Bachata Style #1: DOMINICAN BACHATA

Dominican Bachata is the original style of bachata that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is a dance that expresses the joy, passion and rhythm of the Caribbean culture. Dominican bachata is characterized by its fast footwork, syncopated steps, playful turns and body movements. Unlike other styles of bachata, Dominican bachata does not have a fixed basic step or pattern. Instead, the dancers improvise their steps according to the music and their connection with their partner. Dominican bachata can be danced in open or closed position, as well as in a semi-close position where the partners hold hands and create space between their bodies. The dancers often switch between these positions during the dance, adding variety and dynamics to their movements.

One of the distinctive features of Dominican bachata is the use of taps and flicks, which are small kicks or taps of the foot that accentuate the beats of the music. These taps and flicks can be done with either foot, and can be combined with other steps such as side-to-side, forward-and-back, or circular movements. The dancers also use their hips and shoulders to emphasize the rhythm and add flavor to their dance. Another characteristic of Dominican bachata is the use of turns and spins, which can be simple or complex, depending on the skill level of the dancers. The turns and spins can be done by either partner, or by both partners together. The dancers often use hand signals or eye contact to communicate their intentions and lead or follow each other smoothly.

Dominican bachata is a dance that reflects the diversity and richness of the Dominican culture. It is influenced by other genres of music and dance such as merengue, son, bolero, salsa and reggaeton. Dominican bachata can be danced to different types of music, from traditional bachata songs to modern remixes and fusion tracks. The music can vary in tempo, rhythm and instrumentation, giving the dancers a wide range of options to express themselves. Dominican bachata is a dance that celebrates the joy of life, the connection with others and the love for music.

Bachata Style #2: BACHATA SENSUAL

Sensual Bachata is a style of bachata that emerged in Spain in the late 1990s and early 2000s, influenced by other Latin dances such as salsa and zouk. It is characterized by smooth and fluid body movements, close contact, and sensual expressions. Sensual Bachata is not just a dance, but a way of communicating emotions and feelings through music.

Sensual Bachata differs from other styles of bachata in several aspects. Here are some of the main features of Sensual Bachata:

- The music: Sensual Bachata is usually danced to modern bachata songs that have a slower tempo, more melodic vocals, and softer instruments. The music often incorporates elements of R&B, pop, and electronic genres. Some of the most popular artists of Sensual Bachata are Daniel Santacruz, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, and DJ Tronky.

- The connection: Sensual Bachata is based on a strong connection between the partners, both physically and emotionally. The dancers use their whole bodies to create waves, circles, and isolations that match the rhythm and mood of the music. The dancers also maintain eye contact and facial expressions that convey their feelings and intentions.

- The technique: Sensual Bachata requires a good control of the body and the balance, as well as a clear lead and follow. The dancers use their core muscles to create smooth transitions between movements, and their arms to guide and support each other. The dancers also use their legs to create variations in the basic step, such as syncopations, taps, slides, and lifts.

- The creativity: Sensual Bachata allows for a lot of creativity and improvisation, as the dancers can adapt their movements to the music and their partner's style. The dancers can also add elements from other dances, such as dips, turns, spins, tricks, and acrobatics. However, the dancers should always respect the essence of bachata and not lose the connection with their partner or the music.

Bachata Style #3: BACHATA MODERNA

Moderna Bachata is a style of bachata dance that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a fusion of traditional Dominican bachata with other dance genres, such as salsa, tango, and ballroom. Moderna Bachata is characterized by more complex footwork, turns, and patterns, as well as more fluid and expressive body movements. Moderna Bachata dancers often use syncopated steps, cross-body leads, dips, and spins to create dynamic and elegant sequences. Moderna Bachata also incorporates elements of musicality, such as pauses, accents, and changes of direction, to match the variations and nuances of the music.

Moderna Bachata is influenced by the evolution of bachata music, which has become more diverse and sophisticated over time. Moderna Bachata music often features more instruments, such as piano, guitar, bass, and percussion, as well as more genres, such as pop, rock, R&B, and hip hop. Moderna Bachata music also tends to have faster tempos, smoother melodies, and richer harmonies than traditional bachata music. Moderna Bachata dancers adapt their style and technique to suit the different flavors and moods of the music.

Moderna Bachata is one of the most popular and widely practiced styles of bachata dance in the world today. It is taught and performed in many countries and continents, such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Moderna Bachata has also spawned many sub-styles and variations, such as Urban Bachata, Fusion Bachata, and Sensual Bachata. Moderna Bachata is constantly evolving and innovating as dancers experiment with new movements and combinations. Moderna Bachata is a style that celebrates the diversity and creativity of bachata dance.

Bachata Style #4: BACHATA FUSION

Bachata Fusion dance is a term that refers to various styles of bachata that incorporate elements from other genres of music and dance, such as merengue, zouk, tango, hip-hop, and more. Bachata fusion dance is a creative and innovative way of expressing oneself through the music and movement of bachata, while also exploring new possibilities and influences.

One of the earliest examples of bachata fusion dance is bachatarengue, which is a mix of bachata and merengue. Bachatarengue was popularized by Dominican artists such as Elvis Martinez and Los Hermanos Rosario in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bachatarengue is characterized by fast and energetic movements, often with spins, dips, and footwork. Bachatarengue can be danced in a close or open position, depending on the preference of the dancers and the mood of the song.

Another example of bachata fusion dance is bachatango, which is a blend of bachata and tango. Bachatango emerged in the mid-2000s, mainly in Europe and Argentina, as a way of adding more drama and sensuality to bachata. Bachatango is marked by the use of tango steps, such as ochos, ganchos, and boleos, as well as tango posture and embrace. Bachatango can also incorporate elements of milonga, which is a faster and more playful style of tango.

A more recent example of bachata fusion dance is bachata-zouk, which is a combination of bachata and zouk. Zouk is a genre of music and dance that originated in the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the 1980s. Zouk music is characterized by a slow tempo, a smooth rhythm, and a melodic voice. Zouk dance is known for its fluid and graceful movements, often involving head rolls, body waves, and hair whips. Bachata-zouk combines the basic steps and patterns of bachata with the flow and style of zouk, creating a dynamic and expressive fusion.

Bachata fusion dance is not limited to these examples. There are many other ways of mixing bachata with different genres of music and dance, such as salsa, kizomba, reggaeton, rumba, hip-hop, etc. The beauty of bachata fusion dance is that it allows dancers to experiment with different sounds and sensations, while still staying true to the essence and roots of bachata. Bachata fusion dance is a testament to the diversity and richness of bachata culture around the world.

Bachata Style #5: BACHATANGO

Bachatango is a fusion style of bachata that incorporates elements of tango, such as leg wraps, dips, and turns. It is also known Tango Bachata. Bachatango originated in Europe in the early 2000s, as some bachata instructors and dancers experimented with adding tango moves to their bachata routines. The music of Bachatango is usually a remix of traditional bachata songs with tango beats and instruments, such as the bandoneon.

Bachatango is a controversial style among some bachata purists, who argue that it deviates too much from the original Dominican bachata and that it confuses beginners who want to learn the basics of bachata. However, Bachatango also has many fans and supporters, who enjoy the creativity and variety that it brings to the dance floor. Bachatango is often danced at social events and festivals that cater to different styles of bachata, such as Moderna, Sensual, and Urban.

Bachatango is a challenging style to master, as it requires a good connection and communication between the partners, as well as a solid foundation in both bachata and tango. The dancers need to be able to switch smoothly between the different rhythms and patterns of the two dances, and to execute the tango moves with elegance and precision. Bachatango also demands a high level of musicality and expression, as the dancers need to interpret the emotions and nuances of the songs.

Bachatango is a beautiful and exciting style of bachata that showcases the versatility and richness of this dance. It is a style that appeals to those who love to explore new possibilities and challenge themselves with different techniques and movements. Bachatango is a style that celebrates the fusion of cultures and genres, and the passion and creativity of the dancers.