By J. Altaverde

Bachata is a dance and music originating in the Dominican Republic in the ’60s and now popularized on dancefloors around the world.  It is a partner dance that can be danced in an open, semi-open or closed position. Unlike Salsa, Bachata does not include many turn patterns, although more are being incorporated into the dance as it changes.  The basic dance sequence is performed in an 8-count moving within a square and usually side to side, consisting of three steps with a tap. Bachata can be danced on any beat of the musical sequence as long as the basic step pattern is maintained.   Most of the dancer’s movement is in the hips and lower body.   Bachata is still danced today in the Caribbean and all over the world and has been evolving for several decades. More contemporary Bachata has become faster, adding more footwork, turns, and improvisation.   It is often played intermittently on dance floors between Salsa, Merengue, and other Latin dance forms. As always, it’s good to know the differences in both music and dances so you can more thoroughly enjoy your time dancing!  The more dances, the merrier some say!