Beginner

Promise (Romeo Santos ft. Usher)

Beginner Level

The foundation — what every new dancer needs to know

Romeo Santos' English-language bachata hit with R&B textures, bridging American and Latin musical worlds for dancers.

Beginner focus

The bachata rhythm in this song is clean and easy to follow. Focus on the drum pattern for your basic step and let Romeo and Usher's vocals set the mood. The song is smooth and laid-back, so dance accordingly — no need for sharp movements or fast turns.

Tips

  • Listen once just to follow Romeo, once just to follow Usher, then dance to both simultaneously
  • The song's smooth groove rewards smooth dancing — prioritize flow over flash
  • Use the chorus sections for bigger, more open movement and the verses for closer, more intimate dancing

Common mistakes

  • Dancing only to the rhythm and ignoring the rich vocal interplay
  • Treating it as a simple pop song instead of respecting its musicality
  • Not distinguishing between the different sections — this song has clear dynamics that should be reflected

Practice drill

Play the song and pick one musical element to follow exclusively for 32 counts: the bongo pattern, then Romeo's voice, then Usher's voice, then the guitar fills. After cycling through each, dance freely and notice how much more you hear when you've given attention to each layer individually.

Related terms