Meet Carlos Jakobs | Bachata Sensual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Jakobs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been staying authentic. In the world of dance, especially sensual bachata, it’s easy to get caught up in trends or imitate what others are doing. But I’ve always focused on being true to my own style and sharing that with my students and followers. That authenticity builds trust, and people can feel when you’re genuine – both in how you teach and how you present yourself online. Another key factor is consistency. Whether it’s my social media content, my classes, or my personal practice, I’m always investing time to improve and connect with my audience. By focusing on the long-term growth of both myself and my students, I’ve built a strong community that shares my passion for dance. Lastly, meditation plays a big role in keeping me grounded and focused, helping me stay balanced and enjoy every moment of this journey

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Sensual bachata is more than just a dance for me – it’s about emotional connection and storytelling through movement. What sets me apart is my focus on teaching students not just the steps, but how to feel the music and create an experience.

Moving from Europe to Arizona wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of how the bachata community here has embraced my style. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is perseverance – staying true to my passion even when things get tough. My brand is all about authenticity and helping people find their voice and connection through dance

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they get the full Arizona experience! Here’s what our itinerary would look like:

Day 1: We’d start with a hike at Camelback Mountain for incredible views, then grab brunch at Hash Kitchen for their signature Bloody Mary bar.
Day 2: A road trip to Sedona for the red rock views and the energy of the vortexes, plus lunch at Elote Café.
Day 3: Back in Phoenix, we’d explore Roosevelt Row Arts District for local art, and later enjoy dinner at Cibo Urban Pizzeria.
Day 4: Dance night! We’d hit Dave & Buster’s for the social dance night
Day 5: Relax at The Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, with a sunset dinner at Elements.
Day 6: A night out in Old Town Scottsdale with cocktails at Second Story Liquor Bar and dancing at local spots.
Day 7: End the trip with a relaxing day at Canyon Lake, renting a boat or paddleboarding, and having a picnic by the water.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are definitely several people and influences that deserve recognition in my journey. First and foremost, I have to give credit to the amazing dance community in Europe, where I truly found my love for sensual bachata. I learned so much from fellow dancers, teachers, and mentors there, and their passion really inspired me to take my own path in teaching.

I’d also like to give a big shoutout to my family, especially my mom, who has always believed in me and supported my dreams, even when they took me across the world. Her resilience and encouragement have always pushed me to be my best.

On the business side, there have been a few books that have shaped my entrepreneurial mindset, but one that stands out is Start with Why by Simon Sinek. It helped me realize that success isn’t just about what you do, but why you do it – and that philosophy has been key to building my brand.

Lastly, I want to recognize the students and dancers who show up to my classes, willing to learn and grow. Their energy and dedication are what make this journey so rewarding.

Website: https://www.bachatasensualphoenix.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlitos.jk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlos.jakobs.personal

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carlitos.jk.bachata

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlitos.jk.bachata