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Bachata

The Bachata is a latin dance with simple footwork and strong hip movement.  The music is romantic in nature and therefore the movement reflects the story of love and heartbreak.  Bachata steps involve many optional turns for the lady. 

History:

The Bachata originated in the contryside of the Dominican Republic.  The dance is a direct reflection of the music being played in the night clubs during the 1960s.  The Bachata has close ties to the Cuban Bolero.

 

Music:

The music of Bachata is the root of the dance.  The tempo is slow, approximately 120 beats per minute, and is played in 4/4.  Bachata music can be referred to as latin \"blues\" music.  It usually tells the tale of sadness in love and is the most romantic genre of guitar music in this century.

 

Characteristics:

The Bachata has very basic and simple footwork that moves in a side to side or forward to back motion.  The romantic character of the Bachata is achieved from the sensual hip and body action.  Good use of the knees helps produce the desired hip movement.Sweeping turns that gracefully move around the floor characterize this dance.  The Viennese Waltz is known for its rotational movement, which is simple and elegant.

 

Bachata songs and artists include:

  • Ven tu - Domenic Marte 
  • Rosalia - Juan Luis Guerra
  • Carte de Amor - Juan Luis Guerra