The Romantic Dance - Bachata

Bachata is a form of music and dance that originated in the countryside and rural marginal neighborhoods of Dominican Republic. Its subjects are usually romantic; especially prevalent are tales of heartbreak and sadness. In fact, the original term used to name the genre used to be "amargue" ("bitterness," or "bitter music"), until the rather ambiguous (and mood-neutral) term bachata became popular. The origins of the term bachata are still unknown; however, in some rural areas of the Dominican Republic, bachata means trash. Some others say that bachata is derivate from the Italian Ballata, which was a popular form of music in Italy centuries ago.

Bachata grew out of - and is still closely related to - the pan Latin-American romantic style called bolero. Over time, it has been influenced by merengue - a fast paced danceable music also native to the Dominican Republic - and by a variety of Latin American guitar styles.

The music itself is played in 4/4. The most recognizable aspect of bachata instrumentation is the use of an amplified guitar (either electric or acoustic) whose sound has been doctored with a flanger, reverb, echo, or a combination of the three. The use of arpeggiated chords as the basis for the melody is almost standard. An additional guitar, usually mixed at a lower volume, may be used to provide a basic backbeat, although an electric bass guitar may be used instead. The use of bongo drums as to provide both syncopation and occasional percusive accents is also a feature of bachata; bongo solos during chorus breaks in bachata songs are rather common.

History
Derived from the Latin American tradition of guitar music, and originally named for the crude bars and clubs were guitarists and singers would perform, bachata emerged in the 1960s. While popular radio filled the air waves with merengue and salsa, bachata musicians were forced to develop their own system of producing and distributing their music. Unlike merengue, which is also performed by women singers, bachata was predominantly performed by male singers such as Luis Segura.This is the best genre of music that any person will ever hear.

Juan Luis Guerra won a Grammy in 1992 for his album Bachata Rosa allowing bachata to gain legitimacy and international recognition. The bachata that has gained popularity is produced with electric instruments and exhibits masterful use of the guitar. It is often faster than its predecessors, and is very danceable. In recent years, Dominican television stations have produced vastly popular bachata dance contests for broadcast.

At present 2006, the Dominican group Aventura is probably the best known bachata group worldwide, its single "Obsesion" having dominated for a long time radio play both in major US Latino markets, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Other artists of note include Antony Santos, Raulin Rodriguez, Zacarias Ferreira, Frank Reyes, Luis Vargas, Monchy y Alexandra, Andy Andy, Leonardo Paniagua, Los Toros Band, and Joe Veras.

The Dance
The basic footwork is a series of simple steps that produce a back and forth or sideways motion. A schematic footwork would be as follows: starting with the right foot make a chasse to the right on counts 1,2,3. On 4, touch the left toe beside your right foot (alternatively, tapping the left toe in place, i.e., apart from the right foot, make an upwards jerk with the left hip). Then do the same from your left foot. The character of the dance is achieved through sensual hip and body movements.

Information Source: Wikipedia

Here's a quite amusing video of someone trying to teaching Bachata, how to count to the music and how to move ... Gives you a small introduction to what Bachata basic looks like.

This is one of my more favorite bachata videos ... However, it's not so much on the moves, but watch how much they enjoy themselves dancing the dance. That's what dancing should be all about.