About Bachata Dance

Wednesday, 27th April

I would begin this discourse with the meaning of the dance bachata. Simply put;

Bachata- Bachata is a style of social dance from the Dominican Republic which is now danced all over the world. It is connected with bachata music.

Words are carriers of MEANING and have tremendous power to trigger ideas, emotions, thoughts and actions. The meaning of words can also change across time and place and this is certainly the case when we look at the word "Bachata."

Most of those familiar with the word "bachata" know it as a popular musical genre and dance form native to the Dominican Republic(DR). However, before it came to be used to refer to a genre of music it meant a "fiesta del patio" or an informal gathering of friends and neighbors where music was played and drink was often served. It was not until the early 1970's in the Dominican Republic that bachata came to describe a musical genre. It was first used as an insult, a disparaging term that impliee that the music and the people that listened to it were from a "lower" class, uneducated, crude, vulgar, and immoral. Today, to a great extent, the word has been "reclaimed" and currently has a much more positive connotation in the DR and internationally. It is still used to describe a musical genre and dance but does not have the same level of discrimination attached to it as before. The discrimination against bachata, although greatly diminished, still exists in the DR however.

For the purpose of this discourse, we'll take a fairly deep dive into the origins of the bachata dance.

The origin of bachata

Bachata arose around the middle of the 20th century in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. Its roots are in some African rhythms, Cuban son and bolero. In the beginning this musical style was valued and listened to by the most popular social classes, and rejected by high level society.

Etymologically, the word bachata was known in the Dominican Republic as reunion or party, where people played and listened to popular music. Where were these dancing meetings held? Wherever you are, street corners, courtyards, public parks, etc.

Around 1950, the rhythms that would form the bachata that we know today developed, replacing different initial instruments with others such as the so-called "guira" and some guitars. Therefore, at that time these rhythms were called "guitar boleros" in some areas.

In the following years, bachata was taking steps in many small places in Santo Domingo, always associated with the most humble people and the most socially disadvantaged neighborhoods.

What is the purpose of the dance Bachata?

Bachata is widely known as a sensual dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It actually started about 60 years ago, in the early 1960s. Today, it is wildly popular and danced across the globe in a variety of forms. Bachata originated as a dance performed to express the feelings one has for their partner. Bachata dance is known for its love stories, and its syncopated rhythm. 

Now, let's talk about the styles of Bachata. The three most popular styles of Bachata

There are several different styles of Bachata dance, some of which closely resemble the original one and others being more stylized. Bachata, however, is still growing and evolving.

• The Dominican Bachata is the truest form in that it is danced according to the original style. Typically, the traditional Bachata does not require a lot of turn patterns, and incorporates many free style movements that are not seen in the more structured Bachata styles. Also, Dominican Bachata has a good deal of footwork, and a bouncy feel to it.

• Bachata Moderna, otherwise known as Modern Style, is the newest form of Bachata. It retains some of the traditional Bachata elements, but it is also heavily influenced by Tango and Bolero, among other Latin dance forms. The Modern Style relies heavily on crosses, but it does keep the typical Bachata hip movement on each four count.

• The Traditional Style is the type of Bachata that has spread across the globe. While the original Bachata is similarly romantic, it does not have such a strong emphasis on turn patterns. Dips are also heavily used in the Traditional Bachata Style, but that eternal hip movement on the fourth beat is consistent even here.

Personally, dance isn't my strongest suit. Actually, I can't dance to save my life which is very funny cause in my head, I'm the best dancer, ever!🤣🤣. Anyhow, I'm simply fascinated by Bachata. Not just cause of its history but what its expression too. You know it's an expressive kind of dance as with its music that tells stories that reflects its history, culture. Bachata music is typified by a slow, sensual beat, romantic or bittersweet lyrics, and instrumentation anchored by either acoustic or electric guitar. It's so easy to fall in love with Bachata. It's incredible. One of the cool aspects about Bachata is that it combines European, African, and Indigenous musical elements to really captivate its' listeners and dancers.

Yep! I'm definitely in love.

Image Source- pixabay.com

Toodles!