Bachata (dance)
Encyclopedia
Bachata is a style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic
. It is danced widely all over the world but not identically.
The basics to the dance are three-step with a Cuban hip motion, followed by a hip tap on the 4th beat just like in other Latin dances (salsa etc.). The knees should be slightly bent so the performer can sway the hips easier. The movement of the hips is very important because it's a part of the soul of the dance. Generally controlled full body movement is crucially important in the dance, but most of it comes from the hips.
In partnering, the lead can decide whether to perform in open or closed position
. Dance moves, or step variety, during performance strongly depends on the music (such as the rhythms played by the different instruments), setting, mood, and interpretation. Unlike Salsa (the most traditional Latin Dance), Bachata does not require many complex turn
s; although they are very well used when the musicality is understood and interpreted correctly.
The leading is done just like in most other dances, with a “pushing and pulling” hand communication. If this is done correctly, the follower should clearly understand the intended direction. Although there is a lot of body movement in Bachata dancing, the hand communication is better understood when most of the movement is performed by the lower body (from waist down); i.e. hips and footwork.
The new Fusion Styles (mix of different dances) developed in US, Europe and Australia (Traditional, Modern, Urban, Bachatango, BachaBallroom etc.) is a basic dance sequence of a full 8 count in a side-to-side motion. The Original Dominican style basic dance sequence is a full 8 count moving within a square. Counts 1 through 3 and 5 through 7, when taken, generate a natural hip motion. Counts 4 and 8, consists of a tap and can include a “pop” movement depending on individual style. The 'pop' can also be executed by lifting the foot while popping the hip to the side opposite of the natural Cuban hip motion. Bachata music has a slight accent in rhythm at every fourth count, indicating when the 'pop' should happen. The tab or 'pop' is done in the opposite direction of the last step, while the next step is taken on the same direction of the tap or pop. The dance direction interchanges after every 4th count.
In social dance, the man can choose to change style within a song. This is usually done after a break or tempo change. Changing style is done non-verbally, by changing hand and body position.
where the music also was born. The early slow style in the fifties from where everything started was danced only closed like a Bolero
. The Bachata Basic Steps moving within a small square (side, side, forward and side, side, back) are also inspired from the Bolero but danced slightly different in Bachata and danced with syncopations (steps in between the beats) depending on the dancers mood and the character of the music. The hand placement will vary with the dancers position which can be very close to semi-close to open.
Bachata Dominican Style is today danced all over the Caribbean
, now also faster in accordance to faster music, adding more footwork
, turns/figures and rhythmic free style moves and with alternate between close
(romantic) and open position
(more playful adding footwork, turns/figures, rhythmic torso
etc.). This style is danced with soft hip movements and a tap with a small "pop" with the hip on the 4th beat (1, 2, 3, Tab/Hip). Can be danced with or without bounce (moving the body down on the beats and up again in between the beats by springs the legs a little). Bachata Dominican is created by the People over many years (from around late fifties) for social dancing and are still evolving. This original style is spreading rapidly in the western world today (2010).
around year 2000, based on the earlier dominican Bachata but not quite the same. Currently (2009) the most common style of Bachata danced all over the world as it was promoted with music from big Bachata stars such as Aventura, Xtreme
, Monchy y Alexandra
, to name a few. Basic steps moving side to side or on the spot. The main characteristic of this style is the close connection with your partner and dancing also with soft hip movements and a tap with a small "pop" with the hip on the 4th beat (1, 2, 3, Tab/Hip). Traditional Style also includes dips
. This is a very romantic style of Bachata, because of keeping the dance close. A man will indicate dancing traditional style by placing his partner's left arm on his right shoulder and placing his right hand on her back similar to the hand positions dancing Dominican Bachata in very close or semi-close position.
around 2005). The basic is the Traditional Style Bachata added dance techniques and styling from Salsa, Tango, Zouk
etc. Steps moving not only left-to-right or on the spot but also moving to different directions and adding basic Tango
steps (steps with many crosses), where on each count the male leads to a cross (cross on1, cross on2, cross on3), but on the 4th count keeping the pop or hip movement. For the Lady often danced with very big hip movements, she should picture the number eight when swaying her hips from side to side. A man will indicate switching to modern style by holding both hands of his partner just above the waist level, with her palms facing downwards and his facing upwards similar to one of the hand positions dancing Dominican Bachata in open position. While dancing modern style the hand placement will vary indicating turns, equal to salsa dancing.
Modern Style dancers claims that the dynamics of the Modern Style are based on maintaining the essence of the Bachata basic which can be very difficult to see. Nowadays (2010), dancers are also incorporating styling movements borrowed from Zouk-lambada
(backwards and forwards bent torso/body movements). You will also meet the term Urban Style, which is Modern Style added some HipHop elements.
Characteristics of Modern Style Bachata is that this style mix techniques and styling from many other dances. You will see more or less of the different dances techniques and styling depending of the dancers preferences. The history of Bachata Moderna is described in the article More than just bachata. Modern Style is used for both social and competition dancing.
A man will indicate dancing tango style by placing his partner's left arm on his right shoulder and placing his right hand on her back, while holding her left hand with his right and stretching that arm. This position is somewhat similar to that of traditional style bachata, however the upright posture and stretching of the arm indicate tango style.
styling. It is used predominantly for Ballroom competitions rather than social dancing.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
. It is danced widely all over the world but not identically.
The basics to the dance are three-step with a Cuban hip motion, followed by a hip tap on the 4th beat just like in other Latin dances (salsa etc.). The knees should be slightly bent so the performer can sway the hips easier. The movement of the hips is very important because it's a part of the soul of the dance. Generally controlled full body movement is crucially important in the dance, but most of it comes from the hips.
In partnering, the lead can decide whether to perform in open or closed position
Closed position
In partner dancing, closed position is a category of positions in which partners hold each other while facing at least approximately toward each other....
. Dance moves, or step variety, during performance strongly depends on the music (such as the rhythms played by the different instruments), setting, mood, and interpretation. Unlike Salsa (the most traditional Latin Dance), Bachata does not require many complex turn
Turn
Turn may refer to:In music:* Turn , a sequence of several notes next to each other in the scale* Turn , an Irish rock group* Turn LP, a 2005 rock album by Turn* Turn , a 2004 punk album by The Ex...
s; although they are very well used when the musicality is understood and interpreted correctly.
The leading is done just like in most other dances, with a “pushing and pulling” hand communication. If this is done correctly, the follower should clearly understand the intended direction. Although there is a lot of body movement in Bachata dancing, the hand communication is better understood when most of the movement is performed by the lower body (from waist down); i.e. hips and footwork.
The new Fusion Styles (mix of different dances) developed in US, Europe and Australia (Traditional, Modern, Urban, Bachatango, BachaBallroom etc.) is a basic dance sequence of a full 8 count in a side-to-side motion. The Original Dominican style basic dance sequence is a full 8 count moving within a square. Counts 1 through 3 and 5 through 7, when taken, generate a natural hip motion. Counts 4 and 8, consists of a tap and can include a “pop” movement depending on individual style. The 'pop' can also be executed by lifting the foot while popping the hip to the side opposite of the natural Cuban hip motion. Bachata music has a slight accent in rhythm at every fourth count, indicating when the 'pop' should happen. The tab or 'pop' is done in the opposite direction of the last step, while the next step is taken on the same direction of the tap or pop. The dance direction interchanges after every 4th count.
Bachata Dance Styles
- Dominican The original Bachata dance style.
- Traditional Close to the very early Dominican Bachata.
- Modern (aka Bachata Moderna) Bachata Traditional with Salsa, Zouk, Tango, Ballroom, HipHop and Reggaeton elements.
- Tango (aka BachaTango) Tango with Bachata steps and Vuelta.
- Ballroom (aka BachaBallroom)
In social dance, the man can choose to change style within a song. This is usually done after a break or tempo change. Changing style is done non-verbally, by changing hand and body position.
Dominican Style
The original Bachata dance style comes from the Dominican RepublicDominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
where the music also was born. The early slow style in the fifties from where everything started was danced only closed like a Bolero
Bolero
Bolero is a form of slow-tempo Latin music and its associated dance and song. There are Spanish and Cuban forms which are both significant and which have separate origins.The term is also used for some art music...
. The Bachata Basic Steps moving within a small square (side, side, forward and side, side, back) are also inspired from the Bolero but danced slightly different in Bachata and danced with syncopations (steps in between the beats) depending on the dancers mood and the character of the music. The hand placement will vary with the dancers position which can be very close to semi-close to open.
Bachata Dominican Style is today danced all over the Caribbean
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...
, now also faster in accordance to faster music, adding more footwork
Footwork (dance)
Footwork refers to dance technique aspects related to feet: foot position and foot action.The following aspects of footwork may be considered:*Dance technique: a proper footwork may be vital for proper posture and movement of a dancer....
, turns/figures and rhythmic free style moves and with alternate between close
Closed position
In partner dancing, closed position is a category of positions in which partners hold each other while facing at least approximately toward each other....
(romantic) and open position
Open position
In partner dancing, open position refers to positions in which partners are connected primarily at the hands as opposed to closer body contact, as in closed position. The connection is through the hands, wrists, and fingers, and relies heavily on frame and the compression and tension of both...
(more playful adding footwork, turns/figures, rhythmic torso
Torso
Trunk or torso is an anatomical term for the central part of the many animal bodies from which extend the neck and limbs. The trunk includes the thorax and abdomen.-Major organs:...
etc.). This style is danced with soft hip movements and a tap with a small "pop" with the hip on the 4th beat (1, 2, 3, Tab/Hip). Can be danced with or without bounce (moving the body down on the beats and up again in between the beats by springs the legs a little). Bachata Dominican is created by the People over many years (from around late fifties) for social dancing and are still evolving. This original style is spreading rapidly in the western world today (2010).
Traditional Style
The first Non-Caribbean style developed in US and EuropeEurope
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
around year 2000, based on the earlier dominican Bachata but not quite the same. Currently (2009) the most common style of Bachata danced all over the world as it was promoted with music from big Bachata stars such as Aventura, Xtreme
Xtreme (group)
Xtreme was an American music group consisting of members Danny Mejia and Steven Tejada of Dominican descent. The group focuses on the Latin genre bachata...
, Monchy y Alexandra
Monchy y Alexandra
Monchy y Alexandra were a bachata musical group from the Dominican Republic. They sang together as a duo beginning in 1999. Their first big hit was "Hoja en Blanco", which they released in 1999. Since then, they had many other hits, such as "Hasta El Fin" and "Perdidos", both from their 2004...
, to name a few. Basic steps moving side to side or on the spot. The main characteristic of this style is the close connection with your partner and dancing also with soft hip movements and a tap with a small "pop" with the hip on the 4th beat (1, 2, 3, Tab/Hip). Traditional Style also includes dips
Dip (dance move)
Dips are common to many dance forms .Standard: The flyer usually balances herself. The flyer's body may be horizontal or vertical. There are many grips for bases. The base uses a one-handed grip if flyer is experienced. In performance, flyer may turn her torso sideways toward the audience or toward...
. This is a very romantic style of Bachata, because of keeping the dance close. A man will indicate dancing traditional style by placing his partner's left arm on his right shoulder and placing his right hand on her back similar to the hand positions dancing Dominican Bachata in very close or semi-close position.
Modern Style
This style is also known as Bachata Moderna. Another and more different style originated in Europe (SpainSpain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
around 2005). The basic is the Traditional Style Bachata added dance techniques and styling from Salsa, Tango, Zouk
Zouk
Zouk is a style of rhythmic music originating from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe & Martinique. Zouk means "party" or "festival" in the local Antillean Creole of French, although the word originally referred to, and is still used to refer to, a popular dance, based on the Polish dance, the...
etc. Steps moving not only left-to-right or on the spot but also moving to different directions and adding basic Tango
Tango (ballroom)
Ballroom Tango is a ballroom dance that branched away from its original Argentine roots by allowing European, American, Hollywood, and competitive influences into the style and execution of the dance....
steps (steps with many crosses), where on each count the male leads to a cross (cross on1, cross on2, cross on3), but on the 4th count keeping the pop or hip movement. For the Lady often danced with very big hip movements, she should picture the number eight when swaying her hips from side to side. A man will indicate switching to modern style by holding both hands of his partner just above the waist level, with her palms facing downwards and his facing upwards similar to one of the hand positions dancing Dominican Bachata in open position. While dancing modern style the hand placement will vary indicating turns, equal to salsa dancing.
Modern Style dancers claims that the dynamics of the Modern Style are based on maintaining the essence of the Bachata basic which can be very difficult to see. Nowadays (2010), dancers are also incorporating styling movements borrowed from Zouk-lambada
Zouk-Lambada
Zouk-Lambada is a group of closely related dance styles based on or evolved from the lambada dance style and is typically danced to zouk music or other music containing the zouk beat...
(backwards and forwards bent torso/body movements). You will also meet the term Urban Style, which is Modern Style added some HipHop elements.
Characteristics of Modern Style Bachata is that this style mix techniques and styling from many other dances. You will see more or less of the different dances techniques and styling depending of the dancers preferences. The history of Bachata Moderna is described in the article More than just bachata. Modern Style is used for both social and competition dancing.
Tango Style
Basic steps, short sequences moving side to side but mostly Tango steps danced like Tango. The “pop” count is used to add elaborated sensuality and varied Latin dance styles but mostly taken from Tango. Although this dance has been used to dance to Bachata, it has evolved to be used to dance to Tango as well. Even though BachaTango is unheard of in the Dominican Republic, Bachata's country of origin, BachaTango has become popular with foreign instructors outside the Caribbean.A man will indicate dancing tango style by placing his partner's left arm on his right shoulder and placing his right hand on her back, while holding her left hand with his right and stretching that arm. This position is somewhat similar to that of traditional style bachata, however the upright posture and stretching of the arm indicate tango style.
Ballroom Style
A style developed in US/Europe for competition dance only, with very extreme hip movements and lots of Ballroom DanceBallroom dance
Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television....
styling. It is used predominantly for Ballroom competitions rather than social dancing.
Dominican Style
- Basic Steps Twisting feets and with syncopations (steps between the beats).
- Vuelta Turning almost on the spot.
- Enchufla (change side) Lady Inside turn moving forward on the 2nd beat facing the dance partner (1st beat is a basic almost on the spot or to the side).
- Footwork Lots of it, some cuban Son inspired and some new original.
- Movements Natural soft African moves.
- Styling Natural arm and torso movements generated from the natural body movements.
Traditional, Modern, and Ballroom
- Basic Steps Kept simple on the beats but often danced with more bented knees.
- Vuelta Turning moving sideways.
- Enchufla (change side) Lady Outside turn moving forward on the 1st beat, actually just a half Vuelta moving forward instead of sideways.
- Footwork Mostly taken from X-body Salsa and Tango.
- Movements Often very large soft African moves.
- Styling Taken from X-body Salsa and Ballroom and some fondle themselves like in Pole Dance to look more sexy for the bystanders.