Feel the rhythm and passion, discover partner dance Bachata lessons in Leeds at RISE Dance
Bachata Dancing Guide
Looking to add a touch liveliness to your dance repertoire? Look no further than the captivating Bachata! Originating from the heart of Latin America, this sensual social dance is the perfect choice for beginners with a slower tempo than Salsa. At RISE Dance, we invite you to experience the magic of Bachata through our carefully crafted solo and couple classes that will undoubtedly set your hips swaying.
Hailing from the vibrant Latin American culture, this lively dance form promises to ignite your soul and captivate your senses. If you're new to the dance floor, fear not, for Bachata's simple yet alluring three on-beat steps make it an ideal choice for beginners. Join us at RISE Dance, where we offer an array of thrilling solo and couple Bachata classes that will leave you mesmerised and eagerly anticipating your next moves.
What is Bachata Dancing?
Bachata is a style of dance that comes from the Dominican Republic and contrary to Salsa the dance is less energetic but more sensual. The dance focuses on three-on beat steps and a tap to mark the fourth beat. Bachata is all about the accentuated movements of the hips with the knees bent softly to allow the body to move fluidly.
The origins of the Bachata can be traced back to the 1960’s inspired by Bachata music. The Bachata was danced undercover during the rule of the Dominican dictator Trujillo and first recorded after his death. It’s trademark was known as the basic side-to-side step and danced in a close embrace. The exaggerated pop of the hip gave the Bachata a romantic edge over other dances at the time!
The dance was said to be used as a mating call between individuals due to its intimacy and movement of the hips. It was even regarded by the societal elite as a crude dance that belonged within brothels and rural communities where the rich would not frequent. However, thankfully in the 1980’s this opinion changed and as the Bachata was influenced by other dance styles it became more mainstream and adopted into the Western world in the 1990s.
Over the years different dance professionals have put their own ‘spin’ on the Bachata. The five most common sub-styles of the Bachata are:- Dominican Bachata, Bachata Modern, Sensual Bachata, Bachata Fusion and Bachatango. We will explain each style to give you an idea of what you can expect in a Bachata dancing class and hopefully pique your interest in attending RISE Dance.
Dominican Bachata
The Dominican Bachata is the most original sub-style of the Bachata. It retains the fast footwork and box step that the Bachata is known and loved for! The weight is shifted from foot to foot which helps to sway the hips and create the sensual movements that the dance is renowned for!
BACHATA MODERN
This style of Bachata is more of an adaptation of the original Bachata and is popular with partner dancing . It encompasses a range of different styles including Salsa turns, Hip Hop, Latin Ballroom and the Tango making it a lively energetic dance! If you want to learn the Bachata Modern you can expect to be taught a side-together-step alongside a popular pop song!
Sensual Bachata
This dance focuses on atmosphere and building a connection between the couple which makes it a fun dance to learn together.
As the name suggests sensual bachata incorporates intimate leading techniques and whole body movements such as body waves and shoulder and hip movements. The sensual Bachata uses the same straightforward step pattern as Moderna requiring less complex moves making it relatively easy and fun to learn.
Bachata Fusion
One of the more playful experimental styles of the Bachata is the Bachata Fusion which mixes all of the Bachata dance styles. When you hear Bachata Fusion you should think of passion, sensuality and lots of energy!
The Bachata Fusion is perfect for suiting all dancer’s individual styles and taste as this variety allows you to dance freely and adopt your favourite techniques!
Bachatango
The Bachatango exploded into the dance scene in the West following on from the success of the traditional Bachata. This dance incorporates steps that are commonly used in the Argentine Tango and the four step Dominican bachata. This is a perfect dance if you are looking for a slower Bachata beat with a fun twist of tango!
How can I get started?
Here at RISE Dance Bachata is one of our most popular dance classes!
If you come along to one of our Salsa & Bachata classes we will teach you easy to learn patterns and have you dancing to upbeat lively music from this genre. We offer both solo and couples Bachata classes so if you don’t have a partner don’t worry as our Solo Latino dance classes are tailored to be danced solo style! Here you can expect a dance class and party rolled into one.
For those who prefer one-to-one tuition, we also offer private tuition which is perfect if you have missed a class or want to learn Bachata at a time that suits you. Our qualified teachers will help you to arrange a private lesson at a time and place that best fits in with your schedule.
What else do i need to know
What you need to bring along with you for your first Bachata dance lesson?
You may have seen the flashy and beautiful dresses and suits of the expert Bachata dancers. Don’t worry, you don’t need to splash out on a Bachata outfit just yet. In your beginners class, you are best to bring suitable comfortable shoes such as trainers and make sure to wear light breathable clothes.