Finding My Rhythm in Northwest Arkansas

When I realized I’d be spending so much time in Northwest Arkansas, I decided I wanted to learn a Latin dance—any Latin dance. I didn’t know the difference between salsa, bachata, or merengue, but I did know I’ve always loved to dance. So I showed up at a free event on the Bentonville Square hosted by NWA Bachata Beats… and I was instantly hooked.

Stepping Into a New Community

The dance community in NWA is something special. The first social I ever went to was at Record in downtown Bentonville, and I almost didn’t walk through the door. I felt like the “older” beginner with questionable rhythm and even fewer skills. What if no one wanted to dance with me? What if someone did want to dance with me?

But I took a breath and went in anyway. I didn’t know a soul, though I recognized a couple of faces from Level 1 class. I did the hour‑long lesson, smiled through the nerves, and fully intended to sit down afterward and watch the “real” dancers glide across the floor. Before I could even reach a chair, someone asked me to dance. Then another. And another. I danced for another hour and walked out feeling lighter, braver, and genuinely happy.

Growing, Learning, and Belonging

Soon I started going to Six Twelve Coffee on Sunday nights. En Fuego teaches Latin dance styles that change every month, which means I’m constantly learning—new steps, new rhythms, new ways to move. Even better, I’m meeting more and more people who love dance just as much as I do.

The socials are safe, welcoming, and full of people who show up simply to dance. Men, women, beginners, advanced dancers—everyone is there for the joy of it. Mark has come with me to a few socials, but dancing just isn’t his thing. Still, he encourages me to go, have fun, and enjoy something that brings me so much happiness.

Becky Hardgrave 20251231 563