All about bachata

Bright, dynamic, sensual - all these epithets can be safely attributed to the bachata dance. It appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, but reached world popularity only 80 years later. In order to learn how to perform bachata, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the varieties and suitable music, and then move on to the basic movements, gradually improving the skills acquired.

Bachata is an original, but uncomplicated dance. Performed in a moderate rhythm, the completed measure consists of three steps. The fourth involves moving the hip and stepping forward. The characteristic features of the dance are as follows:

• close location of partners to each other;

• smooth body movements;

• swinging hips;

• movement on the dance floor is carried out on legs bent at the knees (springy movements).

Latin American bachata is danced in pairs. Usually a man and a woman.

Bachata is very similar to other dances - salsa and kizomba. There are quite a few similarities: swinging the hips, the time signature is 4/4. But, despite the general points, there are differences. They are as follows.

1. Bachata is a more sensual dance, while kizomba and salsa are more technical.

2. Salsa has more varieties, it is danced alone, in pairs or even in a quartet.

3. Salsa and kizomba require more energetic music.

The difference is complexity. So, bachata is considered the simplest dance. Beginners should master it first, and then move on to salsa and kizomba.

Bachata appeared in the 30s of the twentieth century. The homeland is the Dominican Republic. Dance quickly gained relatively high popularity among the population as it became a great way to relax, relieve stress and just have fun.

In the 60s of the last century, the Dominican Republic was going through hard times. The unstable economic situation, poverty, the growth of crime and other negative factors affected the public mood. While politicians were fighting with each other for power, residents tried to somehow cheer themselves up - they danced bachata. The Dominicans did it almost anywhere: in local bars, at home, on city streets. Moreover, the dance was originally considered a symbol of poverty and lack of education. At events of high society, the performance of bachata was taken for a bad taste.

The penetration of dance into high society was due to the famous personalities of the Dominican Republic. So, the singer Juan Luis Guerra released a solo album called Bachata rosa, which was warmly received by the elite. The compositions recorded on the disc were ideal as musical accompaniment to the dance. They were rotated on radio, television, in public places. Since the end of the twentieth century, dance has gained incredible popularity.

There are three main directions of dance. They are distributed as follows.

1. Dominican bachata. It is interesting that this particular dance is considered traditional in the homeland, but it has not gained wide recognition throughout the world. Distinctive features: romantic emotional attitude, almost all movements are accumulated in the lower part of the body (hips and waist).

2. Urban. The most common option in most European countries. Ideal for beginners as it consists of the simplest possible movements of the hips and core. The most active in the pair is the partner.

3. Modern is the youngest style. A characteristic feature of this variation is the addition of hip-hop elements to the dance. Most often danced in nightclubs. The performance requires good physical fitness from the dancers.

In order to fully master bachata, you need to choose the right image. Of course, training at the initial level can be done simply in a comfortable tracksuit, but then you should take care of something more suitable.

Women usually choose open light dresses for dancing, with a deep neckline. In this case, the lower part should not hinder movement, that is, the skirt is as wide as possible. It is better to choose open shoes or sandals from shoes. Women's style sometimes means trousers, but it is better to choose flared options that look more like a skirt.

For men, traditional are: boots, trousers, light shirts. At the same time, if the shirt is with buttons, then the upper ones may be unbuttoned. And also additional accessories are not prohibited, for example, hairpins, hats, scarves around the neck and much more.

The musical accompaniment for the dance consists of a Spanish bolero and a Cuban son. In bachata, rhythm is completely absent, but there is melody. The main direction of the compositions is a melancholic motive with notes of sadness and nostalgia.

If the dance is performed to live music, then the following instruments are present in the orchestra:

• acoustic guitar;

• Rekinto - an instrument similar to a guitar, but capable of producing melodies with African motives;

• double drums and some other percussion instruments.

It is customary to dance Bachata in pairs, but to master the basic elements it is better to choose a single mode. First, you should familiarize yourself with the basic elements.

1. The basic step is the simplest element, but without it it is impossible to learn to dance. The right knee should be bent and the weight should be transferred to the left side of the body. Then take a step to the right, and move the weight in the same way. In order to facilitate understanding and reproduction of all movements, it is recommended to count aloud.

2. Back and forth movements. The left leg is in a stationary position. The right step is taken forward, the left leg is put. Such movement must be accompanied by movements of the hips.

3. The more difficult element is the turn. Starting position: standing, gaze is directed straight ahead. First, a step is made with the right foot to the side, while simultaneously turning the entire body in the same direction. Then there is a turn of about 90 degrees. In this case, the legs should be shoulder-width apart, the left thigh rises slightly, emphasis is placed on the toe. Then there is a turn on the left leg, and return to the starting position. At this stage, the emphasis is on the raised right hip and bent knee. The same action must be repeated, but only in the other direction.

4. Eight movement. It can also be attributed to the basic elements of increased complexity. The bottom line is that the movement of the hips should be carried out according to the principle of drawing a figure eight. In this case, the weight also needs to be moved from left to right alternately.

5. Cross steps. The bottom line is that the movements of the legs must be performed so that one goes after the other. The body weight moves depending on the active side.

In order to dance bachata beautifully and technically correctly, it is not necessary to take lessons. You can master this art form yourself at home. You should train a little, just twice a week for 1-2 hours. It is also recommended to adhere to the rules.

1. Prepare the space for rehearsals and dances in advance, even if they take place on the territory of the apartment.

2. Find the right music and learn to hear it.

3. Train first in solo mode, and only then hone paired movements.

4. There should be a large mirror in the room.

5. While practicing the dance technique, one should not forget about the emotional component. It is better if the partners feel sympathy for each other.

In order to visualize the basic elements, it is recommended that you read the video.

You can try to repeat the movements of the dancers. When the basic skills are worked out, you can improve the ligaments, and dance in pairs.