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The Wonders of Bachata- A History

The Wonders of Bachata- A History

 

Similar to the Salsa dance form, Bachata has its humble origins mainly in the Caribbean countries and the Dominican Republic. In its earlier days, Bachata was performed mainly on the streets. It could be performed anywhere on the street-side to a beach party. Bachata mainly evolved due to the Bachata music that was being played in the Dominican Republic. It is a sensual dance form, and the various music and dances in Bachata depict different love stories.

In the earlier days, Bachata was not popular amongst the masses due to it being highly sensual and for around 50 to 60 years Bachata was hidden in the dark. In recent years Bachata is slowly becoming popular in various parts of the world including Middle Eastern cities like Dubai. Today if you wish to learn the Bachata in a city like Dubai then you will find many Bachata dance classes in Dubai. Dance Studio Dubai is one of the best dance classes in Dubai that has been teaching Bachata for over a decade now. Let us see how this fun and sensual dance form evolved and is becoming popular today.

The Tough Beginnings Of Bachata Dance

Contrary to popular dance forms around the world like salsa and cha cha cha, Bachata is comparatively a pretty young dance form. Bachata became evolving in the middle 20th century in the Dominican Republic. At that time, the Dominican Republic was ruled by a dictator named Trujillo. He loved Bachata quite a lot, but he was afraid of it a lot, as Bachata had begun mainly evolving in the brothels and bars. Trujillo got so furious with the dance and music form of Bachata that he put up a complete ban on both. Sadly, Bachata was secretly being performed but limited to the brothels and bars, this hampered the popularity of this art form hugely.

As the Trujillo reign ended the performers felt that Bachata will see good days but on the contrary public continued to frown upon Bachata due to its origins and roots in bars and brothels. During the period Bachata was originating, Salsa was slowly becoming popular and this further impacted the popularity of Bachata.

The Slow But Steady Beginning Of Bachata

Slowly and steadily as Trujillo’s reign ended, after some period elapsed people began accepting Bachata, though the upper crest of society yet did not accept it. In the earlier times, television and radio broadcasters refused to broadcast Bachata dance and music by associating it with rural crimes and calling it vulgar. But slowly the dance and music form both started to catch up with the common public, and soon it evolved into being a party dance form. It is from here that Bachata dance truly became popular and soared high. The popularity of Bachata today can be seen in many parts of the world such as Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In Dubai, you can learn the Bachata Dance form at Dance Studio Dubai, which is one of the best dance studios in Dubai.

The Steps Of Bachata

The steps of Bachata are very similar to the steps of Salsa, but Bachata involves a lot of hip movement, and especially the female hip movements are very important in this dance form. Originally the steps of Bachata were from front to back, but they slowly became evolved into side by side steps. The Bachata dance steps are counted as one, two, hips. The swaying of hips from side to side, especially of the female partner, is the main notable characteristic of this dance form.

Different Styles Of Bachata Dance

There are four different styles of Bachata dancing that are popular across the globe, Dominican Bachata, Sensual Bachata, Modern Bachata, and Bachata.

Dominican Bachata is considered as closest to the original Bachata that evolved in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Bachata involves a lot of footwork and is a very demanding dance form. The partner is bounced quite often in this dance form, and it takes a bit of practice to perform and perfect this dance form.

Sensual Bachata is performed mainly by two partners who are comfortable with each other. This style involves very close dancing it involves intertwined legs, body waves, and a much more intimate dancing style. The footwork of this style is comparatively easier than the Dominican Bachata. The Sensual style of Bachata dancing has become very popular the world over.

Modern Bachata became popular in 2005 in Spain. This style involves steps and footwork from many dance forms like salsa, tango, hip hop, and contemporary Latin ballroom dancing. This dance is considered a fusion of many dance forms that are evolving together.

Bachatango, the Bachata dance form, continues to evolve to this day. This dance form is widely used as a performing dance and is lesser used as a social dance. Both the partners need to have knowledge and practice in dancing the tango and Bachata for dancing in this style.

Modern Take On Bachata

The growing technology and modern think school of accepting different thoughts has made Bachata dancing a popular art form in society today. The popularity of Bachata in itself shows how the world is becoming a better place in accepting different cultures and art forms.

The popularity of Bachata in Dubai can be traced to the emerging and increasing expat population of Dubai. If you wish to start learning the Bachata and even if you are a novice today, you can easily enroll yourself in any Bachata classes in Dubai and earn. Dance Studio Dubai has several batches and different time slots for learning Bachata dance in Dubai.

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