just pure vibes.
When I started college at Georgia Southern (shoutout to the real GSU), I was introduced to Latin dance through the club Latin Rhythm Dance Group. I took classes on and off up until COVID, and once campus reopened, I kept exploring as much as we could in that season of limited contact.
After graduating, I moved to Nashville, and that’s where my real training began. I trained primarily with Terri and Atrevidos Dance Company in sensual bachata, but I also learned multiple styles of salsa and bachata from other community leaders. That journey eventually led me to fall completely in love with traditional bachata — the music, the history, and the joy!
When I later moved to Atlanta, I noticed very quickly that traditional bachata was almost absent from classes and socials. Since bachata originated in the Dominican Republic, traditional is the style that best carries its original spirit. I wanted to share that experience with Atlanta’s dance community.
So that became my mission: to bring traditional bachata to Atlanta, to teach its roots, to honor its history, and to help people experience the joy, community, and connection this dance creates. Since I live in Gwinnett County though, I realized I didn’t just want to support Atlanta’s dance scene—I wanted to plant roots where I actually live, which led to building a latin dance community right in Lawrenceville.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. My biggest challenge has been building a community in Lawrenceville. In Atlanta, there’s already an established Latin dance scene and a built-in audience. Lawrenceville, on the other hand, doesn’t have regular Latin classes, a rooted community, or much nightlife — so I’m essentially starting from scratch.
That means I’ve had to really find my people: the ones who are curious, open, and excited to dance. Social media has been my biggest tool, but it has its limits. Not everyone is online, and even when they are, algorithms don’t always put the content in front of the right audience. Because of that, I’ve leaned heavily into what I can control: creating the best possible class experience, being consistent with my marketing, and trusting that word-of-mouth will grow the community in the most authentic way. It’s been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding to watch it slowly take shape.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in teaching traditional bachata, but what I’m known for really depends on who you ask. Some people know me as the traditional bachatera, others know me for my switch bachata dancing, and others see me as a sensual dancer. What I’m most proud of, though, is being a well-rounded bachata artist — someone who can dance and teach across styles, and lead and follow with intention.
What truly sets me apart isn’t just versatility. It’s the energy, authenticity, and confidence I bring into every dance. When I dance, I’m not just connecting with my partner, I’m creating a space that feels safe, playful, expressive, and fun. I want people to feel like they can breathe, enjoy the music, and show up as themselves.
And I show up the same way — silly, sassy, grounded, feminine, and fully in my Bachata Baddie energy. That combination of skill, presence, and authenticity is what makes my dancing and teaching feel different.
So… what is Bachata Baddie?
Bachata Baddie is a dancer who moves exactly how they want: bold, confident, and unapologetic. They lead, they follow, they switch, and they’re not limited by gender roles or assumptions about sexuality. It’s a movement that encourages dancers to take up space, own their style, and bring their full selves to the floor.
It started as an empowerment brand specifically for Black women, but it quickly grew into something bigger — embraced by dancers of all races, genders, and identities. Anyone can be a Bachata Baddie. They just have to start by showing up as themselves.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When you’re looking for an instructor or a mentor, the first step is getting clear on what you actually want to learn. Start with the style or skill you’re drawn to, and then take classes from multiple instructors within that lane. You’ll naturally gravitate toward the one who motivates you the most.
That motivation usually aligns with why you’re dancing — whether it’s for connection, expression, technique, confidence, or simply joy. The right instructor is the person who inspires you in the direction you want to grow, not just the person with the biggest following or the most advanced moves.
For me, what’s worked well is choosing mentors whose teaching style, energy, and values match the type of dancer and community-builder I want to become. When that alignment is there, learning becomes effortless and the growth feels genuine.
Pricing:
- $20 Drop-in classes (Mondays and Tuesdays)
- $60 for 4 classes (Monday’s and Tuesday’s)
- $20-$35 for workshops! (Check my Instagram for dates/times)!
- $85 for 1hr private lessons ($140 for a couple)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raelinlabachatera/
Image Credits
The Cork Bros
Benjisshot
