Bachata

Bachata is a smooth and sexy partner dance originating from the Caribbean region, more specifically, the Dominican Republic with borrowings from the Cuban Bolero.

Although Bachata is a classic form of music dating back to the 1960's, it has enjoyed a revival and has taken Latin night clubs by storm all over the World! The music has a distinctive guitar sound and evolved from the guitar-led folk groups of the Cuban son and the bolero. It is romantic and beautiful to listen and dance to.

Bachata music today has undertaken dramatic changes from the very traditional sound of it's creation to where it has merged with more contemporary styles like Jazz, R&B and Hip Hop as well as other Latin and Brazilian rhythms.

It's more apparent fusion has been with R&B/Hip Hop, producing many great influential musicians/singers such as Aventura, Prince Royce, Optimo & Xtreme to name a few. You will be amazed how easy and enjoyable it is to pick up!

 
2024 Bachata Timetable
Next course Where Cost Register online

Bachata Level 2
Mon 12 Feb @ 7:30pm
Thu 15 Feb @ 8:00pm
"Fast Track"
Classes 2x/wk

Empire Dance Studios
2 Bond Street, Grey Lynn
2wk course
Pre-register $95
OR $95 on the day
REGISTER HERE
Bachata Beg (L1)
Thu 15 Feb @ 6:30pm
Empire Dance Studios
2 Bond Street, Grey Lynn

8wk course
Pre-register $165
OR $185 on the day

REGISTER HERE
Bachata Beg (L1)
Mon 11 Mar @ 8:30pm
Wed 03 Mar @ 8:30pm
"Fast Track"
Classes 2x/wk
Empire Dance Studios
2 Bond Street, Grey Lynn
4wk course
Classes 2x/wk

Pre-register $165
OR $185 on the day
REGISTER HERE
  Empire Dance Studios
2 Bond Street, Grey Lynn
  REGISTER HERE
Wanna try a class OR
do them casually? No problem!
 
Empire Dance Studios
2 Bond Street, Grey Lynn
Try a class OR casual
$30 cash @ door or prebook
CASH ONLY

What is Bachata dance?

The authentic dance from the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean is a basic dance sequence in a full 8-count moving within a square. Dancers in the Western world much later made up a basic step going from side to side and also incorporated moves and turn pattern sequences from various couple dances, Latin and non Latin, performing these combinations in the timing used in bachata dancing, thus creating a fusion Bachata dance that you see around the world today.

The basic dance sequence consists of three steps and then a tap step or various forms of step syncopation (such as the "double step"). Dancers in the west accompany the tap with an exaggerated "pop” of the hips. Bachata can be danced on the 1st beat of the musical phrase, with the tap on the 4th beat, but dancing on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th beat is also common. The tap is done on the opposite foot of the last step, while the next step is taken on the same foot as the tap. The dance direction changes after the tap or fourth step.

 Did you know: Bachata is sometimes referred to as the "blues music of the Dominican Republic."

Bachata Styles

There are three main stream bachata styles;

  • Dominican Bachata
  • Modern Bachata
  • Sensual Bachata

In the sample clip is a preview of "modern/sensual bachata". This is the style that we teach at Latinissimo.

Bachata Styles defined

Dominican Bachata: (traditional style) or others call it "authentic" bachata, as its the way it is danced in Dominican Republic. This style is danced with the basic steps moving within a small square (side, side, forward and side, side, back) are inspired from the bolero steps but is an evolved version of those including a tap and also syncopation (steps in between the beats) depending on the dynamics of the music being played. The hand placement will vary with the dancers position which can be very close to semi close to open. Unlike salsa, traditional bachata does not usually include many turn patterns sequences.

Modern Bachata: This is the most common style of bachata danced all over the world. The main characteristic of this style is the use of a small hip movement on the 4th count of the beat (1,2,3 and hip) and the close connection with your partner (a very romantic style of dance). The most direct fusion influence on Modern Bachata, comes from the adoption of salsa turn patterns; these, together with dips became the core of the dance.

2022 bachata levels explained 5

Sensual Bachata; was created and developed in Cadiz, Spain by Jorge Escalona (Korke) and is extremely popular worldwide. This is the style we predominantly focus on at Latinissimo! The dance is an interpretation of the music with mostly circular pronounced movements and body waves, except for when the music has stronger beats and uses isolations. It also incorporates figure 8 movement with the hips (specially the women). However, Sensual Bachata always maintains the origins and keeps the essence of the traditional bachata. Sensual Bachata is primarily expressed with the body, while the footwork remains traditional.

About Latinissimo

Latinissimo was first founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 specializing in street Latin dance. 2005 Latinissimo relocated to Auckland, New Zealand.

Directed by World Salsa Champion Giancarlo, Latinissimo as a school has performed, taught and competed across 4 continents, are multiple international and national champions and have produced two World Amateur Salsa Champions.

  • Latinissimo Dance New Zealand
  • 0210 29 88 164
  • Email us HERE
  • Empire Dance Studios, 2 Bond St, Auckland

Auckland Grey Lynn

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