BACHATA
BACHATA
BACHATA
Bachata
Bachata is a musical and dance style coming originally from the Dominican Republic. Bachata was originated at the beginning of the 20th century as the sad, romantic music of the poor suburbs (the original name – amargue means “bitterness”). The Cuban son and the bolero (a characteristic guitar sound) together with a specific African Caribbean rhythm (see merengue) were the inspiration for the creation of the bachata. During Trujil’s dictatorship, this music was under the strict censorship.
Until the 1990s, the Bachata was considered too vulgar and sad and noone expected to expand beyond the Dominican Republic. With the transition to electric guitar and metal strings, however, bachata soon gained international fame. Nowadays bachata dance is at least as popular as salsa or merengue. Artists such as Juan Louis Guerra, Aventura, Monchy & Alexandra or Frank Reyes are well known all over the world.
Bachata is dancing all over the world, but not always in the same way. We can observe three versions of bachata. The Dominican bachata was originally danced in a closed position as a bolero, later on there was a lot of syncopes and improvisation, and thus open and closed positions were often alternated. Characteristic are smooth, fast movements of hips and syncope for the last term. This style is still developing since the 1950s. Is very popular not only in Latin America but is spreading rapidly throughout the world.
International bachata (bachata mundial) was “born” around 2000 in the US and Europe based on the popularity of the already mentioned artists. Bachata mundial is the most widespread version that comes from the original old bachata. Steps are simple – one step to the side or back, ending with a foot tap or hip movement. Often overlapping or acceleration / deceleration is used. Syncops or solo variations are used very rarely.
Modern bachata called “modern fusion” has appeared on the international scene on 2005 and it’s the latest bachata version you can find over the world. Basic steps are used in all directions, changes of rhythms, pauses, open and closed position are commonly used. Modern bachata was also influenced by other musical styles like salsa, thong, zouk or raggaeton. The times when we were resting on the dance floor while dancing bachata are long gone. Bachata is a modern style which is definitely not less dynamic than other dances.
