Umeko Yuko is a Japanese born professional Bachata dancer and teacher. She is also a multi time Bachata solo champion. Originally from Tokyo, she now lives and works in Spain. She teaches, has a number of teams, and also travels to perform. Here is her fascinating story going from Japan to Mexico to the UK and eventually, Spain.
What (or who) originally inspired you to start dancing?
I started dancing when I was around 5 or 6 years old, beginning with rhythmic gymnastics. After that, I trained in ballet, Japanese traditional dance, aerial silk, pole dance, and more.
I discovered Latin dance while I was studying in Cambridge, England. There was a free trial class for students—and that’s where I fell in love with salsa.
What are your first memories of salsa/bachata?
I started learning salsa and kizomba first. I discovered bachata a bit later.
Actually, the first time I went into a bachata room, I didn’t like it at all—lol. At that time, the sensual style had just started becoming popular, but there wasn’t much technique yet—just a lot of body rolls, and to me, it looked like people were just rubbing bodies together.
So at first, I really wasn’t into it. But later, a show team invited me to join them, and that completely changed my opinion. I started to understand the beauty and technique of bachata, and I’ve loved it ever since.
Why did you decide to do Bachata professionally?
My first dance partner was a teacher, and I started by assisting him in classes. When I moved back to Japan, I realized there were no sensual bachata teachers at that time. I wanted to introduce and grow the sensual bachata style in Japan, which is why I started teaching it professionally.
Do you like Salsa too?
I love salsa! In fact, I started with salsa and have performed it as well. I still enjoy salsa a lot—especially salsa socials—and I even take salsa classes sometimes. It’s always been a big part of my dance journey.
What was it like going to a new country, where you didn’t know the language, for dance?
The first time I went to Mexico was in 2018. I returned in 2019, and once again in early 2020—just before the pandemic began. At first, it was just a trip to watch the Euroson Latino competition, but that experience changed everything for me.
What was the philosophical change that you had after Euroson?
I was immediately drawn in by the energy, the passion, and the incredibly high level of dancing. I fell in love with the entire atmosphere, and especially with Alma Latina—their style, their power, and the way they lived and breathed dance. That was the moment I knew I wanted to go deeper.
And what was it like living in Mexico?
Living in Mexico was not easy—honestly, it was one of the hardest experiences of my life.
Everything felt different: the culture, the Spanish, the style of dance, even how people communicated. I struggled a lot. After three months, I truly wanted to return to Japan. I felt overwhelmed, disconnected, and questioned whether it had been the right decision at all.
But I pushed myself to stay. I committed to adapting, growing, and learning—even when it was painful. Looking back now, I can finally say: it was worth it. The experience shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined at the time.
What was it like to learn Spanish when your native language is so different, Japanese?
I started learning Spanish seriously in 2017, when I moved to Spain. After about 3 to 6 months, I was able to hold basic conversations. But Mexican Spanish was another story—it felt so much more challenging at the time!
Even now, I still struggle sometimes. Spanish is a language with many regional differences, and I continue learning every day.
And where did you live during the pandemic?
During the pandemic, I lived in Mexico City (DF) for about three months. Later, I moved to Tijuana (TJ), where I spent around 9 to 10 months. Each place had its own rhythm, its own people, and its own lessons for me.
What started as a trip to watch a dance competition ended up becoming a transformational chapter in my life. It wasn’t easy, but it was real—and it gave me the strength, perspective, and depth that I carry with me in my dance and my life today.
You are now a 14 time national Bachata champion in Japan and have also won championships in the UK, Asia, and Mexico. Which championship are you most proud of?
The most important title for me was definitely winning the World Championship at the 2023 Bachata World Cup in Spain. That was the moment when I finally reached the global level I had been working toward for years.
But the most memorable one was back in 2017 at the Asia Bachata Championship in Singapore. That win changed everything—it opened my eyes to the international dance scene and completely shifted the direction of my dance career.
What did it mean to you to win a championship outside of Japan against non-Japanese competitors and in front of non-Japanese judges?
It meant a lot. On the positive side, I felt that international judges appreciated something different in me—something “oriental” or unique. Many audience members told me they had never seen an Asian dancer perform Bachata like that before. When the MC introduced me as “from Japan,” the audience often gave a warm and supportive reaction, which always touched my heart.
But of course, there are also challenges. Some judges unfortunately carry unconscious bias and don’t expect Asian dancers to be strong in Latin genres. I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove that I belong on that stage.
You also lived in the UK? Is that where you picked up English?
Yes! I first moved to Cambridge to learn English from zero. It was a big challenge, but also an important step in building an international dance career.
How is life now in Spain? How much do you teach/train? Do you have a lot of friends in Spain? Do you get to travel a lot in Europe?
Life in Spain isn’t easy, but it’s still more manageable than Mexico, especially when it comes to daily life and technology.
Even though I’ve lived abroad for many years—including five years here in Madrid—I still struggle sometimes. The culture is very different, not only from Japan but even from other parts of Europe, in my opinion.
I usually teach two to three times a week, since Madrid has so many instructors and limited work opportunities.
I do have some friends here, but honestly, not many. The dance scene in Spain can be tough—it’s not always easy to know who to trust.
I used to travel a lot across Europe for shows and workshops, but this year has been quieter as I haven’t had many bookings.
What is the next goal you want to accomplish? What plans do you have for the future?
My biggest goal is to move to the U.S. as a dancer by obtaining an artist visa. I want to grow even more and establish myself as a top-level international artist in the Bachata world.
What is your favorite performance to perform? And what is your current favorite Bachata song?
It’s hard to choose just one performance because I love all of my shows—but I’m especially proud of the championship choreographies. They carry beautiful memories for me, and the audiences really connect with them too.
As for music, I always love the classics: Aventura, Romeo Santos, and El Torito—their music has so much passion and depth. Their songs always inspire me to dance from the heart.
You can connect with Umeko via Instragram!
https://www.instagram.com/umekoyuko/