What is bachata?

[Spitfire]

For example, a lot of the salsa dancers on this forum and elsewhere do salsa pretty much exclusively, because that's their passion. Nothing wrong with that, as long as you know what you goals are, and have a coach who can guide you there.
That's very good advice! Decide on your goals before dropping the $$$. I am first and foremost a salsa dancer, but my cha cha and bachata are very good. I also know basics in WCS, ECS, Rumba, and Foxtrot.

What is bachata?

I'm not familiar with it.

[Split and moved from a ballroom thread by SDsalsaguy.]

[salsarhythms]

Hey Spitfire,

Bachata is a traditional music from Dominican Republic.

It has quite a unique sound to it, and has become more
and more popular in the last 5 years or so...

In Dominican Republic, Bachata is played more by the
"campesinos" usually poorer people, laborers in the fields.

However, the music has become somewhat mainstream in
New York and other areas.

I personally LOVE bachata...it is a very sensual music, and
dance...

For some good bachatas do a search for the following
artists:

Monchy y Alexandra

Anthony Santos

There are many more, those are 2 of the more popular
artists...

[Spitfire]

What is the dance that is done to the music; what is the pattern?

[youngsta]

The basic is like a slide/shuffle left and right punctuated with a hip rotation towards the direction you're changing to. That's the best I can explain it. I LOVE dancing bachata. Very, very sensual. :D

[SDsalsaguy]

Its basically a side-together-side action and the hip roll and/or lift youngsta mentions.

[youngsta]

THAT'S what I was looking for...side-together-side! :lol:

[brujo]

You can also bachata to the on1 mambo step, only that instead of holding on 4, you shake your shoulders ( men ) or your hips ( women ) to the oposite foot. The way it was taught to me, bachata is less of a fancy spins and turns dance, you would do at most two spins, slow-mo. Think of a tango with hips locked merengue style.

You might also want to check out Aventura, which is a band that plays a lighter, faster bachata. Old school includes Juan Luis Guerra... And if you are DJ and don't want to piss off too many Mexicans, look for an artist named Anntony, who does Mana covers in bachata...

[brujo]

And a little history here (http://home-3.worldonline.nl/~pjetax/historias/history_bachata.html)

[Spitfire]

Is it taught in any of the studios?

None of the ones here have to my knowledge. I guess this is in part why I'm unfamiliar with it.

[Spitfire]

The basic is like a slide/shuffle left and right punctuated with a hip rotation towards the direction you're changing to. That's the best I can explain it. I LOVE dancing bachata. Very, very sensual. :D

How many counts?

[youngsta]

123 (left side-together-side) 4 (right hip rotation right) 567 (right side-together-side) 8 (left hip rotation left) btw I was dancing it while typing this :lol:

[Spitfire]

123 (left side-together-side) 4 (right hip rotation right) 567 (right side-together-side) 8 (left hip rotation left) btw I was dancing it while typing this :lol:

Getting back to the music; is it different from Merenque?

[youngsta]

Oh yeah. waayyyy slower...very distinctive sound. BTW Spitfire, I have yet to see Bachata instruction at studios in my area.

[salsaForfun]

Oh yeah. waayyyy slower...very distinctive sound. BTW Spitfire, I have yet to see Bachata instruction at studios in my area.

You may also notice some kind of bass hitting always on 1 and 4. It is good to start your step sequence on this bass.

By the way: Here in Germany in almost all salsa clubs you get up to 20% (Merengue +Bachata) and 80% Salsa. So you don't have to dance Salsa/Mambo all the time.

Some good songs:

Raulin Rodriguez
Arrancame La vida
Si Yo Pudeira
Zacharias Ferreira
El Triste
Aventura
Obsession (No se es Amor)
Cuando Volveras
El Gringo de la Bachata
Volvi

[redhead]

I like to dance bachata in close contact. You have to feel what your leader is doing; side-together-side is basic, but you can walk forward and back, cross your feet doing basic, do slow dips... I love it! Just pretend that you're in love with your partner and play with your body - bachata music will help you, it's so sensual, beautiful and a little sad! :cry:
Some guys start on 2 or 3 - if it doesn't feel wrong, then it's probably OK... :?:

[DanceMentor]

Welcome to the Dance Forums, redhead

Yes, I love the bachata too. I also like to add the little dip. Sometimes after you have been dancing fast salsa and merengue all night, bachata is a good dance to change the mood. I think it's good when the dj adds a set of bachata.

[Spitfire]

Another question about the music; are there any well known songs with that rhythm?

Trying to get an idea here.

[salsarhythms]

Hey guys,

A couple of things to note about bachata.

The side to side is a pretty basic step, you can go forward
and backward, a side to cross to side step, dipping forward
and backward...and then there are the spins that are danced
a lot in DR...

Another thing is that although bachata is slower here in the
United States, typical Bachata is actually faster in rhythm
and dance...

The slower ones are of the "amarge" genre, meaning sad,
or depressed...

However, Bachata can be as fast enough if not faster than
Merengue.

As far as some songs to check out, do searches on the
following artists:

Monchy y Alexandra

Aventura

Anthony Santos

Juan Luis Guerra (His style of Bachata is different)

[youngsta]

The side to side is a pretty basic step, you can go forward
and backward, a side to cross to side step, dipping forward
and backward...and then there are the spins that are danced
a lot in DR...


That's why I prefaced it with 'the basic is...' I can do all kinds of fun stuff with it, but I thought Spitfire just wanted a description of the basic.

[salsarhythms]

Right Youngsta...you know what else I love...

Like you mentioned, you can do so much with it
that it's limited to your imagination...another thing about
bachata is that, to me, you really have to feel the music
and the story of the music to truly enjoy it...would you
say that this is true?

Of course, the music must be felt in all types of dance, but
there is something very particular about bachata...don't know
what it is, but it's there and I feel it everytime I dance to it.

[youngsta]

Oh definitely! I think you feel the music a bit more because the dance is so sensual. At least for me the connection with my partner feels 'stronger' than it does with other music I dance to.

[Spitfire]

123 (left side-together-side) 4 (right hip rotation right) 567 (right side-together-side) 8 (left hip rotation left) btw I was dancing it while typing this :lol:

Getting back to this discussion...

:?: So kind of like ECS triple time with the hip rotation instead of rock step. Is that an accurate description?

[SDsalsaguy]

No, because the feeling and flavor are of a totally different order...it's a Latin dance, not a swing. Also, technically speaking, the triple step of ECS is not done to even timing whereas this is, here we're dealing with 4/4 timing danced evenly with one step/action per beat.

[Spitfire]

No, because the feeling and flavor are of a totally different order...it's a Latin dance, not a swing. Also, technically speaking, the triple step of ECS is not done to even timing whereas this is, here we're dealing with 4/4 timing danced evenly with one step/action per beat.

I was referring to the resemblence of the pattern and the direction in which it is moving. So is it different in that regard?

[SDsalsaguy]

Still different, at least if you're talking about ballroom ECS, because each step in bachata is on a whole beat – so of equal size – whereas ECS triple steps (again, if the ballroom version) are not. In very general terms I think you're heading in the right direction but, technically, there is a difference.

[pygmalion]

I have a dumb question. What is all this uproar over bachata? Is there a lot to the dance? You know, lots of unique steps, and styling and such? I ask because I've never had any lessons in it. I just went to a salsa club, and when one came on, I danced. Did I miss anything? Should I go out and look for a Latin dance teacher to sharpen my skills?

[SDsalsaguy]

LOL :lol:

No! Actually, I don't think I've seen it even taught more then once! If you see it done, that's pretty much enough to understand the basic if you have any other dance background.

[pygmalion]

Cool. :D

Now I can relax, and just dance. :D :D

[youngsta]

Yeah most people just dance the basic the whole song, nothing wrong with that. I've learned several cool bachata patterns and add more and more to it when I get the chance.

[pygmalion]

Exactly what I'm thinking. Just dance the basic, and if the guy can "teach" me more patterns, follow him. If not, the basic is pretty entertaining by itself, because I like the music.

[migs]

hi. i absolutly love bachata but unfortunatly hardly anyone here knows it. And i only know basics. Are you ment to move all your body ie, shoulders, hips much in bachata or are you supposed to keep your body more ridgid :?: Any bachata tips are welcome :D

[youngsta]

There's nothing rigid about Bachata. Just feel the music and go! :D There are a lot of cool moves you can spice things up with once you're comfortable with it.

[Giselle]

Is the hip rotation that was mentioned anything like the a-2 in Samba?

[cowpaste]

Does anyone know any links to videos? I know the basic sideways I think...however I have no clue at all how the turns or other basics go. Everytime I see people dance bachata, it's usually just the basic.

[Giselle]

Anyone, anyone?

[brujo]

here is one, but is pretty cheesy. She's good. He sucks.

http://www.ulises.de/Videos/Dance/Bachata/dianavideo.html

here is another one with a better example of the hip motion.

http://www.pablobachata.com/videos.html

Just imagine the man's right leg wedged between the woman's legs and leading by the hips and you get the idea.

[salsaForfun]

Anyone, anyone?

Luis Vargas has a good DVD with "videoclips" for every song where you see people dance bachata/Merengue (Bachatarengue?). check it out.
The DVD is "En Persona".

[Soñador]

Most of you seem to like bachata... Personally I don't like it that much... Don't really know why, maybe because I only had basic instructions and know the base steps... But besides these, are there any other or that's all!? I really like merengue or salsa much, much more... For those who know a bit more about bachata, can you tell me if there're more steps and variations, trics and so on (such as in salsa and merengue) or there's only the side-together-side thing?

[youngsta]

There are PLENTY of other moves you can add to Bachata!

[SDsalsaguy]

There are PLENTY of other moves you can add to Bachata!
Absolutely! There's the "go get a drink of water," the "comb your hair," the "visit the restroom," the "talk to the person next to you," the "step outside for some fresh air," the . . . well, you get the idea! :wink: :lol:

[Sagitta]

I happen to like bachata!! :) As for moves, as younsta, said, once you got the beat down you are all set. For instance, in merengue you can do the cuddle/sweetheart. In bachata you can do the same, with two variations. Leader putting himself into the cuddle so he is in front of the follower, then doing the basic. Alternatively, the leader can put the follower into the cuddle so he is in front of her. You can move around the floor, turn in one spot (remembering the hip motion/pause on the fourth beat). Basic is going from side to side. So when leader goes to right he can turn the follower so she makes a 360 turn, then as he goes left he can turn, then when going right again leader turns the follow. Instead of leader allowing follower to make a 360 degree turn he can stop follower by placing hand on shoulder, then leading her to turn back and return to her original position. Leader can turn himself 360 degrees going right and going left. Both leader and follower can turn going right and returning left!!

The possibilities are limitless, really.

[borikensalsero]

There are PLENTY of other moves you can add to Bachata!
Absolutely! There's the "go get a drink of water," the "comb your hair," the "visit the restroom," the "talk to the person next to you," the "step outside for some fresh air," the . . . well, you get the idea! :wink: :lol:

Oh boy, I like your moves. I, myself use: "My Lady is leaving, I must escort her to her vehicle"

[SDsalsaguy]

There are PLENTY of other moves you can add to Bachata!
Absolutely! There's the "go get a drink of water," the "comb your hair," the "visit the restroom," the "talk to the person next to you," the "step outside for some fresh air," the . . . well, you get the idea! :wink: :lol:

Oh boy, I like your moves. I, myself use: "My Lady is leaving, I must escort her to her vehicle"
That's another good one Boriken! :D

In dire circumstances I use the most extreme variety of that move myself, the "I'm leaving, I must escort myself to my vehicle." Most of the time, however, I refrain and use other staples such as the "twiddle my thumbs," the "glare at the DJ," the "get some napkins and dry off," or any of the other moves previously mentioned.

[borikensalsero]

There are PLENTY of other moves you can add to Bachata!
Absolutely! There's the "go get a drink of water," the "comb your hair," the "visit the restroom," the "talk to the person next to you," the "step outside for some fresh air," the . . . well, you get the idea! :wink: :lol:

Oh boy, I like your moves. I, myself use: "My Lady is leaving, I must escort her to her vehicle"
That's another good one Boriken! :D

In dire circumstances I use the most extreme variety of that move myself, the "I'm leaving, I must escort myself to my vehicle." Most of the time, however, I refrain and use other staples such as the "twiddle my thumbs," the "glare at the DJ," the "get some napkins and dry off," or any of the other moves previously mentioned.

lol... have you tried the, bending down and tying your shoe until the coast is clear?

[SDsalsaguy]

There are PLENTY of other moves you can add to Bachata!
Absolutely! There's the "go get a drink of water," the "comb your hair," the "visit the restroom," the "talk to the person next to you," the "step outside for some fresh air," the . . . well, you get the idea! :wink: :lol:

Oh boy, I like your moves. I, myself use: "My Lady is leaving, I must escort her to her vehicle"
That's another good one Boriken! :D

In dire circumstances I use the most extreme variety of that move myself, the "I'm leaving, I must escort myself to my vehicle." Most of the time, however, I refrain and use other staples such as the "twiddle my thumbs," the "glare at the DJ," the "get some napkins and dry off," or any of the other moves previously mentioned.

lol... have you tried the, bending down and tying your shoe until the coast is clear?
Yes, on rare occasions I have been known to avail myself of that one. Then there's always the good ol' standby, the "grab the hand of a nearby friend* and immediately start practicing and/or making up new salsa moves."


* Often regardless of if the were previously involved in some other conversation or not (:shock:)!

[vey]

Yes, I love the bachata too. I also like to add the little dip.
I was about to write how wonderful "little dips" are in bachata, when I've noticed that DanceMentor already mentioned it :)

**************************************
DanceMentor, BTW, I love your new avatar! Big fan myself!

I guess your wife finally discovered the foto :lol:

[elisamaria]

:lol:
WOW!!!!!!!! I AM SO IMPRESSED BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW THIS MUCH PEOPLE LISTENED TO BACHATAS, I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HAVE REPLIES OR CONVERSATIONS OR ANYTHING RELATING TO BACHATAS, NOT THAT MANY PEOPLE KNOW WHAT BACHATAS ARE, I RECENTLY STARTED LISTENING TO THEM!!!

[SDsalsaguy]

Welcome to the forums elisamaria! :D

[Sagitta]

Welcome to df elisamaria!! Yes, indeed. There are people here who like all sorts of music and dances. If there is something you are into then there probably is someone who at least knows something about it. You like bachata!! What else?

[Sabor]

aaaaah Bachataaa! .. a wiggle and a sway.. romancing all the way :P

[Canadian Guy]

I was looking for Salsa ideas on the web again and noticed this (http://www.bustamove.com/cgi-bin/scripts/post_link.pl?p=electric&d=party&b=798026134566)

Now turn down the music, yes turn down the music because its some techo pop and select the basic button.

Now does that look like the steps for a bachata or not :?: Of course, you wouldn't be doing all that upper body stuff because you would usually be in a close body hold with a partner but the foot work looks like Bachata to me...

[borikensalsero]

I was looking for Salsa ideas on the web again and noticed this (http://www.bustamove.com/cgi-bin/scripts/post_link.pl?p=electric&d=party&b=798026134566)

Now turn down the music, yes turn down the music because its some techo pop and select the basic button.

Now does that look like the steps for a bachata or not :?: Of course, you wouldn't be doing all that upper body stuff becuause you would usually be in a close body hold with a partner but the foot work looks like Bachata to me...

That is just too funny... lol... They should rename it to the bachaslide.

[chiquita~bonita]

i am obsessed with bachata i think the most romantic song to dance bachata is Ensename A Olvidar its sooooooo beautiful

[etchuck]

I guess I can welcome you to the Dance Forums...

Do you happen to know who performs that song? :)

[youngsta]

Aventura. Chiquita that is a really beautiful song, great taste! :)

[chiquita~bonita]

yeah its aventura its on the cd we broke the rules

[chiquita~bonita]

thanx thats the first song me and my husband danced to at our wedding i get chills when i hear it

[Sagitta]

Yup. Actually I've recommended that CD to quite a few people who ask me what are good CDs to buy.

[MacMoto]

yeah its aventura its on the cd we broke the rules
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This information has helped me track down the most played bachata song around here and possibly the only one I actually like: Obsesion by Aventura, also on We Broke the Rules. :D I'm not a big bachata fan, and most of the time I can't stand it (sorry :oops:), but I really like this one -- such a beautiful song.

[dessaix]

I dislike Aventura hehe their style is too sensual and if you actually understand the lyrics, some songs are poorly written. actually alot of them dont make much sense.

I love to listen to Bachata more than anything (i wish I could dance it as well as salsa) :D but I pay alot of attention to the lyrics..

sorry for being a hater :roll:

[Sagitta]

That's alright. I don't know Spanish so can't say one way or another, really. How about "bachata rosa"?

[Ray]

you can also.. do with your feet.. go left.. right left.. and kick your feet in you r left knee hole.. then do right left right.. and move your left feet across your right feet and back.. hehe.. its more style.. and its on 1 spot.. so dont walk.. like normal.. example.. left put your right against left.. and left foot left then hiptoss


damn.. i am lost :P

next time i make video :D

[Sagitta]

Okay, here's another bachata variation. The bachata box. left forward, right side,left foot together, right hip raise, right foot back, left side, right together...you get the idea! :wink:

[Ray]

want to hear more ? :P

[Sagitta]

:?

If it can be clearly explained, sure!! :)

[Ray]

no nevermind then :D

[bontyal]

there used to be a site called desahogate. where did that site go

[pygmalion]

What did the site specialize in? Bachata?

What I've noticed ina year-plus of googling all things dance, is that the majority of sites aren't well maintained. People start out with good intentions, but lose interest, or don't have the money to pay for site maintenance, or whatever, and sites disappear left amd right. I'll look for it, though. :? 8)

[MacMoto]

there used to be a site called desahogate. where did that site go
Desahogate.net? It's still there (first google hit for "desahogate").

What did the site specialize in? Bachata?
Seems to specialise in reggaeton.

[bachataluv]

I first heard this music in the Dominican Salon where I have my hair done. For a long time I would just listen to this music during my visits to the salon as it was always playing) I had no idea what it was called. Then I met a Dominican guy and he told me more about the music. That was approx. 6 months ago. I now have 400 plus Bachata songs on my ipod. I love this music sooooo much. Even though I don't undertand most of what they are saying. My favs are Anthony Santos, Yoskar Sarante, Frank Reyes, Lost Toros Band and Luis Vargas.

[Sagitta]

I first heard this music in the Dominican Salon where I have my hair done. For a long time I would just listen to this music during my visits to the salon as it was always playing) I had no idea what it was called. Then I met a Dominican guy and he told me more about the music. That was approx. 6 months ago. I now have 400 plus Bachata songs on my ipod. I love this music sooooo much. Even though I don't undertand most of what they are saying. My favs are Anthony Santos, Yoskar Sarante, Frank Reyes, Lost Toros Band and Luis Vargas.

Welcome to df bachataluv. :) Glad to have you. Now do you dance to the music by any chance?

[Salsablaster]

Here is one of the bachata video clip, not the best dancing , but to give you an idea how it looks like, for the people who doesnt know what it is.

http://www.ulises.de/Videos/Bachata/video.html

[bachataluv]

Hopefully someplace safe and friendly. Manhattan, Queens or Brooklyn ok.

[Twilight_Elena]

Hopefully someplace safe and friendly. Manhattan, Queens or Brooklyn ok.

I suggest you make a nea thread out of this, bachataluv. That way more people who might have information might see it. :D

Twilight Elena

[Guarachero]

I found bachata very sticky. I did not pay attention in my Cultures of Latin American classes in my youth years. And when I first sew some people dancing it in St. Louis, MO, I deem it the most stupid dance I've ever seen. Of course dancers of St. Louis needed help but I did not know that.

One day I showed up in Bermudas in Miami and witnessed the beauty, sexy, romantic and harmonious cadency with the music. People there knew how to dance it :D Thanks God :D

I learn it in the first try, but it took me several tries to learn how to maintain the footwork while turning, etc. When I went back to St. Louis, I showed off like a litle kid. :D :D :D

Guarachero

[Guarachero]

Here is one of the bachata video clip, not the best dancing , but to give you an idea how it looks like, for the people who doesnt know what it is.

http://www.ulises.de/Videos/Bachata/video.html

Salsablaster: I've never seen a Bachata with that high up footwork :o

The Dominicans I've learned from go:

Groove-groove to your right
counter beat with your left
Groove-groove to your left
counter beat with your right
Hold your bodies tight
And groove-groove with lust
Let you body have the fun :? :?

Guarachero

[hopelessly_addicted]

Urr does anyone know what type of dancing "van" is? My cuban friend told me that he doesn't dance bachata but he dances van and he showed it to me. Well, that dance, van, looked to me pretty much like bachata except danced on2....

edit: I guess part of my question is: whether bachata is also called van :?

[pelao]

Urr does anyone know what type of dancing "van" is? My cuban friend told me that he doesn't dance bachata but he dances van and he showed it to me. Well, that dance, van, looked to me pretty much like bachata except danced on2....

edit: I guess part of my question is: whether bachata is also called van :?

No, its not called that. But, a good example of what you dance "van" to is this old band called "Los Van Van".

[Guarachero]

Urr does anyone know what type of dancing "van" is? My cuban friend told me that he doesn't dance bachata but he dances van and he showed it to me. Well, that dance, van, looked to me pretty much like bachata except danced on2....

edit: I guess part of my question is: whether bachata is also called van :?

I dance Bachata and I'm a Cuban. How can any body see Bachata and not dance to it? :D

[hopelessly_addicted]

right Pelao.. So there is a kind of dance called van.. what's it like?? I've googled but all it came up with was to do with the band, "los van van"....

Guarachero, very few people dance Bachata where I live... tis a pity cause I love dancing it..

[Guarachero]

right Pelao.. So there is a kind of dance called van.. what's it like?? I've googled but all it came up with was to do with the band, "los van van"....

Guarachero, very few people dance Bachata where I live... tis a pity cause I love dancing it..

Well here where I am, people don't know it either :) They dance Salsa to every thing :shock: With the exception of two Dominicans, all others just move. Two weeks ago I dance Punta and people aplauded like crazy. Heck, I danced Punta in Tegusigalpa and no body noticed it.

You need to educate people there to get familiar with Bachata. Just do it every time you can, so they get to know it. Just teach them :banana:

[hopelessly_addicted]

Well here where I am, people don't know it either :) They dance Salsa to every thing :shock: With the exception of two Dominicans, all others just move. Two weeks ago I dance Punta and people aplauded like crazy. Heck, I danced Punta in Tegusigalpa and no body noticed it.

You need to educate people there to get familiar with Bachata. Just do it every time you can, so they get to know it. Just teach them :banana:

I still feel awkard sometimes doing the bachata sides steps and hip thingy so am in no position to teach :oops:

What is Punta, Guarachero?

[pelao]

I've never seen van, I heard about it once, but that was it. Punta is an afro-honduran music - it was a rhythm brought by garifuna tribes of africa to the northern coast of honduras. Its very popular with central americans in addition to hondurans. They play it a lot around here cause of the huge central american population here, but its known with most other latin american countries. I remember one when i was little, sopa de caracoles, was so popular it played everywhere from south america to north america.

heres a little something about the garifuna and punta:

http://www.rootsworld.com/reviews/garifuna.html

http://www.puntamusic.com/

[Guarachero]

Pelao:

Here in US Midwest there are not many who know Punta. They hear it and dance whatever they can, some attempt Salsa, others Merengue and others just stand around.

The issue with Punta is that the footwork is so fast, that new Salseros can't learn it by watching. They prefer to stand and look at your feet. Now, when you finish most Latinos will applaud. But remember, you can't expect the snoby new Salseros to applaud you.

[hopelessly_addicted]

Urr does anyone know what type of dancing "van" is? My cuban friend told me that he doesn't dance bachata but he dances van and he showed it to me. Well, that dance, van, looked to me pretty much like bachata except danced on2....

edit: I guess part of my question is: whether bachata is also called van :?

:oops: am officially deaf... I asked my friend again regarding this and he said "son", not "van" :oops: :oops:

Ok... I was not too pressed in admitting my atrocious mistake, untill I read the below and the lighblub went on :idea: :D


The best Bachatas are actually mixed with Son. A genre the Dominicans have been experimenting with for ages. Proof that the sounds of the Caribbean were being shared and shaped in their own way by each country for centuries, just as the Taino Indians were sharing the Areitos and culture. I know many Dominicans who complain about the quality of what's out there concerning their music just as the Ricans are complaining about the Monga. Like DJ Patricio said, check and dig....go underground for the great stuff that's not on Sony.

So there.. it's not all that odd that my cuban friend's son looked similar to bachata....

[Sagitta]

Urr does anyone know what type of dancing "van" is? My cuban friend told me that he doesn't dance bachata but he dances van and he showed it to me. Well, that dance, van, looked to me pretty much like bachata except danced on2....

edit: I guess part of my question is: whether bachata is also called van :?

:oops: am officially deaf... I asked my friend again regarding this and he said "son", not "van" :oops: :oops:

Ok... I was not too pressed in admitting my atrocious mistake, untill I read the below and the lighblub went on :idea: :D


The best Bachatas are actually mixed with Son. A genre the Dominicans have been experimenting with for ages. Proof that the sounds of the Caribbean were being shared and shaped in their own way by each country for centuries, just as the Taino Indians were sharing the Areitos and culture. I know many Dominicans who complain about the quality of what's out there concerning their music just as the Ricans are complaining about the Monga. Like DJ Patricio said, check and dig....go underground for the great stuff that's not on Sony.

So there.. it's not all that odd that my cuban friend's son looked similar to bachata....

Son... Leader step to the left on 4(slow), then bring right foot together(quick), then left foot(quick), then mirror what you just did to finish the 8 count. Certain distinctive moves are done to it such as cross body lead, follower going around ledaer with hands up once. Leader balancing on one foot and rotating as follower moves around him...

[bachataluv]

I just loooove bachata. I've only danced it a few times with a guy from DR.
I get frustrated looking at everyone dancing because I don't yet dance well.

[Sagitta]

I just loooove bachata. I've only danced it a few times with a guy from DR.
I get frustrated looking at everyone dancing because I don't yet dance well. PUt the music on when alone and practice. You'll get it. :)

[rhythm mouse]

Son... Leader step to the left on 4(slow), then bring right foot together(quick), then left foot(quick), then mirror what you just did to finish the 8 count. Certain distinctive moves are done to it such as cross body lead, follower going around ledaer with hands up once. Leader balancing on one foot and rotating as follower moves around him...

Sagitta - is there anything you don't do?

[Sagitta]

Son... Leader step to the left on 4(slow), then bring right foot together(quick), then left foot(quick), then mirror what you just did to finish the 8 count. Certain distinctive moves are done to it such as cross body lead, follower going around ledaer with hands up once. Leader balancing on one foot and rotating as follower moves around him...

Sagitta - is there anything you don't do?
One of the marks of a generalist. :wink:

I just saw it demonstrated, and did a bit once...that's all. If you asked me to dance it now I think I would be hard pressed to do so. :oops:

[Sagitta]

One wonderful bachata tonight. I have been having a hard time with bachata for a while and then danecd with this girl whom I taught bachata a while back. It clicked and we played. :banana: :bouncy: :banana: Oh I'm still shaking over it. I got the bachata once again. :banana:

[Medira]

Yay Sagitta! That's wonderful!

[dr-tourist.tv]

Dominicans dance Bachata EVERY WHERE. I don't know of a sing Dominican that ahs ever taken a lesson to dance Bachata. I shot some video a few yeasr back of a couple dancing bachata at the cock fights.I was working on a TV Pilot called "The Monkey and The Rooster". I was hired mostly to translate and act as a guide. In the end I wound up shooting some b roll etc.

I found it ironic that in the ame room they used to apply the talons to the roosters who were basically being prepared to fight to the death. . . .there was a couple dancing Bacahata!

Take a look at the video and I am sure you will agree that it is not the type of dancing you learn in most schools. It is in the blood of Dominican people and they are surrounded by music 24-7. Bachata is blaring from nearly every car and every colmado in the Dominican Republic.

[Lucretia]

dr-tourist.tv , great clip!
Must be a strange feeling, the force of both death & life & love in the same room. But I want moooooore dance. Can you publish the whole song & dance?

/luc

[sac76]

yeah would really appreciate if you could post more links or video clips of bachata...cant get enough of it:)

[BrookeErin]

I appreciate the clips, as well. Interesting note... they seem to pause on the four, rather than some sort of particular emphasis. I've seen emphasis ranging from hip lift to leg lift to foot tap to kick, but never a pause like that. Their hip motion is greater than what I generally see in Indianapolis. It's been a while since I've watched bachata in Chicago (I'm always dancing)...

I've been told a lot recently that I dance bachata differently than just about everyone else in Indy (and in a good way). It earned me a free ride to Chicago the first time one of my favorite leads danced bachata with me. I know I have a few "moves" that no one else here does (thank you DF and online videos), but a friend I consider a very good dancer told me she thinks I take smaller steps than the majority of Indianapolis dancers.

I feel like I've kind of plataued with bachata. I'm certainly not getting much challenge. Any new ideas or suggestions?

[cierre boca y baile]

I feel like I've kind of plataued with bachata. I'm certainly not getting much challenge. Any new ideas or suggestions?

I'm not sure exactly what would be new for you, but if your comfortable with your partner, be playful and sexy and just have fun with it. Do things like caress your partners face just before a turn or run you fingers through their hair. One move I have started doing recently is do a basic 1,2,3,hip, 5,6,7,hip (guy takes the girls rt hand with his rt hand here) then back break on 1,2, on 3 the guy does a kind of J with is rt hand bringing the girl so her back is to his rt front. He then takes her left hand in his and places his rt hand on her right hip. The guy has to adjust for the lady, so you start back counting 1,2,3 hip doing a basic again. As you are coming back on 5,6,7 the guy takes the girls left hand and bendng at the elbow places it behind his head, then starting at her elbow very slowly runs the side of his hand down her arm, along her side coming back to rest at her left hip. At this point when the girls hand is placed on the back of the guys head, if the girl is really cool :), she starts playing with his hair. It may not come across very well trying to explain it. Sorry not video, YET! :)

Since there aren't a lot of bachata videos out there, I'd say the best way to get new moves and ideas, is to watch a lot of other styles of dancing and when you see some cool sexy little move they do, figure out how to incorporate it into bachata.

Some new songs I've found recently that I recommend are:
Honey, I Do - Extreme
Ven Tu - Dominic Marte
la quiero - Dominic Marte
Un Beso - Aventura
Me Extrana En La Manana - Aventura

[sac76]

I'm not sure exactly what would be new for you, but if your comfortable with your partner, be playful and sexy and just have fun with it. Do things like caress your partners face just before a turn or run you fingers through their hair. One move I have started doing recently is do a basic 1,2,3,hip, 5,6,7,hip (guy takes the girls rt hand with his rt hand here) then back break on 1,2, on 3 the guy does a kind of J with is rt hand bringing the girl so her back is to his rt front. He then takes her left hand in his and places his rt hand on her right hip. The guy has to adjust for the lady, so you start back counting 1,2,3 hip doing a basic again. As you are coming back on 5,6,7 the guy takes the girls left hand and bendng at the elbow places it behind his head, then starting at her elbow very slowly runs the side of his hand down her arm, along her side coming back to rest at her left hip. At this point when the girls hand is placed on the back of the guys head, if the girl is really cool :), she starts playing with his hair. It may not come across very well trying to explain it. Sorry not video, YET! :)

Since there aren't a lot of bachata videos out there, I'd say the best way to get new moves and ideas, is to watch a lot of other styles of dancing and when you see some cool sexy little move they do, figure out how to incorporate it into bachata.

Some new songs I've found recently that I recommend are:
Honey, I Do - Extreme
Ven Tu - Dominic Marte
la quiero - Dominic Marte
Un Beso - Aventura
Me Extrana En La Manana - Aventura


hmmm trying to figure it out...guess u learn more watching the videos:(

[BugBear]

My instructors reffered to it as the blues of the latin world :D And I don't think I can dance bachata with just any girl. There are a few that would let me hold them close enough though ;)
I've talked to a few people and the popular opinion is that when it comes to watching, bachata is probably the most boring of the latin dances. But when we talk about dancing..... well, that's a different story :rolleyes:

[Twilight_Elena]

My bachata story (mentioned it in other threads as well).
Went dancing in my ballroom practice party as usual, and bachata came on, as usual. Usually, you can see maybe 2 couples on the entire dancefloor that dance the bachata the way it's supposed to be danced (i.e. no open hold position stuff, no stiff ballroom holds, but the real hug sort of hold). So this guy I've never danced with or seen there before asks me to dance. We start off with the classic closed hold, which was, admittedly, close. He comments on my "fluid, soft movement". I raise my eyebrows in disbelief and say "thanks a lot, I had a really good teacher". We talk for a bit while dancing. I tell him I've learnt dancing in said school that was trhowing the party. He tells me he learnt in clubs. He had a great, great lead and a very steady, safe to be in hold.
Song ends. We dance a salsa after a while, which was unlike anything I've ever danced before (I couldn't tell you what I was doing if you asked me, I was just following and it felt like I was dancing a dance totally unknown to me) and then after a while we danced another bachata.
Started off with the same hold, then after a while he asked for my permission to get closer. (Let me make a small comment here: it really touched me. Most guys don't ask for any sort of permission to get close to you, or even say "is that okay?" So I was touched.) After that the whole thing is a blur to me. My mind went blank, except for some detached thoughts that went "That feels GOOD". You know how it is when the guy is really tender and you are moving perfectly together? That kind of thing. There was no distance between our bodies or strange inhibitions. We were just dancing together and it was perfect. Can't find any words say this in a more eloquent way.
Really nice guy. Really great dance. Have never danced a better bachata in my life (which might not say much as my experience is limited, but still). Now I'm just hoping he'll become a regular. ;)

Twilight Elena

[Twilight_Elena]

My instructors reffered to it as the blues of the latin world :D

My instructor said that too. :D

Twilight Elena

[ballare]

You can count till 4 step right and left and move the hips becaus salsa and batchata must move your body