Umeko Yuko is a Japanese bachata dancer and instructor based in Madrid. Originally from Tokyo, she has taught and competed in Asia, Europe and Mexico. Her competition achievements include the 2017 Asia Bachata Championship in Singapore and the 2023 Bachata World Cup in Spain.
Her movement training began in childhood with rhythmic gymnastics. She later explored ballet and traditional Japanese dance, as well as aerial silks and pole. While studying English in Cambridge, she discovered salsa and subsequently joined a bachata performance team. Assisting her first dance partner in classes introduced her to teaching, and she later returned to Japan to teach sensual bachata.
Mexico became another significant part of her dance journey, with periods spent in Mexico City and Tijuana. She eventually settled in Madrid, where regular classes complement her international work. Her experience encompasses both performance preparation and social dancing, with a career that has developed through several distinct bachata communities.
