Origin of the Bachata
Bachata is a widely popular dance genre in the Dominican Republic that was highly influenced by Cuban bolero. The genre reached international prominence in 1992 when musician Juan Luis Guerra was awarded a Grammy for his album Bachata Rosa.
How to Bachata
Originating in the 1960s, the bachata is now danced in all corners of the world. The original dance style was slow, with the dancers in a close, closed embrace. The dance evolved significantly as the music genre changed to a faster tempo. However, the original dance is still practiced by many traditionalists in the Dominican Republic.
The bachata is characterized by soft movements of the hip and a syncopation on the foruth beat. The most common variation of this dance involves eight counts moving within the perimeters of a small square. The basic steps of the bachata involve moving side to side with the dancer changing direction with each tap. The bachata is a highly social dance that is constantly evolving, with individual dancers being encouraged to incorporate their own interpretations as they learn the dance.
Learn to Bachata
Growing worldwide interest in the bachata has made it a popular dance for people of all ages and skill levels. To explore your options, contact Arthur Murray at your earliest convenience.
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