Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic countryside. The dance form has undergone quite a few transformations over the years since its origin in the 20th century. Over the years, there were changes with regards to its music, instruments, and thus the popularity as well.
The modern version of the Bachata is popular in many countries especially in the west. A different version – Sensual Bachata originated in Spain, which further increased this incredible dance form’s following.
Here’s why so many people dance the Bachata.
Easier to Learn
Bachata is an easier dance form to learn compared with more popular Salsa or other Latin dance forms. It is a slower dance form that includes only around 120 beats per minute (BPM).
Some Bachata songs include even fewer beats per minute. Now, this is doable by most people easily unlike Salsa that requires more practice with up to 250 BPM in the more advanced steps. But even the basic Salsa moves can involve at least 150 BPM.
Easy Availability of Classes
More and more instructors are now offering Bachata classes – both in their studios and via online classes. With the easy availability of classes, it has become possible for more people to choose Bachata as their choice of the dance form.
If you search for the Bachata class near me then you may find many good ones in your local area. Instructors are now also offering online classes to reach more people around the world.
Versatile Use of Different Musical Genre
Bachata is now danced to different forms of music. It is not confined to only Bachata music originating in the Dominic Republic. It can be easily choreographed to any song in any language. So, this has penetrated the reach of Bachata to non-Spanish speaking people as well.
The easy adaptability of Salsa to any song was one of the many reasons for its popularity despite its being a more complicated dance form than most Latin American dances. But Bachata has the added advantage of being easier to learn. So, more and more people have taken to it. It is now widely danced in clubs around the world especially in the Americas and Europe.
Requires Less Stamina
Not many are capable of making fast turns, twirls, and other quick moves. Many Latin dance forms like Quick-Step also require fast movements. In comparison, Bachata requires less stamina. So, people are more inclined to learn it. It can also be easily danced by those who are above the age of 50 but otherwise fit.
Practicing the Bachata can help you increase your stamina overtime. It can help you become more adept at learning other dance forms that require more energy. Essentially, Bachata is a good entry point to the sensual world of Latin American dance forms.
Different Versions and Adaptability
Over the years, Bachata has evolved into different versions. The modern Bachata is more about upper body movements. It also involves lower body movements that are emphasized more than what you see in traditional Bachata, which is simpler.
Sensual Bachata is a newer version that originated in Spain. It includes more slow and sensual movements than either modern or traditional Bachata. The moves include waves, cradles, body rolls, slow dips, neck rolls, head rolls, and close body positioning between partners. The music for Sensual Bachata is also generally more passionate. The sensuous nature of this dance version is what makes it very popular in clubs. Couples generally enjoy the closeness of the dance form with slow and easy movements.
It is also easy to adapt Bachata moves into other dance forms and vice versa. You can easily incorporate Bachata into hip-hop or other dances to increase the fun quotient. You can even fuse the three above-mentioned versions together and enjoy a more contemporary form of dancing. Such fusions also increase the enjoyment of a dance style. Such a wide range of movements also helps people to dance more easily in social situations.
The idea of dancing is to express oneself and enjoy the movements set on a piece of music. Bachata makes it really easier to do so.