Bachata- This couples dance– a native of the Dominican Republic, currently very popular in the world, gentle and sensual. For those who want to learn how to dance this dance, it is not at all necessary to have special choreographic training, there are no particular difficulties, its basic steps are quite simple to master: 3 steps to the side (as an option - forward or backward), on the last count - emphasis with the hip (leg at the same time bends and stands on his toes, and then straightens). The main thing is to feel your partner! As in others social dancing, they change partners in bachata, which best teaches following and leading.
Story. The bachata dance was born in the Dominican Republic at the beginning of the twentieth century (20s), and became especially widespread in its country and in other Caribbean countries in the 60s.
Initially, it was a dance of the poor who gathered after a hard day of work to drink wine, relax and have fun in shady places, in nature, in the courtyards of poor houses, and generally anywhere. The workers sang songs about their plight, life's adversities, unrequited love and separation, full of sadness and bitterness. And of course they danced. Such parties were called bachata or cumbanchata (bachata, cumbanchata - in Spanish). The music of these parties for a long time was considered vulgar, “low” and was even banned in the country for public performance on radio and for recording. But by the 80s, this “music of the poor” gained extraordinary popularity. It suddenly became clear to many representatives of the music and dance community that there was nothing better than bachata to express a whole range of feelings: from melancholic and melancholy to passionate and, at the same time, tender. Its emotional component was loved by both musicians and dancers.
The album “Pink Bachata” (Bachata rosa), which Juan Luis Guerra released in 1990, was very successful and turning point in the attitude of the aristocracy and other wealthy representatives of the Dominican Republic society to such music. From that time on, bachata ceased to be the “music of the poor” and climbed the social ladder. Bachata was recognized not only in the Dominican Republic itself, but also far beyond its borders (remember the film “Dirty Dancing”, which Hollywood released in 1987!) The prejudice against bachata collapsed, and its triumphant march across countries and continents began.
Music. Bachata has a 4/4 time signature and a moderate tempo. This music is usually performed on a classical acoustic guitar or a requinto (a Caribbean guitar characterized by a more “metallic” sound). The rhythm is maintained by either a bongo (a double drum of African origin), a maraca (maracas), or a guiro (a notched wooden or metal tube through which a scraper is passed, producing a sharp chirping sound).
Popular performers. Popular these days are Toby Love, Aventura, xTreme, Frank Reyes, Prince Royce performing bachata. "Obsesion" by the group Aventura is a super hit that has conquered the whole world and Russia, probably as well Russian society learned about bachata. This song is on everyone's lips.
Bachata styles
Bachata has changed throughout its history, and as a result, several varieties have gradually emerged.
Bachata Dominicana
This is the original, so-called “free” style, this is how the poor people danced at their parties after a heavy working day to somehow brighten up your hopeless life.
Music of this style is quite fast in tempo and rhythmic. Dance moves not too varied, few turns, bends, rotations, no supports, but the main thing here is complex footwork, called footwork. The movements of the legs should be in close connection with the rhythms of the music. Also characteristic are the active movements of the dancers' hips when they perform side-to-side side steps. Open and closed positions of the dancers alternate.
Bachata classic
This is a Europeanized version of Dominican bachata, which originated and developed in the USA and Europe. Among all the styles, bachata is the most popular. This is enough a slow dance with romantic and gentle movements of partners. Footwork here is not as abundant as in the Dominican version. There are a lot of movements in a closed position, when the partners' bodies are very close, there are rotations and supports. A characteristic movement of the hip is on the 4th count (one, two, three, hip).
Bachata modern - modern style
Bachata Moderna- this is the same classical bachata, but enriched with elements of other dances and cross-steps, a kind of symbiosis that always gives a new and interesting result. There are many varieties, and the names of the styles directly depend on which dance the bachata is “crossed” with: bachatango, crankchata, bachata-fusion, bachata-urbana, bachasutra, etc.
- Bachatango– turns, complex steps, graceful deflections, pauses and stops, close contact of partners, so characteristic of Argentine tango. This dance combines the passion of tango and the sensual tenderness of bachata. To learn how to dance bachatango, you need to practice a lot; this dance is much more complex than a simple bachata.
- Krankchata– dance - a mixture of bachata, hip-hop, reggaeton and R*n*B. Created by Jorge Ataka and Le Alemant, famous teachers and bachata dancers.
- Urban Bachata– dance with a taste of the city. It merges modern bachata and hip-hop. Characterized by fast steps and powerful turns. Dancing bachata in the urban style is not technically difficult, easier than bachatango, the main attention should be paid to working with the body. The style quickly becomes popular and does not stop in its development; urban bachata is danced with pleasure in clubs and studios.
Bachata Rueda– the dance is performed simultaneously by several couples standing in a circle (rueda is a circle). They follow the commands of the cantor, who directs the action, usually a man, but there are exceptions. He decides who will enter the circle, when the rueda begins, ends, etc. During the dance, partners are exchanged. There are a lot of figures in rueda de bachata, but they are not complicated, all dancers can easily cope (but preparation will not be superfluous!). The main thing is to do everything on command, without delay, listen to music and strive to synchronize movements with other pairs. The basic rule of rueda etiquette is to have fun yourself and not disturb others.
Dress. Bachata is a dance that involves freedom and flexibility of movement. Therefore, you need to dress as comfortably as possible: soft shoes for men, stable heels for women, clothes that do not restrict movement.
It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that such a unique, romantic and full of feelings Latin American dance, Bachata, did not find recognition in the country of its origin for quite a long period of its existence. No matter how sad it may sound, this is exactly how it was. After only fifty years this type dance began to actively gain popularity and prevalence. Unfortunately, today not everyone knows what kind of dance this is, what its peculiarity is and, most importantly, how to learn to dance bachata. Let's fix this!
What is bachata
Bachata is a couples dance that is distinguished by its intimacy, romance, and sensuality. Observing the excellent movements and perfect turns of the couple who dances this dance, you can see that bachata has many similar elements with other types of dance, namely bolero, tango, reggaeton, salsa and many others Latin varieties dance.
History of dance
Before you begin listing the characteristic features and studying the technique of the above dance, you should learn a little about how bachata appeared. The history of bachata originates in the Dominican Republic. This one appeared beautiful dance back in the middle of the last century, during the reign of dictator Rafael Molina, and it was mainly danced only by people of the lower class of society. It is immediately worth noting that this period of time was quite difficult for the entire Dominican people - this is the reason that bachata was not recognized for a long time and was considered the dance of outcasts and the poor. Everything has changed in better side at the end of the last century, when, thanks to the melancholic inclinations of a huge number of musicians, bachata began to gain unprecedented popularity. Today, there are several varieties of the above dance, such as Dominican bachata, Italian bachata, as well as bacha tango, which is a kind of mixture of bachata and tango, which is danced to the appropriate music.
Characteristics
Like any other type of dance, bachata has its own unique and inimitable features. The whole essence of this dance is that each of the movements should be as coordinated as possible, and the leading role is assigned to the legs. During the dance, the legs make quite fast and intricate movements in one of the most common musical time signatures four quarters, and the tempo of the dance is approximately one hundred and twenty beats per minute. In addition, there are quite a lot of turns in bachata, which are performed almost continuously. It should be noted that in bachata four steps are taken from side to side or forward and backward. But the main “highlight” is that it is emphasized last step, during which the foot is placed on the toe or heel.
Music
Let's get down to it important element which is an integral part of every dance. Yes exactly! Let's look at the features of music. Leading musical element in the melody there is a requinto or acoustic guitar. As for the rhythm, it is set using a guire or bongo. For a long time they called bachata vulgar dance. Therefore, the music was not played on the radio, and it was simply impossible to purchase a recording in stores. New life The music for the bachata was provided by Juan Luis Guerra, who added more romance and melody to the melody. It is thanks to the colorful, expressive and fiery music that a simply unforgettable dance is obtained, filled with passion, romance and love. An interesting fact is that one of the characteristics of bachata music is the lack of clave rhythm, which makes the melody stand out from most Latin American music genres.
Technique. How to learn to dance
The modern variety of bachata, the so-called “modern bachata”, is more sensual, romantic and technical view dance than the bachata that was danced villager. Today greatest attention is paid to body plasticity, as well as the partners’ ability to dance erotically and at the same time maintain close contact. When compared with other similar types of dance, such as salsa, cha-cha-cha or bolero, bachata does not have a wide range various figures and movements. The main task of partners is not excellent technique, but excellent communication of feelings and achieving maximum intimacy. To achieve this goal, bachata dancers in most cases avoid any sudden movements, as well as any dizzying turns. As for the roles of partners, the partner must be able to lead the partner plastically and gently, one might say “cradle” her in his own arms. While the partner should give in and place maximum emphasis on the hips. Unlike salsa, learning to dance traditional bachata is quite easy. In most cases, you may only need a few lessons to gain an understanding of the dance and learn how to dance it at a basic level.
Salsa is salsa. But we must not forget about “adjacent” genres.
- Bachata appeared in the 60s of the twentieth century in the Dominican Republic.
- Bachatero is the name given to bachata dancers, as well as musicians who play bachata.
- In Europe, they always play salsa at bachata parties, and bachata at salsa parties.
- The second name for bachata is Musica del amargue (Spanish music of bitterness).
- Bachata in the Dominican Republic originally called simple celebrations that took place under the canopy of trees on the street and in the yard. Friends, relatives, neighbors gathered. They sang and played musical instruments. The first dances, which received the same name, were danced there.
- For a long time in the Dominican Republic, bachata was considered “ low genre", music of the marginalized. It was not broadcast on the radio, recorded on records or played at discos.
- One of the reasons for this attitude was the reception doble sentido — double meaning lyrics in compositions (although it is quite often used in other genres of Latin American music).
The technique of double meaning implies
- replacing one word with another that sounds similar; - using words together so that when combining adjacent syllables, other words are formed; - as well as using rhymes that prepare listeners for a shocking word, but when it comes to pronouncing the second part of the rhyme, it is used another word.
In the history of the development of bachata, the double meaning of the texts provoked a flurry of criticism - but also made bachata more popular. - In the 80s, the themes of the songs also changed - they became more lyrical. Then great amount people appreciated the dance rhythm and gentle melodies of bachata. Bachata music began to spread throughout the world. But the dance to it was practically invented anew in Europe.
- Bachata music can be very different: dynamic, lyrical, or combine several moods.
- There are usually three main subgenres of bachata —
Authentic (Dominican) bachata (sometimes called bachata-traditional)- a dance variant that came from the Dominican Republic. It involves dancing most often in a closed position, moving in small steps, sometimes a basic step that goes back to the boléro (side, side, forward and side, side, back), as well as syncopated steps depending on the dynamics of the melody;
Within Dominican bachata, in turn, up to twenty smaller styles are distinguished. Not all of them are clearly demarcated from each other. Stands out
— bachata bolero- This is a dance in a close position. In the Dominican Republic (unlike Europe and Russia), only close people dance it.
- bachata callejera - “cheeky option”.
-bachatacampilla — dance of two freestylers. Leading and reporting serve only for general synchronization of the pair. — European bachata (also sometimes “Italian”) - a dance style that appeared in the 1990s in European dance schools. It is distinguished by a characteristic basic step from side to side (according to the “1, 2, 3, tap/hip” pattern). appeared here characteristic movements hips on the fourth count, and also - sometimes - numerous figures that came to bachata from ballroom dancing;
-And Bachata fusion (also sometimes “modern”)- a dance style that developed on the basis of European bachata after 2005, incorporating elements of salsa, zouk, hip-hop and other dances. - In addition, the teachers’ own styles may appear as separate styles at the seminars - bachata sensual, street bachata, the variations are endless.
- Several hybrid genres have been created based on bachata. The most popular of them are bachatango and rueda de bachata
Bright, dynamic and sensual dance– bachata, originated at the beginning of the twentieth century, but is only experiencing the peak of its popularity now. The birthplace of the lyrical, but fiery dance– Dominican Republic, and character traits he acquired in the Caribbean. This musical style received recognition all over the world, to a greater extent thanks to the performers who come from Latin America.
History of Bachata Dance
It is known that the dance originated in the thirties of the twentieth century, and a little later bachata became the folk way get away from problems, relax, become happier. In the 60s, the Dominican Republic was going through difficult times - the republic was in a state of cold war with Washington due to rampant corruption and obvious election fraud. The people had a hard time while politicians fought for power. Bachata was danced to lift the mood in bars, on the streets, and on the path near the house. The dance came from the “lower classes” and was considered vulgar - its performance was not encouraged at social events.
Singers and composers from the Dominican Republic, who achieved world fame, played a major role in the popularization and development of the style. One of them, Juan Luis Guerra, released the album Bachata rosa, which received recognition high society Dominican Republic, which opened the path to world recognition for the sensual musical style. Compositions from the album were played on radio and television, and played at weddings and parties. By the end of the century, bachata began to win the hearts of fans of Latin American music around the world. It is danced at salsothecas, clubs, and discos dedicated to the Dominican theme.
Characteristics
Bachata is an original, memorable, but not complicated dance. It is performed at a moderate, even melancholic tempo, and the rhythmic pattern is 4/4. The completed beat is three steps, and on the count of “four” there is a movement of the hip and a step with a straightened leg. The dance is characterized by the closeness of partners on the verge of eroticism and passion, as well as measured, sensual music. The dance is concentrated in smooth body movements, swaying the hips and moving with springy legs. At the same time, the partners’ hands perform simple movements, complementing the overall design of the composition.
What is the difference between salsa and bachata?
Bachata is very similar to salsa - both dances are based on time signature 4/4, great importance is given smooth movements hips At the same time, salsa has many varieties; in some dance styles, the first step is performed on the strong beat, in others - on the weak beat. There are lyrical and incendiary compositions. Salsa can be danced alone, in pairs, in threes or in fours.
Bachata is less varied, it is gentle, it expresses sensuality and frankness. This is an erotic dance, it symbolizes passion, it is danced in couples. Salsa is more energetic, its music is more complex, and there are a variety of figures. It will take time to learn how to dance it. Professionals advise starting with bachata, and then starting to master salsa. Almost all salseros and Latin dance lovers can dance both dances.
Music
Bachata is a characteristic musical style that talks about unrequited love and the difficulties that lovers experience on the way to their happiness. The music is a mixture of two directions - Cuban son and spanish dance bolero. At the same time, bachata does not have the rhythm inherent in many areas of Afro-Cuban styles, but there is a constant melody - addictive, sexy. The main core of the melody is a sad melancholic motif, with notes of nostalgia and longing for lost love.
The key instrument is an ordinary acoustic guitar, its plucking is combined with requinto. This instrument is a close relative of the guitar, but the sounds produced from it have a metallic timbre and are reminiscent of African motifs. The rhythm is set by Cuban double drums, which the musician holds with his feet. In combination with percussion instruments maracas or guinos perform, brightening up the monotonous melody and giving it an expressive sensual coloring.
In the 90s, the style of music began to change, thanks to its popularizers. Manuel Tejada decorated the arrangements of his songs with the sound of a synthesizer and accordion, and Anthony Santos changed the rhythm of the music and sped it up due to tempo variations. Bachata Cabaret and techno suggest the presence of rhyme in the words of songs that have a double meaning, balancing on the verge of eroticism and vulgarity.
Styles
Bachata dance does not have a wide variety of styles, but three main ones can be distinguished. Among them are the following areas:
- Dominican variety or classic version. This style of bachata dance is traditional for the islands, it is romantic and soulful, but is not widespread in the world. The center of attention is the movement of the dancers' legs, complex figures that are performed with the participation of the hips and waist.
- Urban or European bachata is a popular type of dance. The main emphasis is on the work of the core and the movement of the partner’s hips. Suitable for beginners - the dance consists of simple steps and minimum complex figures.
- Modern. Modern style interspersed with hip-hop and other specific movements popular dances. This is the club genre of bachata - it is dynamic, fiery, and still evolving.
How to dance bachata
This dance is designed to work in pairs, but basic movements study one by one. Key elements of bachata:
- Basic step. Bend your right knee, shift your body weight to the left. Take a step to the right, shift your weight to the same side, plant your left foot, repeat. Perform all movements on the count of “one, two, three, four.” Take two steps in the other direction.
- Back and forth. The left leg is motionless, the right one needs to take a step forward, put the foot down, then take a step back and put it down again. Accompany the steps with movements of the hips, transferring the body weight from the right leg to the left, and vice versa.
- Turn. Stand straight, looking ahead. On the count of "one" right foot you need to take a step to the side while simultaneously turning your body to the right. On the count of two, turn 90° on your right foot, placing your left foot shoulder-width apart. Raise your left thigh and place your foot on your toes. Continue to describe the circle with your body, turning on your left leg. Return to the starting position, ending with an accent by lifting your right hip and bending your knee. Repeat on the other side.
- Move forward with figure eight hips. Take a step forward, transfer your body weight to your right hip, plant your left leg, bending both knees. Simultaneously with the step, load the left thigh, then the right again. Try to describe a figure eight with your hips lying in a horizontal plane.
- Crossing steps. Take a step to the side with your right foot, transferring your body weight to your right thigh. Pull up your left leg, placing it in front of your right so that you form a cross. On the count of “three,” take another step with your right foot to the side, and on the count of “four,” pull up your left foot, bending your knees. Each step involves transferring weight to the hip, relaxing it along the way. On the count of “four,” you need to lift your left thigh up by contracting the lateral muscles of the waist.
During the dance, your arms can be bent at the elbows and your hands held in front of you. Moving your hips, make circular movements with your hands, trying not to focus attention on them. The beginner's task is to learn how to step correctly and move his hips to the beat, catching the lyrical rhythm of bachata. Over time, you can try to connect your hands, but when working as a couple, they are under the partner’s shoulder blades.
How to learn to dance
It is quite possible to master the principles of dance on your own - you can hone your skills by dancing in front of a mirror. You can learn to dance bachata at home at initial stage. When moving to the next level, when a partner is required, it is better to take courses or pay individual sessions with a coach. There are several dance schools in Moscow where they will teach you how to dance, and the first lesson will be free. These are GallaDance, the Bachata, Spicy Salsa and Keep the Rhythm dance schools. When starting to study, you should take into account the following features of dance:
- Bachata implies close contact between dancers - physical and emotional. Sometimes the need for intimacy becomes an obstacle to learning dance.
- Dance requires a sense of rhythm from the dancer; you need to listen to the music and strive to get in time. This will help to achieve synchronization with your partner's movements.
- In parallel with training on the dance floor, you should develop flexibility - this quality is necessary for high-quality mastery of dance.
- Home exercises are carried out to music in front of a mirror to see the erroneous execution of movements.
- In order for the dancer to feel confident in clothes and shoes, it is advisable to wear a tracksuit and comfortable shoes or sandals with heels.
Video
The Dominican Republic is not only beautiful beaches, gentle sun, bright colors and friendly people. It is also bachata - incredibly romantic, sensual and one of the most popular dances today.
A Brief History of Bachata Dance
Dance historians claim that bachata appeared at the very beginning of the last century. At least the first mention of it Latin American dance date from the beginning of the twentieth century. At that time, bachata was the dance of real workers who, tired after a hard day of work, gathered in places called “Bachata”.
These were coastal "resting places" for street musicians, sailors who came ashore, pirates, where all this was accompanied by accessible women, noisy “fiestas” and cockfights.
The poor people sang and danced, conveying all their thoughts and experiences in every word and every movement. And let their songs sing about problems, about life's adversities, about difficult fate poor people, about the sadness and grief of unrequited love, in bachata the language of dance conveyed passion, sensuality, love and hope. Bachata has become a real antidepressant for poor people.
Songs, dances and generally the music of such “parties” were not welcomed by people of the upper class for a long time. It was considered vulgar, unworthy and was even banned for many years. Who knows what they would have been like further events, if only serendipity, “the music of the poor” did not gain popularity. Bachata was noticed and named the best by representatives of the music and dance community, since there is simply no more passionate, gentle, slightly sad dance. This is a whole range of emotional feelings that can be conveyed by dance music.
Bachata styles
Despite the fact that bachata is a relatively young type of dance, its popularity can be envied and love is only growing every year. Can anyone be left indifferent by these beautiful, sensual, sexy movements that captivate everyone who is lucky enough to see this dance live?
Of course, it has changed a little and there are already several basic styles of bachata:
Dominican (Bachta dominicana)
- “sensual” (Bachata Sensual)
Modern (Bachata moderna)
Nowadays, bachata, which came to us from the distant Dominican Republic, is considered a dance happy people. After all, only those who are very lucky in life can, thanks to bachata, draw all their thoughts, desires and dreams with body movements. Bachata will not let anyone get bored while dancing - she is joy, filled with the sun of her homeland.
Alexander Khazin. I am the founder of the salsa movement in the city of Odessa. The director and choreographer of the salsa school of the same name is Alex Khazin's Salsa Studio. Organizer of salsa parties and partner of many salsa festivals in Ukraine and abroad. The main idea of Alex Khazin's salsa studio is a deep study and promotion of ethnic and folklore Afro-Cuban dances in Odessa and Ukraine
