What is Bachata Dance?

Bachata dance is a three-step dance that originated from the Dominican Republic. This dance is practiced across the globe with slight changes in the three basic steps. It starts with a Cuban hip motion, that is the rhythmic movement of hips around the spine. It is followed by a tap and a hip movement of the fourth beat. For all these steps, knees should be bent at a slight angle. 

The moves can be altered on the basis of instruments, mood, and the environment. Often people refer to it as the sensual dance because it does not include convoluted patterns or steps. It is done with minimal pushing and pulling hand and arm communication. 

The original bachata dance consisted of 8 counts moving within a square. Later, it changed from a full 8 count to side-by-side motion. Bachata music has a unique action after every three beats. The tab is always in the opposite direction of the final step. The next text is followed in the same direction.

Instruments

A usual Bachata dance is based on seven instruments. 

• Requinto

• Segunda

• Electric guitar

• Guitar

• Bass guitar

• Bongos

• Guira

Segunda was developed to add sunconation to the music. A bachata dance usually consists of a bolero. Yet, when you shift to merengue-based bachata, it switches from bongo to tambura drum. Before the 1960s, maracas were used in place of Guira.

Bachata Dance Styles

Bachata dance is classified into four different types:

Dominican

The early bachata dance in the Dominican Republic was only a closed style dance resembling a bolero. The basic steps of the bachata dance of movement within a small square are also derived from bolero with minor alterations. The placement of the hand can change according to the dancers' position. 

Music has gotten faster with time. Currently, bachata is practiced in the Caribbean region. Faster music has increased footwork and turns of the body. The modern dance includes a soft hip movement followed by a small tap with the hip. This is done on the fourth beat. If the dancer is willing, he may move the body up and down on various beats by springing the legs slightly.

Modern

It is the most current style, which rose from Spain. The basics continue to be unchanged, yet a few movements from Salsa, Tango and Ballroom have been added to make it more interesting. It is characterized by frequent hip pops and enhanced hip movements.

Bachata Tango

It is a combination of the traditional steps with tango movements. Pop count enhances the sensuality. It consists of diverse Latin dance styles. This dance style has become increasingly popular.

Traditional

In some regions of the world, box steps were replaced with a simpler side to side pattern. It involves side by side movement and a change in direction after every step. Ballroom dance steps have been incorporated in it, along with a few dips. Its characteristic feature is the close connection between the dancers.

Bachata Outfit

Without the perfect Bachata outfit, you will not be able to enjoy the dance. For men, regular bachata outfit is fit pants coupled with undershirt and a shirt of moisture absorbing materials is preferred. In warm regions, shorts can be worn. Dance shoes are the best option, but snickers can work fine too.

Women prefer to wear breathable bachata outfits such as flowy skirts or open dresses. You can pair them with short sleeve shirts, tank tops or even crop tops. The shoes you choose with your bachata outfit should be comfortable whether they are dance shoes or heels.

If you want to learn more about Bachata dance, Bachata outfit or the steps involved in it, have a talk with Bachata classes Honolulu.