Bachata Dance Classes

Bachata is a Latin style dance for couples that originated in the Dominican Republic. It has since made its way around the world and has adapted to include several styles. The basics of the dance include a three step basic with Cuban hip action. Another signature of the dance is the hip tap on the fourth beat. This is characteristic of many of the Latin dances. The knees stay bent at all times to allow for free hip movement. The hip movement is really the center of the dance. It gives it an attitude and mood that makes it characteristic.

Control is important to Bachata. The whole body is used in this dance. Movement originates from the hips and the rest of the body follows in a deliberate way. The embrace or how closely the couple holds each other is determined by the lead partner. This dance can be done in open or closed positions. The actual steps used in the dance depend greatly upon the music and the mood. Rhythm and musical instruments will speak to the dancers and guide their choice in steps. There are less turns in this style than in other Latin styles. But they can be used to great effect with skilled dancers.
The original Bachata is an eight count basic that moves in a square. Fusion dances from the US, Europe, and Australia have modified the basic into side to side sequences.

Originally, the hip movement came very naturally because of the order and direction of the steps. The Dominican version adds a hip tap on counts four and eight when there is not natural hip movement taking place already. There are several other established styles such as modern style, tango style, and ballroom style. Each of these has slight adaptations that take inspiration from other dances such as Salsa, Tango, Zouk, and even Hip Hop.

Bachata has become very popular since the year 2000. But it has been around since the 1950's. The Original Dominican style has been gaining momentum since 2010. It is slow and danced in closed positions. It can include a bounce in the steps or can be adapted to include faster rhythms. Footwork has also been added for interest and contemporary faster rhythms. It is popular enough that students can take dance classes in a dance studio in most styles of the dance from original to the Fusion styles. Check out a dance school near you.