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, Toby Love, Optimo & Xtreme to name a few. You will be amazed how easy and enjoyable it is to pick up!| Bachata Timetable | |||
| Next course | Where | Cost | Register online |
|
Bachata Beginners (L1) |
Plesno Mesto Mercator Centre Šiška |
4wk course |
REGISTER HERE |
| Bachata Intermediate (L2) TBC |
Plesno Mesto Mercator Centre Šiška |
4wk course Pre-register €35 OR €40 @ door |
REGISTER HERE |
| Plesno Mesto Mercator Centre Šiška |
REGISTER HERE | ||
What is Bachata dance?
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.
Bachata Styles
There are three main stream bachata styles;
- Dominican Bachata (aka Authentic Bachata)
- Traditional Bachata
- Modern Bachata
In the sample clip is a preview of "modern bachata". This is the style that we teach at Latinissimo.
Bachata Styles defined
Dominican Bachata: (the original 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, bachata dance does not usually include many turn patterns.
Traditional 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). Turn patterns and dips are included in this style.