Umeko Yuko: My Journey to Mexico - A Life-Changing Chapter

Umeko Yuko is a Japanese born professional Bachata dancer and teacher.  Originally from Tokyo, she now lives in Spain.  Here is her story of her experience during the pandemic in 2020.

DS: What was it like to move abroad for dance?

UY: 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.

DS: What was the philosophical change that you had after Euroson?

UY: 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.

DS: That’s incredible.  And what was it like moving to Mexico?

UY: 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.

DS: What was it like to learn Spanish?

UY: 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.

DS: And where did you live during the pandemic?

UY: 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. 

DS: Thank you for sharing your story.  We look forward to hearing more about your journey.