Bachata is a social dance from the Dominican Republic that is danced to Bachata music. It is an important part of Dominican culture, which has also gained tremendous popularity in many places around the world. Traditionally, it’s danced socially in partners of two, although it’s also common for people to dance Bachata solo informally. Bachata music is in 4/4 timing and the foundational or “basic” step is often described as 1,2,3, & “touch,” then stepping again in the other direction, 1,2,3 & “touch” for a total of 8 beats in total when combining each side. The “touch” may be a tap, touch, accent, or syncopated step such as “4&1.” Bachata dance in the Dominican Republic was heavily influenced by a variety of dances, principally Bolero, Son, and Merengue and you can see each of their influences in the frame, the shape of the foundational steps, the footwork, body motion, lead and follow, rotations and moves. Bachata is an active living dance in the DR so it continues to be influenced by other music and dance within the DR and abroad.

Watch this video to learn some of what Bachata dance is and what it means in the Dominican Republic

Bachata dance and music in the Dominican Republic, its country of origin

Bachata in partners may be danced in a closed or open position with the 2 partners in physical contact all or most of the dance. Bachata is unchoreographed and incorporates a “lead and follow” within the dance, although it’s important to emphasize that both partners are creating and inspiring the dance, and expressing themselves with the music. Groundedness and weight transfer are important aspects of Bachata, and depending on the dancer’s personal and cultural style various amounts of hip motion may be seen during the steps. Bachata has traditionally not been taught formally in the Dominican Republic, rather it is passed on socially, within social dance settings, among families, and friends. Sociologists sometimes refer to this as a Vernacular dance, which is a dance developed 'organically' as a part of 'everyday' culture within a particular community. It developed as a social dance rather than as a performance-based dance. Bachata has not been codified or standardized within the Dominican Republic although its codification is happening more and more around the world as it is being taught formally in dance classes, online, and in festivals. As Bachata music and dance have traveled around the world many styles or ways of dancing to Bachata music have developed. For instance, in some countries, it’s common to see Salsa turns or dips when dancing to Bachata. Also common in some communities around the world are body rolls, movements, and moves from modern dance, Zouk, hip hop, and other genres. Many of these elements don’t exist within Bachata dance in the Dominican Republic. Though not traditionally a performance-based dance, it is now common to see Bachata dance performances at Bachata festivals around the world. Bachata dance in the DR (Dominican Republic) has many elements in common across the country and within the Dominican diaspora allowing people to share in the dance culturally, however, there is also a huge amount of personal styles and regional variations to it. There is no lack of diversity in how Bachata looks in the Dominican Republic! Also important to note is that not all Dominicans dance or like Bachata. In fact, it was once heavily marginalized within the DR and viewed as “low class.” Bachata dance developed alongside the creation and development of Bachata music as well. The song lyrics and the emotional feeling of the music often involve romantic relations such as love, heartbreak, longing, and desire and the feeling is an important part of the dance. Both Alegria and Amargue exist within the dance and music. Like many genres in the Caribbean, Bachata dance has African, European, and Indigenous American Influences. Although Bachata dance coalesced into its own dance in the Dominican Republic, but its important to acknowledge important contributions from people and communities outside the DR as well such as Haiti, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and the USA,

The above definition is just our starting place from which we can begin to explore what is Bachata. The aim of this article is not to provide a final definition of what is Bachata dance but rather to serve as a starting point for further exploration.

Bachata Dance Is Connected To Bachata Music

To understand Bachata dance one of the first places to start is to listen to Bachata music. Bachata along with Merengue are the two most prominent music from the Dominican Republic and are important parts of the culture and musical landscape. Bachata is listened to and danced to in a variety of social settings including colmados (small corner stores), bars, discos, cars, patios, and homes. Bachata derives from the Latin American tradition of guitar music. Bachata coalesced as a distinct Dominican genre of guitar music during the 60s and 70s with a different flavor than other Latin American bolero and guitar traditions. In the late 80s and early 90s the Bachata guitar electrified and was given effects to create the distinct sound we now recognize. When asked ‘what is Bachata’ many answer that Bachata is a feeling and a form of expression. Some may principally describe it as alegria or joy, while others describe it as amargue or the blues. Bachata can inspire people to dance, laugh, cry, smile, drink, reflect, or party. There are 5 essential instruments and a vocalist in Bachata music that include the lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, bongo, and güira. These instruments, their sounds, and their rhythms are a great inspiration to Bachata dancers. The various artists, eras, tempos, and styles of Bachata music and the changes that have occurred over the years have had an influence on the dance.

Watch These Bachata Couples dancing Bachata in the Dominican Republic to see the different ways it can look and be expressed

Couples dancing Bachata in various seeting and with a variety of styles in the Dominican Republic

How To Dance Bachata - The Foundations

There are many paths to learning to dance Bachata. As mentioned above, Bachata dance in the Dominican Republic has traditionally been learned socially, through friends, family, and going out to observe or dance, not through formal classes. This is a great way to learn Bachata! As Bachata has become popular around the world and in places that don’t have the same exposure to it, it has become common to see Bachata dance also taught in videos online, in classes, workshops, and festivals. Below is a video that teaches how to dance the “basic” Bachata box step.

Teaching the Bachata foundational basic box step

Bachata Dance Timing In the Dominican rEpublic Vs. How its often taught around the world

There are some big differences with how Bachata is danced in the Dominican Republic in comparison to how it is taught around the world. One of the biggest has to doing with Bachata dance rhythm and timing. When Bachata is taught around the world the vast majority of classes teach students to dance "on 1," taking their first step on the first beat of the music and then marking, tapping, or touching the 4th beat. There is nothing wrong with dancing on this timing, but in the DR dancers can, and will start on the 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the measure. It is normal to see a floor full of dancers in the DR dancing to multiple timings. Check out this video I filmed and made before reading on. 

As you see in the video, in the DR dancing on multiple timings is not referred to as "on 1" "on 2" "on 3" or "on 4" but it is common to see all those timings danced. It is also very common to have the follow start the dance and thus determine the timing, which is another cultural difference in the dance.

Bachata Styles Around the World

As Bachata music and dance have traveled around the world many different ways of moving and dancing to the music have developed, some strongly rooted in Bachata from the DR and others vastly different. Some of these changes have happened organically, as the music traveled to different countries. The music was played in social spaces and people used dances that they already knew, fused with the little they knew about Bachata dance, to express themselves to the music. People hear the music and what to dance to it! When Bachata music enters a new space it doesn’t necessarily mean that there are Dominicans that dance the Bachata in that community so at times there is very little reference of how it is danced in the DR. Dancers may use some elements of what they have seen others do while also adapting genres that they already dance to fit the music.

People dance Bachata in the DR and abroad for a variety of reasons. To enjoy and express their connection with the music, to socialize, to be part of a community, as exercise, as self-expression, or as something to do to meet or connect with a romantic partner. Bachata was an intensely marginalized music in the Dominican Republic that has now gained widespread acceptance and love and home and around the world. This is a source of pride for many Dominicans. Bachata has become for many around the world a way to express what they feel in the music, a way to socialize, and a chance to be part of a community. This widespread acceptance, and the changes that have accompanied it have also become a source of tension and critique from many Dominicans, who sometimes see part of their culture misrepresented.

Fusions have developed and have spread through dance classes, workshops, festivals, dance teachers, performances, and videos. Some of this happens organically while in other cases with the growth of a Bachata dance economy worldwide, there are efforts to promote, spread and develop certain styles. In addition, the surge in Bachata remixes and the trend of dancing “Bachata” to non-Bachata music has pushed style changes to a great degree, especially within what is called Sensual Bachata or Sensual. There continues to be dialog over the balance between respect and appreciation of a culture’s dance and the changes that may and understandably come with a living organic form as other people and cultures engage with it. The conversation between where is the line between appreciation and acceptance and appropriation and disrespect is an important one.

Many debates have started over what is and what is not Bachata dance. There are many nuances to these debates which will be delved into in a future blog. Certainly, we can say that Bachata music and dance are enjoying great popularity around the world in many places where it was not listened to before. It is also true to say that many Dominicans don’t recognize some of the ways it is danced abroad as “authentic” Bachata dance. Some believe these new styles are natural developments in Bachata and that these new forms continue in the Bachata family while others believe that they have changed to such a great extent that they have branched off into something new, a new dance genre. This blog doesn’t attempt to settle these debates but hopefully will provide some context for thinking about them.

Bachata Styles Vocab

Bachata - The name of the dance and music genre in the Dominican Republic. Traditionally Dominicans have not added words such as “Dominicana” or “Dominican” to Bachata when talking about the dance or music within the country. They do not normally say “Dominican Bachata” when talking about Bachata in the DR, simply “Bachata.” This may be changing to some extent, especially online as people try and search and find videos or dance and music from the DR. But basically Bachata suffices and is enough to describe the dance and music.

Dominican Bachata or Bachata Dominicana - This term largely developed outside of the DR as Bachata was taught in classes and festivals around the world. The term was used to differentiate itself from other styles being taught such as Modern, Urban, Bachatango, Sensual, etc. The term points to the teaching or dancing of elements and roots from the Dominican Republic but sometimes has meant that the Bachata dance described will have or focus on fast footwork. I personally used the term “Dominican Bachata” at times to try and let students know that we would focus on elements from the DR or to help teach people to learn where Bachata was from. Interestingly, within the Dominican Republic, as they applied for UNESCO tangible cultural heritage recognition they sought to label it as “Dominican Bachata” seeking to solidify the Dominican Republic as Bachata's country of origin. Other terms like “Traditional Bachata” and “Authentic Bachata” have also been used in an attempt to label Bachata dance from the Dominican Republic and differentiate it from other styles of Bachata outside of the DR.

Modern Bachata - The term Modern Bachata when talking of the dance normally means the inclusion of moves such as turn Salsa turn patterns, dips, hammerlocks, stops, and body rolls. This style largely developed in the USA, Europe, and Australia. The side basic is often taught as the foundation of Modern Bachata. As Bachata dance was taught around the world it became exceedingly common for it to be taught and danced only “on 1.” It is taught that the first step of the basic must start on the “1” of the music and the tap or touch must happen on the 4th beat of the music. In the Dominican Republic and in many Latin American communities that have not learned Bachata in classes this “rule” of dancing Bachata “on 1” does not exist. It was also common to hear the term “Urban Bachata” to describe a type of Modern Bachata with more emphasis being placed on pops and moves popular in hip-hop dance. Modern Bachata was heavily influenced by the emergence of Bachata performances at festivals, Bachata competitions, online videos, and Bachata teachers that also had experience with dancing and teaching Salsa. It was also influenced by the process of formally teaching the dance, with teachers always searching for new moves to teach. Also, many of the dancers and teachers dancing and creating Modern Bachata did not have an extensive connection with the Dominican Republic at the time of its development.

Sensual Bachata - Sensual Bachata, sometimes just called Sensual as we know it today was developed in Spain by a number of prominent dance teachers. influenced by Modern Bachata, Zouk, and other genres. It’s important to note that the term was also used separately to describe and label other styles of Bachata in the USA prior to the Sensual Bachata surge worldwide. Sensual Bachata from Spain uses many moves not found in Bachata in the DR such as body rolls, stops, pauses, leads of the follows torso or head using the hands, body isolations, folding or bending over the follow, etc. Body waves similar to Brazilian Zouk, upper body isolations, as well as tricks also form this style. It is also very influenced by performances at festivals, classes, and online. Bachata Sensual, was developed during the surge of English language Bachata remixes. The vocal tracks of English language pop were remixed with mostly digitally created bongo beats and other instrumentation to create Bachata remixes. It also became common to dance Sensual to non-Bachata music. The dance looks very different from Bachata in the Dominican Republic. A dancer with purely Sensual Bachata experience would have great difficulty social dancing Bachata in the Dominican Republic and likewise, a Bachata dancer from the DR would have difficulty social dancing in a Sensual Bachata social.

Ballroom Bachata - A style of Bachata that has emerged as formal ballroom and ballroom teachers have began to teach Bachata. includes many elements and posturing seen in the dances of ballroom Rumba and Ballroom Cha Cha Cha etc.

Performance Bachata - As festivals became popular Bachata performances by couples, individuals, and dance teams became popular. Many performative elements, including lifts, tricks, throws are incorporated. These at times have crossed over to social dance. Also with the expansion of social media like Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok Solo Bachata performances and Couples performances have gained tremendous popularity. These social performances have also influenced social dance style and how Bachata dance is perceived. Athletic Bachata such as Bachata for Zumba or for exercise classes has also developed around the world.

A variety of Bachata dance styles have developed around the world. It’s easy to disregard all of the organic changes that happen and styles that develop on a regional level around the world. Take two for instance, Bachata Pacheco in Venezuela and Bachata Gujira in Puerto Rico. But there are many more instances.

How Did Bachata Dance Originate?

Although we say Bachata is from the Dominican Republic and Bachata dance and music coalesced into its own genre in the Dominican Republic it is not purely Dominican. It has had, and continues to have a variety of influences from other countries, people and cultures. How a person answers the question of when, where and how Bachata originated is largely determined with how they define Bachata, and at what point in its development they believe it “became Bachata” from its earlier music and dance relatives such at Bolero. For instance, for one of the early Bachata musicians, Edilio Paredes he believes views Bachata as part of the Latin American musical tradition that already exisited outside the DR and so tends to frame it that Dominicans did not invent Bachata. Where is other musicians such as Jose Manuel Calderon or Luis Segura tend to lean into the recordings they did in the 60’s being somehow unique and in a sense the birth of Bachata. Others might look ahead to the 70’s when the term Bachata was first used to describe the genre as the time when it was really born and still other might look toward the 80’s when it was electrified as the time it coalesced.

Because we don’t have a lot of interviews or videos about Bachata dance from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s a lot of this info must be gained from interviewing dancers and musicians who were around then and by also watching the older dancers now. In addition, we can make assumptions and hypotheses based on what we know about the music and dance genres that were present in the DR during Bachatas rise. In many ways, Bachata derives from the dances Bolero and Son. Its was also heavily influenced by Merengue both musically and in the dance. The early Dominican guitar music from the 60’s that we now call Bachata was actually at the time called Bolero or Musica de Guitarra. It was not until probably the 70’s that the term Bachata was used to describe the genre. So we can surmise that the way people were dancing to early Bachata was how they danced to Bolero Campesino and Son. When I interviewed Cande, Joan’s Dad about music and dance when he was growing up dancing in the 50’s and early 60’s he said that there was no Bachata then. He said what they had was Bolero, Son Montuno, Merengue de Accordion. So these were what Cande danced so we can get clues by looking at how he danced Bachata. I have included some videos below showing some older dancers dancing Bachata to get clues on how early Bachata may have looked. It’s worth noting however from interviews that early Bachata was probably mostly danced in a close embrace in closed position. Then over time, and perhaps in family gatherings as well or among friends, and as the music temp varied to include more up-tempo Bachata within the catalog it became more common to dance in open positions as well.

Cande Severino dances Merengue and Bachata in his patio in the DR. Cande grew up dancing Merengue, Bolero, Son Montuno and Guaracha before Bachata existed and this video may give clues to Bachata dances development

Here in red we see a dancer who was around and dancing during Bachatas early days and perhaps will give insight to how Bachata dance was created

Blog post by Adam Taub

Adam is a documentary filmmaker who has completed a number of projects in the Dominican Republic. He has lived in the Dominican Republic and conducted extensive research, in-depth video projects, and recorded interviews with bachata legends. He has engaged in research projects exploring bachata dance in the Dominican Republic, New York City, and around the world.

Adam is widely recognized for his innovative presentations and the unique pedagogy he has developed for teaching bachata dance and musicology. Adam has been invited to teach and present his work at dozens of national and international salsa and bachata festivals, libraries, cultural centers, and universities.

por Adam Taub

Bachata tiene 5 instrumentos principales y voz

La bachata es un género de música de la República Dominicana y tradicionalmente tiene un cantante y 5 instrumentos esenciales. Estos instrumentos son la guitarra solista, la guitarra rítmica, el bajo, el bongo y la guira. Muchos músicos de bachata que he entrevistado han incluido estos instrumentos fundamentales como parte de su definición de lo que es la bachata. También se pueden agregar instrumentos adicionales como adornos en la música de bachata, como congas, teclado, saxofón, cuernos, batería, violín y más. También es común ver jam sessions informales de bachata donde no están presentes todos los instrumentos principales. En la Bachata temprana se usaban maracas en lugar de la güira. La bachata es música de 4/4 y se puede dividir en tres ritmos o secciones importantes de la canción: Derecho, Majao y Mambo. Dentro de cada uno de estos ritmos, cada instrumento tiene un ritmo designado o un papel que desempeñar y varios grados de improvisación que pueden emplear. No todas las canciones de bachata tienen estos 3 ritmos presentes.

Instrumentos Fundamentales de Bachata

Voz

La bachata es música vocal emotiva. El sentimiento y la emoción en la voz es un elemento clave de la Bachata. Los temas líricos que trata la bachata suelen ser sobre relaciones románticas. Desamor, amor, añoranza y deseo. Además, la bachata puede tratar otros temas, como la familia, la muerte de un ser querido, problemas sociales o la amistad, pero la mayor parte de las letras tratan sobre las relaciones románticas. A menudo, la bachata tendrá otros miembros en el coro de la banda. También hay una serie de dúos de bachata famosos como Monchy y Alexandra.

Guitarra Principal (Requinto)

La guitarra principal a menudo se llama El Requinto en Bachata, de las guitarras acústicas de cuerdas de nylon más pequeñas que se usaban en la música antigua de Bachata. Hoy en día, la guitarra solista de bachata suele ser una guitarra electroacústica con efectos añadidos que contribuyen a su sonido brillante y distintivo. La guitarra principal de bachata es un componente emocional importante de la canción y, a menudo, está en conversación con el cantante. La forma en que se toca la guitarra principal variará mucho según la sección rítmica en la que se toque y el guitarrista individual que toque. Puede tocar una melodía, usarse en una conversación o llamar en respuesta con el cantante o tocar un arpegio que agrega una cualidad rítmica y sincopada. Al igual que una voz, la guitarra principal es un componente emocional importante de la canción y tiene diferentes características según el guitarrista individual.

Joan Soriano demuestra el requinto de Bachata o guitarra principal tocando los solos de algunas de sus canciones populares.

Guitarra rítmica (segunda Guitarra)

La guitarra rítmica de bachata a menudo se llama "La Segunda" o segunda guitarra. En derecho, la guitarra rítmica toca la “línea de bajo” en 1,3,4. Además de tocar las notas de bajo, la guitarra rítmica toca las notas entre estas notas de bajo con rasgueos rítmicos cortos y definidos. Este rasgueo agrega un elemento altamente sincopado a la bachata y una especie de “elevación”. En mi opinión, si estuvieras bailando bachata y solo tuvieras un instrumento junto con la voz para elegir, la guitarra rítmica sería una buena opción porque tiene tanto la línea de bajo firme como la propulsión sincopada elevadora del rasgueo.

La guitarra rítmica de Bachata siendo demostrada por Antony Martinez de Bachata Academy

Bajo

Como me dijo el maestro del bajo de bachata, Billy Bachata, "el bajo es el piso o la base de la música de bachata". Es la base y el enraizamiento tanto para los bailarines como para los demás instrumentos. En un escenario de club nocturno, la línea de bajo es a menudo el elemento rítmico más distintivo al que puede agarrarse un bailarín. En derecho, el bajo toca en 1, 2 y 3, 4. La primera nota en 1 se sostiene durante 1 ½ tiempos. La nota en 2 y dura solo medio tiempo y actúa como una pastilla para las notas en 3 y 4, que duran 1 tiempo cada una.

Bongo

Un bongo es un instrumento de percusión que consta de un par de tambores pequeños, de fondo abierto y unidos de diferentes tamaños. Hay una cabeza más pequeña y de tono más alto y una cabeza más grande y de tono más bajo. En la bachata, el bongo se puede tocar con las manos o con baquetas. El ritmo de bongo más común es un patrón de ocho golpes llamado martillo. En derecho, el bongó enfatiza los tiempos 1, 3 y 4. Los tiempos 1 y 3 son golpes altos, y el tiempo 4 es un golpe más pesado en el tambor bajo. Cuando enseño el baile de bachata, a menudo hago que los estudiantes sintonicen el golpe de bongo más bajo y pesado en el 4 y es útil para ayudar a mantener el ritmo.

Guira

Como me dijo un güira de bachata, la güira es la “chispa” de la bachata. Añade energía y brillo a la música. La güira es un instrumento de percusión hecho de una hoja de metal texturizado que se enrolla en un cilindro y se toca con un cepillo de metal rígido. También se usa mucho en la música de merengue que, al igual que la bachata, es de la República Dominicana. Antes de que se usara la güira en la bachata se usaban las maracas. La güira alterna entre el tiempo doble (tocando cada corchea) y el tiempo simple (en negras).

Students at the Bachata Academy demonstrate playing the güira and the Bongo in Bachata

Camisetas de bachata con los instrumentos principales

Bachata Breakdown

Uno de los mejores recursos para bailarines y profesores de Bachata cuando aprenden sobre los instrumentos y ritmos de Bachata fue creado en colaboración por Carlos Cinta, iASO Records y Joan Soriano y se llama Bachata Breakdown. He usado ejemplos de audio de instrumentos individuales de Bachata en muchas ocasiones en mis clases de baile. Bachata Breakdown demuestra la bachata instrumento por instrumento, con conteo de tiempos hablado. El instructor de danza y musicalidad Carlos Cinta explica los tiempos del bajo, los bongós, la güira y las pistas instrumentales completas. Carlos ilustra el tiempo para bailar en 1, 2, 3, 4 y 1 con síncopa de bajo.

Instrumento musical de bachata y desglose del ritmo.

Bachata Instrument Video Resources

Bachata bongo explicado

Bachata Bongo Demo

Entrevista con Bachata bass player Billy Bachata

Bachata bass player Max of Aventura demos bass

Por Adam Taub

La Bachata es un género de música y baile que se originó y actualmente es popular en la República Dominicana. La bachata ha ganado popularidad en todo el mundo y ahora se escucha y se baila en muchos países.

La definición anterior es solo nuestro punto de partida desde el cual podemos comenzar a explorar qué es la Bachata. He estado haciendo esta pregunta "¿Qué es la bachata?" a los músicos, bailarines y fanáticos de la bachata durante más de una década y he recibido muchas respuestas diferentes. El objetivo de este artículo no es proporcionar una definición final de lo que es la bachata, sino servir como punto de partida para una mayor exploración. Quizás surja una comprensión más profunda de la bachata si dejamos de lado la necesidad de una definición definitiva de lo que es o no es la bachata. Recuerda, la mejor manera de aprender sobre la bachata puede ser escucharla, bailarla y experimentar la cultura de donde proviene. Entonces, ¿Qué es la Bachata?

Que Es La Bachata en La República Dominicana Video by Adam Taub

La bachata es un tesoro cultural dominicano

La bachata junto con el merengue son las dos músicas más destacadas de la República Dominicana. En entrevista, el músico de bachata Nano Paredes dijo que “la bachata es cultura” y expresó que engloba cómo se siente y vive el dominicano. Otros han comparado la bachata con platos comunes de comida dominicana diciendo que es el "arroz y frijoles" musicalmente hablando, de la República Dominicana. Muchos dominicanos hablan de tener la bachata en la sangre, invocando herencia y espíritu. La bachata se escucha y se baila en una variedad de entornos sociales, incluidos colmados (tiendas pequeñas), bares, discotecas, automóviles, patios y hogares. El crédito por la primera bachata grabada a menudo se le da a José Manuel Calderón en 1962, pero es importante darse cuenta de que la música de guitarra se tocaba en la República Dominicana antes de esa fecha. La bachata se fusionó como un género dominicano distintivo de música de guitarra durante los años 60 y 70 con un sabor diferente al de otras tradiciones latinoamericanas de bolero y guitarra. A finales de los 80 y principios de los 90, la guitarra de bachata se electrificó y se le dieron efectos para crear el sonido distintivo que ahora reconocemos. En 2019, la UNESCO reconoció que la bachata es un patrimonio cultural inmaterial de la humanidad, y muchos dominicanos se enorgullecen de que la bachata sea ahora popular en todo el mundo. Sin embargo, es importante tener en cuenta que, aunque la bachata se disfruta ampliamente en la República Dominicana, no a todos los dominicanos les gusta o la bailan. Esto puede ser por razones de gusto personal, falta de exposición o por ciertas asociaciones culturales y sociales negativas que la música tiene para algunos dominicanos. Dada la popularidad actual de la bachata en todo el mundo, las personas a menudo se sorprenden al saber que la bachata alguna vez estuvo muy estigmatizada y marginada en la República Dominicana y fue etiquetada como música de clase baja.

La bachata es de 'El Pueblo' y fue marginada

Se ha dicho que la bachata es música de ‘El Pueblo’ o del pueblo dominicano común. No hace mucho la bachata era marginada, no aceptada por los medios de comunicación, dentro de ciertas clases sociales y por aquellos con poder y recursos económicos en la sociedad. Los músicos de bachata y aquellos que la escuchaban recibían malos nombres para disminuirlos o menospreciarlos como "analfabetos, vulgares o poco sofisticados". Las razones de esto son complejas, pero en gran parte se debió a que la bachata fue creada y consumida por personas. sin poder económico ni político. La profesora Deborah Pacini Hernández dijo: "Se ha comparado con el blues en el pasado... Creo que en términos de, estructuralmente, el tipo de personas que lo estaban haciendo, personas en los márgenes de la sociedad". Hoy en día, el estigma de la bachata todavía existe hasta cierto punto en la RD, ha disminuido considerablemente y ahora la bachata se disfruta en todas las clases sociales y económicas y se acepta como parte viva del patrimonio dominicano, aunque ahora ha ganado una amplia aceptación social en la sociedad dominicana. , aún suele ocurrir que para encontrar la bachata 'real', uno debe ir a los campos, los bateyes y los barrios de la República Dominicana. La historia de las bachatas como género marginado en la República Dominicana es importante para comprender qué es la bachata.

la bachata es un sentimiento

Cuando se pregunta qué es la bachata, muchos responden que la bachata es un sentimiento y una forma de expresión. Algunos pueden describirlo principalmente como alegría o alegría, mientras que otros lo describen como amargue o blues. Sin duda, tanto la alegría como el dolor existen en la bachata. Guarino, un bajista de bachata dijo una vez que la bachata es 'Dominican Blues' y Romeo Santos la llamó 'música del alma'. La leyenda de la bachata, Luis Segura, dijo que la bachata es un sentimiento de amor y angustia y que si no cantas bachata con tu alma, no es Bachata. Mártires de León, músico y arreglista de bachata, dijo que la bachata expresa un sentimiento de melancolía. Esa melancolía, expresada con guitarras, bajo, bongo, güira y un cantor es Bachata. Sin duda, esta alegría y dolor, amor y desamor existen en la bachata y la hacen lo que es. Me han dicho que la bachata es algo que sientes, que lo llevas en la sangre. La bachata puede inspirar a la gente a bailar, reír, llorar, sonreír, beber, reflexionar o festejar.

¿Qué es la música bachata?

Musica de Guitarra

La bachata deriva de la tradición latinoamericana de la música de guitarra. Los primeros músicos de bachata estaban fuertemente influenciados por la música de guitarra de todo el continente americano en países como Cuba, Puerto Rico, México, Ecuador y Estados Unidos. Al principio, la guitarra principal era un requinto acústico. A partir de finales de los 80 algunos bachateros como Blas Duran comenzaron a utilizar guitarras eléctricas de cuerdas de acero en sus agrupaciones. Luego, a principios de los 90, se volvió común agregar efectos a la guitarra solista para lograr el sonido distintivo de guitarra de bachata que escuchamos hoy. La guitarra principal es un fuerte elemento emocional en la canción y, a menudo, en la conversación con la voz. Además, escuche el distintivo arpegio de guitarra de bachata que acompaña a la voz durante los versos.

Voces y letras emotivas

La bachata es música vocal emotiva. Como dijo Luis Segura, si no cantas Bachata con SENTIMIENTO no es Bachata. El cantante es fundamental en la música Bachata. El apoyo del resto de grupos de Bachata y la potenciación del mensaje emotivo y lírico de los cantantes es de suma importancia para que una canción de Bachata sea efectiva. Los temas líricos que trata la bachata suelen ser sobre relaciones románticas. Desamor, amor, añoranza, deseo. La bachata puede tratar otros temas, como la familia, la muerte de un ser querido, problemas sociales o la amistad, pero la mayor parte de las letras tratan sobre relaciones románticas.

La Bachata tiene un Vocalista y 5 instrumentos esenciales

Además de un vocalista, existen 5 instrumentos esenciales en la música Bachata que incluyen la guitarra principal, la guitarra rítmica, el bajo, el bongo y la güira. Cada instrumento tiene un cierto papel musical fundamental que desempeñan dentro de la canción y el grupo musical de Bachata, junto con varios grados de libertad para improvisar. Hay ritmos fundamentales que tocarán el bongo, el bajo, la güira y la segunda guitarra durante las secciones de derecho, majao o mambo de la canción que estos ritmos ayudan a definir lo que es la Bachata. Se pueden agregar otros instrumentos a un grupo de Bachata, como el sintetizador, la conga, la batería, el saxofón o el violín, pero estos se ven como adornos y no se consideran esenciales para un grupo de Bachata. También es común ver Bachata tocada de manera informal en patios sin todos los instrumentos presentes. Por ejemplo, una reunión informal con solo dos guitarras y un cantante.

Bachata Instrumentos: Vocalist + Lead + Guitar + Bongo + Bass + Güira + Rhythm Guitar

Conversación entre guitarra y voz

La bachata es tanto una música basada en la guitarra como una música vocal. La conversación que ocurre entre el vocalista y la guitarra principal crea en gran medida la historia emocional de la canción. Puede haber un diálogo o llamada y respuesta entre los dos. A veces, el cantante principal es también la guitarra principal y en otros grupos pueden ser músicos separados. La guitarra principal a menudo se llama "el requinto". Ahora, la guitarra principal de Bachata más utilizada es una guitarra de cuerdas de acero electroacústica que a menudo se ejecuta a través de un pedal de efectos para lograr el sonido de guitarra brillante y distintivo de Bachata. Ya sea escuchando o bailando Bachata, presta atención a este diálogo entre guitarra y voz.

Bachata Timing and tempo

La música de bachata tiene un compás de 4/4, lo que significa que tiene 4 tiempos por compás. Escuchar el bongo en la música es una buena manera de escuchar claramente los 4 tiempos. Como se mencionó antes, cada instrumento tiene un cierto papel que juega dentro de esta estructura de tiempo. El tempo de la bachata puede variar mucho dependiendo de la canción. Las bachatas vienen en una variedad de tempos, de lento a rápido. En las sugerencias de música de bachata a continuación, he incluido una variedad de tempos para que explores.

Sonidos De Musica Bachata

La bachata puede sonar muy diferente según la era en la que se creó, los músicos específicos, el tempo, la estructura de las canciones y la región en la que se produjo. Una variedad de otros factores también pueden influir en su sonido. Una de las mayores distinciones sónicas es si la guitarra solista es acústica o electroacústica con efectos. Durante finales de los 80 y principios de los 90, el sonido de la guitarra principal de Bachata comenzó a cambiar cuando se electrificó, amplificó y se le dieron efectos. Nuevamente quiero llamar su atención sobre la lista de música Bachata que se incluye a continuación para que pueda escuchar la diversidad sonora en la música Bachata.

Bachata Musical Sancocho

Un sancocho es una sopa o guiso que puedes encontrar en la República Dominicana donde se le agregan muchos tipos diferentes de carnes y verduras. Algunos músicos han comparado la bachata con un sancocho en un sentido musical, en el que se deriva mucho de ella. ingredientes de otros géneros musicales y dancísticos. La bachata se deriva en gran medida del bolero y el son y está fuertemente influenciada y enriquecida por el merengue, la ranchera, el vallenato, el jíbaro, el pop y la música urbana, entre otros géneros. Cuando se agregaron todos estos ingredientes y se cocinaron en la República Dominicana, la bachata adquirió su propio sabor musical único y distintivo. Si bien la bachata es de República Dominicana y reconocemos la importancia de sus raíces dominicanas, también debemos reconocer que ha sido influenciada y enriquecida por muchas otras culturas y nacionalidades desde sus inicios hasta el día de hoy. De hecho, no existiría en absoluto sin la influencia y participación de otras culturas, personas y países como Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haití, México, Colombia y los Estados Unidos, por nombrar algunos. El gran bajista de bachata Billy Bachata señaló que la bachata es una fusión de elementos africanos y europeos. Además podemos agregar a eso la importante contribución de los elementos culturales indígenas a la bachata también. Así que decir que la bachata es 'música dominicana' es cierto, pero solo si también reconocemos y entendemos las grandes contribuciones que otras culturas han hecho en la música y el baile de la bachata.

Que Es La Bachata Baile

La bachata es un baile social dominicano que se baila con mayor frecuencia en parejas de dos. Muchas personas están aprendiendo CÓMO BAILAR BACHATA. El paso fundamental o "básico" más común consiste en dar 3 pasos seguidos de un toque o toque en el transcurso de 4 tiempos. El bailarín luego continúa lo mismo en el otro lado. 1, 2, 3, toque. En la pista de baile es tradicionalmente un baile de pareja con guía y seguimiento pero también es común ver a personas bailando solas cuando la música los mueve en su casa, patio o colmado de barrio. Aunque tradicionalmente no es un baile basado en actuaciones, ahora es común ver actuaciones de baile de bachata en los festivales de bachata de todo el mundo. A medida que la música y el baile de la bachata se han extendido por todo el mundo, ha habido muchas fusiones con muchos otros géneros de baile y ahora el baile de la bachata puede verse muy diferente de lo que es en la República Dominicana. La bachata en República Dominicana generalmente se aprende y se enseña de manera informal en familias, grupos de amigos o en la pista de baile. Fuera de República Dominicana es mucho más común que la Bachata se aprenda a través de clases y talleres. La descripción anterior es solo una pequeña introducción al baile de bachata tal como existe en todo el mundo. He incluido a continuación algunos videos para que puedas ayudar a aprender cómo es y se ve la bachata en la República Dominicana.

Bachata Estilos de Baile en la RD

Bachata Parejas de Baile

Como bailar la Bachata pasos basicos

Bailadores de Bachata en La Republica Dominicana

¿Qué significa la bachata?

La mayoría de los que están familiarizados con la palabra "bachata" la conocen como un género musical popular y una forma de baile originaria de la República Dominicana (RD). Sin embargo, antes de que se usara para referirse a un género musical, significaba una "fiesta del patio" o una reunión informal de amigos y vecinos donde se tocaba música y a menudo se servía bebida. Primero se usó como un insulto, un término despectivo que implicaba que la música y las personas que la escuchaban eran de una clase "baja", sin educación, cruda, vulgar e inmoral. Hoy, en gran medida, la palabra ha sido "recuperada" y actualmente tiene una connotación mucho más positiva en RD e internacionalmente. Todavía se usa para describir un género musical y una danza, pero no tiene el mismo nivel de discriminación asociado que antes. Sin embargo, la discriminación contra la bachata, aunque muy disminuida, todavía existe en la RD.

¿Qué es la Bachata? Adam Taub explorará esta pregunta durante esta transmisión en vivo, compartirá perspectivas de sus entrevistas con personas y músicos en la República Dominicana.

Bachata Es Los Musicos

Intro To Bachata Song List

Voy Pa Alla - Antony Santos

Vocales de Amor - Joan Soriano

Pena Por Ti - Luis Segura

Por Un Segundo - Aventura

La Cama Tiene Candela - Robin Cariño

Cuanto Llore - Felix Cumbe

Hoja En Blanco - Monchy y Alexandra

Neyreda - Raulin Rodriguez

Si Pudiera Zacarias Ferreira

Corazon Sin Cara - Prince Royce

Amor Del Bueno - Ramon Cordero

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - Leslie Grace

Quien Eres Tu - Frank Reyes

Ay Mami - Marino Perez

The Duke of Bachata documentary film about Joan Soriano

Blog Post by Adam Taub

Si desea ponerse en contacto con Adam Taub para dar una presentación o un taller en persona o en línea sobre Bachata, comuníquese con él por correo electrónico a adam_taub@hotmail.com

Bachata Resources:

Bachata Youtube Channels:

Adam Taub - https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamTaubVideo

iASO Records - https://www.youtube.com/c/iasoRecords

Marvic Trejo - https://www.youtube.com/user/louisEX2/videos

Arieto Arts - https://www.youtube.com/c/Are%C3%ADtoArts/videos

Bachata Books :

Bachata: a Social History of a Dominican Popular Music. Pacini Hernández, Deborah.

Bachata and Dominican Identity/La bachata y la identidad dominicana. Sellers, Julie A. and Darío Tejeda.

De Santo Domingo al mundo: el merengue y la bachata. Velázquez, Carlos and Alejandro Ureña.

The Modern bachateros: 27 Interviews. Sellers, Julie A. and Jerry W. Carlson.

Bachata y son en la historia musical dominicana. Paulino Ramos, Alejandro.

Listen to this playlist of my favorite Raulin Rodriguez Bachatas. Raulín Rodríguez, is a Bachata artist that gained recognition beginning in the early 90’s in the Dominican Republic. He was born in Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Monti Cristi, the Dominican Republic. Before going solo he played rhythm guitar for Antony Santos. Raulín is famous for Bachatas such as Nereyda, Medicina de Amor, Esta Noche, Ay Hombre and many more Bachata hits. He continues recording and performing today.

I’ve included some Amazon affiliate links to Raulin’s albums below.

Nereyda

Medicina de Amor

Margarita

Que Dolor

Que Vuelva

Esta Noche

Ay Dios

Solo Quiérema

Ay Hombre

Hoy Que Tu No Estas

Me Siento Triste Hoy

Esperame

Una Mujer Como Tu

Dame Corazon

Por Que Tengo Ganas (En Vivo)

Mi Morenita

Si Supieras

Me La Pusieron Dificil

Soledad

Morena Yo Soy Tu Marido

Que Me La Devuelva

Por Tu Primer Beso

Arráncame La Vida

Mi Gran Amor

Si No Te Tengo

Piel Sin Alma

Llámame

By Adam Taub

Are you ready to learn on your own one of the Bachata basic that is often used in the Dominican Republic, Bachatas country of origin? We call this step the “box step” although in the Dominican Republic it does not have a standardized name. I’ll give you some step-by-step instructions and tips so you can begin practicing the bachata box step on your own. Remember although we sometimes refer to these steps as “basic” it’s more accurate to call them core or fundamental steps. Stay connected to these and enjoy these fundamental steps throughout your Bachata dance journey. If you want to learn more about what is Bachata or how to dance Bachata check out my other blog posts.

The Bachata Basic Box Step Solo or In Partners

Lets start learning and practicing the Bachata basic box on your own. Bachata music is in 4/4 timing and the basic dance rhythm is often 1,2,3 & touch, then repeat on the other side 1,2,3 & touch. Step to the side, together, front and touch then side, together, back and touch.

Learn how to dance the bachata basic Box Step. The box step is a popular bachata basic step in the Dominican Republic, and serves as a foundation for more advanced techniques. Guided by Adam Taub & Isolde Löfvenholm

Add Variations To Your Basic Bachata Box Step

You can begin to add variations to the basic box shape of the step such as by taking diagonal steps forward and back, making the box smaller or larger and a number of other variations.

Learn how to dance the bachata Box Step Diagonal. The Diagonal Box Step is a popular bachata basic step in the Dominican Republic and is a foundation for more advanced techniques.

Bachata Triple Step with the Box and other Fundamental steps

In this lesson we are going to learn the triple step, a dance rhythm used by many dancers in addition to their touch or tap step as part of their basic step.

More Bachata Box Steps Practice

Lets got back to the basic again with Bachata teachers Kim and Geo and work on our core steps.

In this video, Instructors Kim and Geo teach the Box step. In the Dominican Republic, this step is a popular Bachata basic step. It is commonly used as one of the fundamental shapes in Bachata, and is the base to more advanced techniques and variations.

Adam Taub Teaching Bachata at The Dominican Students Association in CUNY. More Box Step practice

Interested in learning more about what Bachata dance is? Visit the What Is Bachata Dance Blog Post

by Adam Taub

Bachata has 5 Core Instruments and Vocals

Bachata is a genre of music from the Dominican Republic and traditionally has a singer and 5 essential instruments. These instruments are the lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar, bongo and guira. Many Bachata musicians that I have interviewed have included these fundamental instruments as part of their definition of what is Bachata. Additional instruments can also be added as adornments in Bachata music such as congas, keyboard, saxophone, horns, drum kit, violin and more. It’s also common to see informal Bachata jam sessions where not all of the core instruments are present. In the early Bachata maracas were used instead of the güira. Bachata is 4/4 music and can be divided in three important rhythms or sections of the song: Derecho, Majao, and Mambo. Within each of these rhythms, every instrument has a designated rhythm or role to play and various degrees of improvisation that they may employ. Not every Bachata song has all 3 of these rhythms present.

Bachata Fundamental Instruments

Vocals

Bachata is emotive vocal music. The feeling and emotion in the voice is a key element of Bachata. The lyrical themes that Bachata deals with are most often about romantic relationships. Heartbreak, love, longing and desire. In addition, Bachata can deal with other themes such as family, the death of a loved one, social issues or friendship, but by far the bulk of the lyrics deal with romantic relationship. Often Bachata will have other members in the band singing chorus. There are also a number of famous Bachata duets such as Monchy y Alexandra.

Lead Guitar

The lead guitar is often called El Requinto in Bachata, from the smaller nylon string acoustic guitars used in early Bachata music. Today the Bachata lead guitar is often an electro acoustic guitar with effects added to it which contributes to its bright, distinctive sound. The Bachata lead guitar is a major emotional component of the song and is often in conversation with the singer. The way the lead guitar is played will vary greatly depending on what rhythmic section it is playing in and the individual guitarist playing. It can play a melody, be used in conversation or call in response with the singer or play a arpeggio which adds a rhythmic, syncopated quality. Like a voice the lead guitar is a major emotional component of the song and has different characteristics depending on the individual guitarist.

Joan Soriano demonstrates the Bachata requinto or lead guitar playing the solos from some of his popular songs.

Rhythm Guitar

The Bachata rhythm guitar is often called “La Segunda” or second guitar. In derecho, the rhythm guitar plays the “bass line” on 1,3,4. In addition to playing the bass notes the rhythm guitar plays the notes between these bass notes with short, distinct, rhymic strums. This strumming adds a highly syncopated element to Bachata and a sort of “lift.” In my opinion, if you were dancing to Bachata and only had one instrument along with the vocals to choose, the rhythm guitar would be a good choice because it has both the grounding bass line and the lifting syncopated propulsion of the strumming.

The Bachata rhythm guitar being demonstrated by Bachata Academy's Antony Martinez

Bass Guitar

As the Bachata bass master Billy Bachata told me, ‘the Bass is the floor or foundation of Bachata music.’ It is grounding and rooting both for the dancers and for the other instruments. In a nightclub setting the bassline is often the most distinct rhythmic element for a dancer to grab onto. In derecho, the bass plays on 1, 2and, 3, 4. The first note on 1 sustains for 1 ½ beats. The note on 2and lasts only half a beat and acts as a pickup for the notes on 3 and 4, which each last 1 beat.

Bongo

A bongo is a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of attached, small, open bottomed drums of different sizes. There is a both a smaller, higher pitched head and a larger, lower pitched head. In Bachata the Bongo can be played by either the hands or using sticks. The most common bongo rhythm is an eight-stroke pattern called martillo. In derecho, the bongó emphasizes beats 1,3, 4. Beats 1 and 3 are high hits, and beat 4 is a heavier hit on the low drum. When teaching Bachata dance I often have students tune into the heavy, lower bongo strike on the 4 and it is useful to help keep the beat.

Guira

As one Bachata güira player told me, the güira is the “spark” of Bachata. It adds an energy and brightness to the music. The güira is a percussion instrument made of a textured metal sheet that is rolled into a cylinder and played with a stiff metal brush. It is also heavily used in Merengue music which like Bachata is from the Dominican Republic. Before the güira came to be used in Bachata the maracas were used. The güira alternates between double time - playing on every 8th note - and single time - on quarter notes.

Students at the Bachata Academy demonstrate playing the güira and the Bongo in Bachata

Bachata Breakdown

One of the best resources for Bachata dancers and teachers when learning about the Bachata instruments and rhythms was created in partnership by Carlos Cinta, iASO Records and Joan Soriano and is called Bachata Breakdown. Have used the individual Bachata instrument audio examples on many occasion in my dance classes. Bachata Breakdown demonstrates bachata instrument by instrument, with spoken beat counting. Dance and musicality instructor Carlos Cinta explains timings to bass, bongos, güira, and full instrumental tracks. Carlos illustrates timing for dancing on 1, 2, 3, 4, and 1 with bass syncopation.

Bachata music instrument and rhythm breakdown

Bachata Instrument Video Resources

Bachata bongo explained

Bachata Bongo Demo

Interview with Bachata bass player Billy Bachata

Bachata bass player Max of Aventura demos bass

Bachata Shirts featuring the core Instruments

by Adam Taub

I’ve compiled a Bachata playlist featuring 70 different women singers performing Bachata solos, duets and a few songs where the female voice is prominent. Some of these Bachatas are from Bachateras, singers who predominantly recorded in the genre. Other songs are from artists that primarily record in genres of music other than Bachata but recorded one or more Bachatas as well. Many of the musicians are Dominicans but there is a large selection of Bachata by other nationalities as well. The Bachatas I’ve included span eras and subgenres. One of the first Bachatas I was introduced to was Monchy Y Alexandra’s “Hoja En Blanco.” I fell in love with the song. When I began researching Bachata I noticed that the female voice was conspicuously absent from much of Bachata’s promoted catalog of music. I hope this list of over 40 women singing Bachata will be a resource for those of you who enjoy women’s voices in Bachata music. I also hope it will inspire future female voices in Bachata.

If you want to know more about What Bachata music is click here

70 Female Voices In Bachata Youtube Playlist

This Bachata playlist contains 70 different women singing Bachata solos, duets or playing a prominent role in the song.

Alexandra Cabrera (Alexandra la Reina de la Bachata)

Music video by Alexandra Cabrera performing Y Aqui Estoy.

Alexandra la Reina de la Bachata performing Lo Que Tu Me Das

Voz principal: Alexandra Cabrera la reina de la bachata)2da Guitarra y coro: Nicolás Frías

Monchy y Alexandra

Melida Rodriguez

Melida Rodriguez La Sufrida

Judy Santos

Music video for Tu Tienes Tu Vida performed by Judy Santos.

Judy Santos - Loca (Video Oficial) Bachata 2020

Judy Santos was an important voice on a number of Aventura recordings

Nelly Soriano

Nelly Soriano, sister of Joan Soriano, recording the bachata 'Desaires' live in Studio One East - New York.

La India Barahonera

Alejandra Feliz

Aridia Ventura

Leslie Grace

Susy

Antony Santos Featuring Susy

Rosa Lee Tu Bachatera

Casilda Rodriguez

Raulin Rodriguez Featuring Casilda Rodriguez

Griselda Soriano

Milly Quezada

Aventura featuring Judy Santos

Aventura featuring the voice of Judy Santos

Andre Veloz

Leonidas Alejo

Ines Vargas

Las Chicas Fortuna

Dakhóta Romero

Amparo Soriano

Mimi Ibarra

La Insuperable de la Bachata

Yammy

Carmen Francisco

Marino Perez and Carmen Francisco

Katanah

Las Reinas de la Bachata

Inez Avellanet

Yasmina Ponce

Katty Cumbe

Vickiana

Lily y Su Trio

Maite Perroni

Milciades Flor

Shakira and Prince Royce

Idenis

Astrid La Niña de la Bachata

Dulce Maria

Natti Natasha

Chantel Collado

Vanessa Ayala

Grissel

Romeo Santos featuring Rosalía

Vicky Corbacho

Marino Perez featuring Carmen Francisco

Fanny Carolina Adames

El Chaval de la Bachata featuring La Ross Maria

Dama

Desireé Estrada

Ana Victoria

Fray C

Luis Segura with Miriam Cruz

Gerlys Zavala

Maricelys

Mayra Bello

Las Chicas Del Can

Bella Dose

Giselle Tavera

Eli Jas

Jenny Rose

Lady Laura La Morena de Swing

JFab and Paola Fabre

Yesid

Grupo Invasion Latina

Alexandra La Reina de la Bachata ft. Frank Reyes

Laiza

Jenny Rivera

Valentino ft. Eli Jas

Chacal and Rosario

Soraya and Dani J

Sharlene Taule

Anitxa

Vikina

Croma Latina

Bachata Academy Improv

Emely Diaz Gives Women in Bachata Speech

I hope you enjoyed this selection of women singing Bachata! Please let me know in the comments who your favorite female voice in Bachata is.

by Adam Taub

Do you want to learn how to dance Bachata? Perhaps you want to learn how to dance Bachata for fun, to connect with the music or culture, to meet friends, as exercise, or to enjoy time with a partner? Bachata dance can be learned from family and friends, cultural immersion, dance teachers, workshops or online classes. In this post I will share tips and videos so you can begin exploring Bachata dance, focusing on elements from the Dominican Republic.

Bachata is a dance and music genre that originated and thrives in the Dominican Republic. Bachata has also gained tremendous popularity around the world and is now danced in many countries around the globe. Bachata is traditionally a social partner dance in the Dominican Republic but you can also learn it and dance it on your own. As you learn Bachata, it’s important to be aware that many different styles of Bachata have developed internationally as it has been danced and taught. For instance, in some countries it is common to see Bachata fused with other dances such as Salsa, incorporating salsa turn patterns and other moves. It’s also important to be aware that Bachata can look very different even within the Dominican Republic depending on a dancer’s individual style, age, region where they are from, along with a variety of other factors. In this article we are going to focus on elements that I learned while living, filming and researching in the Dominican Republic.

Start LISTENING to Bachata Music

This first tip should be obvious, but you would be surprised how often it gets overlooked! If you want to learn how to dance Bachata, and really feel and enjoy the experience, you should start listening to the music as often as you can. Find some music that you like and start listening to it in various settings. Listen to it in the car, in the kitchen, at the gym and of course while you are practicing and dancing. I will include a Bachata practice music list at the end of the post.

Learn the Foundational Bachata Dance Steps

Begin by learning a Bachata foundational or “basic” step in place. Don’t worry about how you are moving at first, just get relaxed and step to the rhythm while standing in place. The foundational step is 3 steps followed by a touch or tap, followed by the same thing on the other side. The “touch” or “tap” that we do on our 4th step can have a variety of qualities, which is why we can use various words to describe it. The step goes 1, 2, 3, touch, 1 ,2, 3 touch and so on. Some teachers will count the sequence in 8 counts such as 1, 2, 3 touch 5, 6, 7 touch. In the videos below we will be starting our first step on the first beat of the music and tapping on the 4th beat of the music. However, it’s important to point out that in the Dominican Republic you can start your basic step on any of the 4 beats in the music and then continue the basic step. I’ve included a video later in the article to explain this concept in more depth.

Bachata music is 4/4 timing. You can count the steps in counts 4s – 1,2,3,4 – 1,2,3,4. Also some teachers count the dance in 8 – 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. Each count is a full beat.

How To Dance The Bachata “Box Step”

The box step is another great step to start with as it is often seen danced in the Dominican Republic. Be aware that in the Dominican Republic these steps don’t have standardized names so the names given here are descriptive to help you remember.

Learn how to dance the bachata basic Box Step. The box step is a popular bachata basic step in the Dominican Republic, and serves as a foundation for other variations and shapes.

Listen the Bachata instruments in the Music

In Bachata music we have the vocals and then there are 5 essential Bachata instruments. The lead guitar, bass guitar, bongo, güira and rhythm guitar. It’s wonderful to be able to hear these individual musical elements and then listen for how they combine together. Let’s start with listening for the Bongo which will clearly mark our 4 count. If we can clearly hear the bongo it will really help us keep the timing as we dance. Watch this video below that features the bongo and güira playing the various Bachata rhythms. After just listening, try dancing your basic step while watching the video.

students of the Bachata Academy, demonstrate 3 principle rhythms of bachata: Derecho (Caminando), Majao, and Mambo.

Explore Variations and Additional Basic Steps

Let’s explore variations of the Bachata basic step and the Bachata box step. When learning how to dance Bachata its important to explore ways to move that feel comfortable in your own body. playing with step variations can help a dancer find what works and feels good to them. The aim isn’t for you to dance exactly like someone else but to find a way that feels good to you so that you can connect with the music, the dance, yourself and your partner.

Learn how to dance the bachata Box Step Diagonal. The Diagonal Box Step is a popular bachata basic step in the Dominican Republic and is a foundation for more advanced techniques.

Learn how to dance the bachata Triple Step. The Triple Step is an important component of basic bachata footwork. In the Dominican Republic, it is used in many variations of the basic bachata step.

The basic steps Adam and Isolde illustrate here are native to the Dominican Republic, the birthplace of Bachata. A variety of Dominican styles of Bachata dance have evolved alongside the music for generations. The accents vary from region to region, and from person to person. The

Continue to Connect to the Music

I want you to continue and connect to the music on a deeper level. Listen for the conversation going on between the voice and the lead guitar in the music. This conversation forms a big part of the emotional story of the song. Also listen for the different energetic changes in the song. The emotion of the song and the energetic changes will inspire what you do and when you do it.

Learn Bachata Footwork

Lets learn how to dance Bachata footwork. Footwork at times may help us to express ourselves as we connect with the music. It’s very important when learning footwork that you don’t lose connection with the basic step and don’t try to do too much. You can learn footwork but try to apply it only when it makes sense musically. If you are dancing with a partner you need to stay connected with them as well and too much footwork can sometimes impede that connection or throw them off. So as you learn these footwork elements remember to go “back to the basics” often to stay grounded.

Learn how to dance the Bachata "Double Heel Footwork." The Double Heel is a syncopated footwork improvisation that can be performed alone or with a partner. Adam has seen variations of this footwork throughout the Dominican Republic.

Learn how to dance the Bachata "Candé" footwork. The Candé is a footwork pattern that can be used by both lead or follow within the flow of the dance and music. It was a favorite of Joan Soriano's father Candelario, "Candé, so it was named as a tribute to him.

Learn How to dance Bachata in partners

Bachata is traditionally a partner dance in the Dominican Republic. As we mentioned Bachata can be learned and enjoyed as an individual but often people want to dance it in partners as well. In the Dominican Republic people dance it in partners in colmados, clubs, discos, and at home. It can be danced between friends, romantic couples or family members. Bachata is not only a sensual or romantic dance and can also be danced between friends or family. Depending on your relationship with you partner and their comfort level, this can determine how close you dance. Bachata can be danced in open or closed position. In Bachata social dance there is traditionally a lead and follow within the dance but it’s essential to keep in mind that both dancers use creativity and expression within the dance. Although the lead and follow roles are different both partners are communicating and listening throughout the dance. Depending on who you are dancing with and your relationship with that person it can determine how close you dance and what type of intention or moves you use.

How to Dance Bachata In Open Position

When learning how to dance Bachata in partners it’s often wise to start in open position. There are a variety of different positions and hand holds in open position. Open position is great because it allows the dancers space to express themselves, move, perhaps do footwork, and to see each other dance.

Learn the Open Hand Holds of Bachata Dance. These four basic hand holds are useful in a variety of bachata dance styles.

How to Dance Bachata In Closed Position

Bachata can be danced in closed position with the leads left hand in the follows right hand. Then the leads right arm embraces around the follow, touching the follows shoulder blade or low back depending on style. The follows left hand rests on the leads right should. During its formative years Bachata dance was largely influence from how Bolero and Son were danced in closed position. Bachata also derives a lot of influence from Merengue dance, which also is native to the Dominican Republic. In the videos below we learn some partner rotations in closed position. A couple can dance in closed position with or without rotations.

Learn how to dance the four basic Bachata rotations (partner turns)

Learn how to dance the Bachata "Triple Step Turn" a clockwise turn

How to Use Bachata Turn Patterns

Now we are going to learn some basic 8 count turn patterns. Traditionally, Bachata in the Dominican Republic does not have a lot of turn patterns. This turn pattern draws its inspiration from Merengue which is also from the Dominican Republic and traditionally uses more turn patterns. As Bachata has traveled around the world it is common to see Salsa turns patterns used in some countries as well. As with footwork, I suggest that dancers take care when learning and using turn patterns and always make sure that the turn patterns don’t detract from your connection to the music, dance and partner.

Learn how to dance the basic Bachata 8 count turn for leaders and followers. This is a basic bachata turn, commonly used through the Dominican Republic.

Connect, Connect, Connect

Often when we learn how to dance we get so caught up in learning the steps and the techniques that we forget to really connect. We forget why we dance in the first place. Always remember to check in and try to connect with the music, your emotions, enjoyment, your partner and the culture.

Learn About the Culture

As you learn about Bachata dance and music its important that you learn about the culture where it is from and where it lives. Connecting to the voices that have created and nurtured it in the Dominican Republic will greatly enrich your experience with the dance.

What is Bachata in the Dominican Republic "BACHATA The Dominican Language, It's in the Blood" is full of dance footage and interviews with Dominicans."What it means to them? Born in the Dominican Republic some say Bachata is culture, language, amargue, joy, traditional, its in our blood. Its Dominican Pride.

Explore Ways to Move and transfer weight

We have talked about making the dance comfortable and making it your own, adding your own “flavor” to it. How you move your body and hips is part of that. When approaching hip movement in Bachata it often best to start by exploring the natural transfer of weight and bending your knees. Depending on the dancer you will see various amounts of hip motion. In some dancers you can see a lot of hip motion and others very little. Both are fine in Bachata so I want you to explore what feel natural for you. It’s worth looking at a variety of dancers to see how they move as you yourself learn and develop your own style. Aim to move in a way that is comfortable and natural for you. Let yourself be natural and organic and don’t try too hard. The videos below should how different people move when dancing Bachata.

Seven women dancing Bachata with flavor, style, & movement to the song "Regresa a Mi" by Joan Soriano new for 2018.

Dancing to Bachata nueva 2018 "Ladrona de Amor" de Joan Soriano. Pasos, movimiento, y estilo.

Bachata Dance Timing

In the videos above we have been starting on the first beat of the music and touching on the 4th beat of the music. There is no rule that says it must be danced on this timing, rather in the Dominican Republic its common to see it danced on various other timings. Watch the video below or read this blog post to understand this more. As Bachata has been taught in formal classes and workshops dancing it starting on the first beat has become a standard in some places.

How to Dance Bachata. This Bachata video explains Bachata dance timing in the Dominican Republic, where Bachata originated. There is NO RULE that says a dancers must start on the 1 of the music as it is commonly taught around the world. Rather you will see people in the DR dancing on the 1,2, 3 or 4 of the music.

Keep Dancing and Enjoying

Dancing is a wonderful way to experience music, culture, movement and people. I wish you all the best as you continue to learn and explore how to dance Bachata.

Bachata Music Practice List

Here is a list of some Bachata music artists and songs to use for your Bachata dance practice.

Joan Soriano - Vocales de Amor

Romeo Santos, Anthony Santos, Luis Vargas, Raulin Rodriguez - Debate De 4

Antony Santos - Creiste

Raulin Rodriguez - Esta Noche

Monchy & Alexandra - Dos Locos

Prince Royce - Corazon Sin Cara

Frank Reyes - Quien Eres Tu

Zacarías Ferreira - Chica De Mi Barrio

Raulin Rodriguez - Nereyda

by Adam Taub

Bachata is a genre of music and dance that originated and is currently popular in the Dominican Republic. Bachata has gained popularity around the world and is now listened to and danced to in many countries.

The above definition is just our starting place from which we can begin to explore what is Bachata. I have been asking this question ‘What is Bachata’ of Bachata musicians, dancers and fans for over a decade and have received many different answers. The aim of this article is not to provide a final definition of what is Bachata but rather to serve as a starting point for further exploration. Perhaps a deeper understanding of Bachata will emerge if we let go of the need for a definitive definition of what Bachata is or is not. Remember, the best way to learn about Bachata may be to listen to it, dance it and experience the culture where it came from. So what is Bachata? Que es la Bachata?

What Is Bachata in The Dominican Republic Video by Adam Taub

Bachata Is a Dominican cultural treasure

Bachata along with Merengue are the two most prominent musics from the Dominican Republic. In an interview, Bachata musician Nano Paredes said that “Bachata is culture” and expressed that it encompasses how Dominicans feel and live. Others have compared Bachata to common Dominican food dishes saying its the ‘rice and beans’ musically speaking, of the Dominican Republic. Many Dominicans speak of having Bachata in their blood, invoking heritage and spirit. Bachata is listened and danced to in variety of social settings including colmados (small corner stores), bars, discos, cars, patios and homes. Credit for the first recorded Bachata is often given to Jose Manuel Calderon in 1962, but it’s important to realize that guitar music was played in the Dominican Republic before that date. Bachata coalesced as a distinct Dominican genre of guitar music during the 60’s and 70’s with a different flavor than other Latin American bolero and guitar traditions. In the late 80’s and early 90’s the Bachata guitar electrified and was given effects to create the distinct sound we now recognize. In 2019, UNESCO acknowledged that Bachata is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and many Dominicans take tremendous pride in the fact that Bachata is now popular around the world. It’s important to note however, that although Bachata is widely enjoyed in the Dominican Republic, not every Dominican likes it or dances to it. This can be for reasons of personal taste, lack of exposure, or because of certain negative cultural and social associations the music has for some Dominicans. Given Bachatas current popularity around the world people are often surprised to learn that Bachata was once highly stigmatized and marginalized in the Dominican Republic and was labeled music of the lower class.

Bachata Is From ‘El Pueblo’ and Was Marginalized

It has been said that Bachata is music from ‘El Pueblo’ or from the common Dominican people. Not long ago Bachata was marginalized, not accepted by the media, within certain social classes, and by those with power and economic resources in society. Bachata musicians and those that listened to it were called bad names to diminish or disparage them such as ‘illiterate, vulgar, or unsophisticated.’ The reasons for this are complex, but a big part of it was because Bachata was created and consumed by people without economic or political power. Profesor Deborah Pacini Hernandez said "It's been compared to the blues in the past… I think in terms of, structurally, the kind of folks who were making it, people on the margins of society.” Today the stigma of Bachata still exists to some extent in the DR, it has greatly diminished and now Bachata is enjoyed across social and economic classes and is accepted as a living part of Dominican heritage. Although it has now gained wide social acceptance in Dominican society, it’s still often the case that to find the ‘real’ Bachata, one must go to los campos, los bateyes and los barrios of the Dominican Republic. Bachatas history as a marginalized genre in the Dominican Republic is important in understanding what is Bachata.

Bachata Is a Feeling

When asked ‘what is Bachata’ many answer that Bachata is a feeling and a form of expression. Some may principally describe it as alegria or joy, while others describe it as amargue or the blues. Without a doubt, joy and pain both exist in Bachata. Guarino, a Bachata bassist once said that Bachata is ‘Dominican Blues’ and Romeo Santos called it ‘soul music.’ The Bachata legend Luis Segura said that Bachata is a feeling of love and heartbreak and that if you don’t sing Bachata with your soul, its not Bachata. Bachata musician and arranger Martires de Leon said that Bachata expresses a feeling of melancholy. This melancholy, expressed with guitars, bass, bongo, güira and a singer is Bachata. Without a doubt this joy and pain, love and heartbreak both exist in Bachata and make it what it is. I have been told Bachata is something you feel, that you carry it in the blood. Bachata can inspire people to to dance, laugh, cry, smile, drink, reflect or party.

What Is Bachata Music

Guitar Music

Bachata derives from the Latin American tradition of guitar music. Early Bachata musicians were heavily influenced by guitar music from around the Americas in countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Ecuador and the USA. In the early days the lead guitar was an acoustic requinto. Beginning in the late 80’s some Bachateros such as Blas Duran began to use electric steel string guitars in their groups. Then in the early 90’s it became common to add effects to the lead guitar to achieve the distinct Bachata guitar sound we hear today. The lead guitar is a strong emotional element in the song and often in conversation with the voice. Also, listen for the distinct bachata guitar arpeggio that accompanies the voice during verses.

Emotive Vocals and Lyrics

Bachata is emotive vocal music. As Luis Segura said, if you don’t sing Bachata with FEELING its not Bachata. The singer is essential in Bachata music. The rest of the Bachata groups support and enhancement of the singers emotional and lyrical message is of utmost importance for a Bachata song to be effective. The lyrical themes that Bachata deals with are most often about romantic relationships. Heartbreak, love, longing, desire. Bachata can deal with other themes such as family, the death of a loved one, social issues or friendship, but by far the bulk of the lyrics deal with romantic relationship.

Bachata has a Vocalist and 5 essential instruments

In addition to a vocalist there are 5 essential instruments in Bachata music that include the lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, bongo and güira. Each instrument has a certain foundational musical role that they play within the Bachata song and musical group, along with various degrees of freedom to improvise. There are fundamental rhythms that the bongo, bass, güira and second guitar will play during the derecho, majao or mambo sections of the song that these rhythms help define what Bachata is. Other instruments can be added to a Bachata group such as the synthesizer, conga, drum kit, saxophone, or violin but these are seen as adornments and not considered essential to a Bachata group. It is also common to see Bachata played informally in patios without all the instruments present. For instance an informal gathering with just with two guitars and a singer.

Bachata Instruments: Vocalist + Lead + Guitar + Bongo + Bass + Güira + Rhythm Guitar

Conversation Between Guitar and Voice

Bachata is both a guitar based music and a vocal music. The conversation that happens between the vocalist and the lead guitar largely creates the emotional story of the song. There can be a dialog or call and response between the two. Sometimes the lead singer is also the lead guitar and in other groups they may be separate musicians. The lead guitar is often called ‘el requinto.’ after the smaller, nylon string requintos used in Bachatas early days. Now the Bachata lead guitar most used is an electro-acoustic steel string guitar that is often ran through an effects pedal to achieve Bachatas bright distinctive guitar sound. Whether listening or dancing to Bachata, pay attention to this dialog between guitar and voice.

Bachata Timing and tempo

Bachata music has a 4/4 time signature meaning it has 4 beats per bar. Listening to the bongo in the music is a good way to clearly hear the 4 beats. As mentioned before each instrument has a certain role that it plays within this timing structure. Bachata tempo can vary greatly depending on the song. Bachatas come in a variety of tempos from slow to fast. In the Bachata music suggestions below I have included a variety of tempos for you to explore.

Bachata Music Sounds

Bachata can sound very different depending on what era it was created, the specific musicians, the tempo, the songs structure and what region it was produced in. A variety of other factors can also influence the sound of it. One of the biggest sonic distinctions is whether the lead guitar is acoustic or electro-acoustic with effects. During the late 80’s and early 90’s Bachatas lead guitar sound began to change when it was electrified, amplified and given effects. Again I want to call your attention to the Bachata music list included below so that you can hear the sonic diversity in Bachata music.

Bachata Musical Sancocho

A sancocho is a soup or stew that you can find in the Dominican Republic where many different kinds of meats and vegetables are added in. Bachata has been compared by some musicians to a sancocho in a musical sense, in that it derives a lot of it ingredients from other music and dance genres. Bachata is largely derived from Bolero and Son and is heavily influenced and enriched by Merengue, Ranchera, Vallenato, Jíbaro, Pop, and Urban music among other genres. When all these ingredients were added and cooked in the Dominican Republic Bachata took on its own unique and distinct musical flavor. Although Bachata is from the Dominican Republic and we acknowledge the importance of its Dominican roots, we must also recognize that it has been influenced and enriched by many other cultures and nationalities since its beginning continuing until today. In fact, it would not exist at all without influence and participation from other cultures, people and countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Mexico, Colombia, and the USA just to name some. The great Bachata bass player Billy Bachata pointed out that Bachata is a fusion of African and European elements. In addition we can add to that the important contribution of indigenous cultural elements to Bachata as well. So to say that Bachata is ‘Dominican music’ is true, but only if we also acknowledge and understand the great contributions that other cultures have made on Bachata music and dance.

What Is Bachata Dance

Bachata is a Dominican social dance most often danced in partners of two. Many people are learning HOW TO DANCE BACHATA. The most common foundational or ‘basic’ step involves taking 3 steps followed by a touch or tap over the course of 4 beats. The dancer then continues the same thing on the other side. 1, 2, 3, Touch. On the dance floor, it is traditionally a partner dance with a lead and follow but it is also common to see people dancing it alone when the music moves them in their home, patio or neighborhood colmado. Though not traditionally a performance-based dance, it is now common to see Bachata dance performances at Bachata festivals around the world. As Bachata music and dance have spread around the world there have been many fusions with many other dance genres and now Bachata dance can look very different than it does in the Dominican Republic. Bachata in the Dominican Republic is generally learned and taught informally in families, groups of friends, or on the dance floor. Outside of the Dominican Republic, it is much more common for Bachata to be learned through classes and workshops. The above description is just a tiny intro to Bachata dance as it exists around the world. I have included below some videos so you can help learn what Bachata dance is and looks like in the Dominican Republic. Explore more about what Bachata dance is in this blog post.

Bachata Dance Styles in the DR

Bachata Dance Couples

How to dance Bachata basic steps

Bachata Dancers in the Dominican Republic

What Does Bachata Mean

Most of those familiar with the word "bachata" know it as a popular musical genre and dance form native to the Dominican Republic(DR). However, before it came to be used to refer to a genre of music it meant a "fiesta del patio" or an informal gathering of friends and neighbors where music was played and drink was often served. It was first used as an insult, a disparaging term that implied that the music and the people that listened to it were from a "lower" class, uneducated, crude, vulgar, and immoral. Today, to a great extent, the word has been "reclaimed" and currently has a much more positive connotation in the DR and internationally. It is still used to describe a musical genre and dance but does not have the same level of discrimination attached to it as before. The discrimination against bachata, although greatly diminished, still exists in the DR however.

What is Bachata? Adam Taub will explore this question during this livestream, share perspectives from his interviews with people and musicians in the Dominican Republic.

Bachata is the Bachata Musicians that Make It

Intro To Bachata Song List

Voy Pa Alla - Antony Santos

Vocales de Amor - Joan Soriano

Pena Por Ti - Luis Segura

Por Un Segundo - Aventura

La Cama Tiene Candela - Robin Cariño

Cuanto Llore - Felix Cumbe

Hoja En Blanco - Monchy y Alexandra

Neyreda - Raulin Rodriguez

Si Pudiera Zacarias Ferreira

Corazon Sin Cara - Prince Royce

Amor Del Bueno - Ramon Cordero

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - Leslie Grace

Quien Eres Tu - Frank Reyes

Ay Mami - Marino Perez

The Duke of Bachata documentary film about Joan Soriano

Blog Post by Adam Taub

If you would like to contact Adam Taub about giving an in person or online presentation or workshop on Bachata, reach out to him by email at adam_taub@hotmail.com

Bachata Resources:

Bachata Youtube Channels:

Adam Taub - https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamTaubVideo

iASO Records - https://www.youtube.com/c/iasoRecords

Marvic Trejo - https://www.youtube.com/user/louisEX2/videos

Arieto Arts - https://www.youtube.com/c/Are%C3%ADtoArts/videos

Bachata Books :

Bachata: a Social History of a Dominican Popular Music. Pacini Hernández, Deborah.

Bachata and Dominican Identity/La bachata y la identidad dominicana. Sellers, Julie A. and Darío Tejeda.

De Santo Domingo al mundo: el merengue y la bachata. Velázquez, Carlos and Alejandro Ureña.

The Modern bachateros: 27 Interviews. Sellers, Julie A. and Jerry W. Carlson.

Bachata y son en la historia musical dominicana. Paulino Ramos, Alejandro.

by Adam Taub

In this blog post I'm going to be focusing on ways that we can connect our students to the music. I think intuitively we all understand how fundamental and how essential music is to the dance experience, but a lot of times when planning a class, or even when dancing, music gets put to the side. As some of you know I've done a lot of documentary film work with Bachata musicians. I also teach dance classes but my real, deep, introduction to Bachata music and dance was really through documentary film work with Bachata musicians. In some ways that connection came first for me. That connection with the music is fundamental and so important for dancers.

1. Spend More Time Planning the Music in Your Class

Something we can do to enhance our student’s connection with the music actually begins before the class even starts and that’s during the planning phase of the class. So, I would say spend more time selecting and thinking about the music you are going to use in your class, before the class actually starts. You want to choose appropriate music for the level of class in terms of tempo, also the age group you are teaching to. Maybe they connect with one musician or a certain sound, or era of Bachata more than the others, so that’s one thing to consider, is my music appropriate for the class I am teaching. In addition, you really want to pick music that you are also passionate about, that you are excited to hear and excited to teach to, because that in turn will translate to your students, that excitement, that passion. You also want to be able to select music that is diverse in terms of tempo, emotion, feeling, in terms of artists presented, and in terms of sound, the era. Maybe you are using newer stuff for the majority of the class, but you throw in some music from the 90's or from the 70's, or 80's. Just exposing your students is a real important part of even a dance workshop, is exposing people to diverse music, to different sounds. That way they have a richer experience when they go out social dancing, or they go out into the world, because they have these relationships with diverse music. So that’s a really important part of the class.

2. Help Your Students Listen Deeply

Another way to connect them is throughout the class point out different ways they might listen to or hear the music. You might point out particular sounds, or instruments, or relationships between instruments. You might point out the vocals or the lyrics, the lead guitar, or the bass. Encourage your students to listen. Also, within the class, give them a space where they can just dance or listen. Where they don't always have to be "performing" or "doing" a technique. Where they are not always in their head but able to just experience it, and enjoy themselves, and enjoy the music.

3. Mention Song Titles and Artists During Class

Another thing I would say, and this is pretty easy to do throughout a dance class is mention song title, mention the artist name. Your class may not be a Bachata musicality class and it may not be a class that focuses on Bachata music, but throughout your class you can, before you turn on the song say a little bit about it. You can say the name of the song, even if they don't remember it you are giving importance by mentioning the artist name and by mentioning the song title, you are telling your students this is important. The music we are dancing to is important. So, mention the artists name, mention the song title if you can, and make that a habit, and that will help reinforce to your students that this connection to the music is fundamental, it's important.

6. Provide Resources for Your Students in Class or Online

Another thing you can do is offer them resources, either online, on your website, or your social media, or even within the class. You could have a poster with the song titles, and artists that you use that they could then take a photo of. They could take those music suggestions home with them. You could have a poster of the music, either that you use in class or you could have a poster that you would recommend them to practice to that they can take a quick photo, that doesn't use paper, and then they will be able to find music. A lot of times when we are starting off in a genre as dancers we don't know who to look for. You might also create a blog post, or social media post about the music you use in your classes and in your workshops, so students can check back and that also connects them with your courses.

7. Make Sure You Use Music in Class

For this next tip, it’s pretty straight forward, just make sure if you can, USE music within your classes. Certainly, there are some technique classes where you may use less music within the class. But a lot of times when students go to a dance class, they are really craving that connection with music, that's what they want. Many times, when we plan a dance class the majority of the time is we are working on a technique or working on something without music involved and that can at times, sometimes that’s appropriate, but at times it can leave a student wanting more. Saying "where is the music?" It's such an essential part of it, so make sure you give ample time to practice or work on techniques and steps with music in the class.

6. Work to Achieve Good Sound Quality

Another tip involves sound quality. Now this is something we don't always have control over as dance teachers. Maybe we are teaching in a studio where it's our first time and we have very little control over it. But for me as for someone who is a music lover it's always been important to at least try to attain a certain level of sound quality and also volume. Sometimes we can't have this. Sometimes we have to teach a class just using our laptop or we can't get something to work and we have to adapt, or we have to use small speakers. But if you can, take that time to try and figure out before what the space is like, what is the sound system like, what are the connections like, and work on that sound quality to the best of your ability. That is going to enhance your enjoyment of the class, and also your students. If they can hear the bass clearly, if they can hear the treble or the high end, if they can hear all these instruments, that really makes the class that much better. It's important. We know when social dancing that within a club or in a space dancing how important audio quality is to the experience. Being able to really hear the song, hear the words. That's important in a dance class too. That importance you place on the sound quality and on the music will also transfer to your students.

7. Nurture Your Own Love of Music

So, in addition, something that dance teachers need to do, in order for your dance students to connect to the music, you also need to give importance to it. I know that when we are planning and teaching, sometimes it feels like you have enough time to really nurture that love or that relationship you had with the music your teaching or dance, so I would really encourage you to take the time and just listen, put it on some head phones or when you are driving. Be around the music when you are not working, so when you are not planning a performance, or a choreography, or when you are not planning a class. Just expose yourself and give yourself that gift of musical enjoyment as well because that will transfer as well to your students.

8. Continue To Learn

Continue to learn. So, if there are presentations, or if you have a chance to see musicians live, or see documentary films about the music. That is going to enhance, not only your connection, but you are then going to have this grouping of stories that you can then bring into your dance class. I love bringing in stories that I have with different musicians, whether its filming a documentary with Joan, or interviewing Luis Segura. I bring those experiences and stories into the class. I don't necessarily have it planned out or scripted, but as the song I'm using comes on it reminds me of a story, and I bring it up and share it with the students. You want to make it personal, and the more experience you have, and the more you can learn, the more you can bring that in.

Those are just a few tips that you might use to connect your students to the music more to give them a deeper connection to the music throughout your dance class. If you have ideas, or if you have techniques that you use in your class that you would like to share with us and recommend I would love to hear them in the comments below and we can continue this conversation.

by Adam Taub

There are some big differences with how Bachata is danced in the Dominican Republic in comparison to how it is taught around the world. One of the biggest has to doing with Bachata dance rhythm and timing. When Bachata is taught around the world the vast majority of classes teach students to dance "on 1," taking their first step on the first beat of the music and then marking, tapping, or touching the 4th beat. There is nothing wrong with dancing on this timing, but in the DR dancers can, and will start on the 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the measure. It is normal to see a floor full of dancers in the DR dancing to multiple timings. Check out this video I filmed and made before reading on. 

As you see in the video, in the DR dancing on multiple timings is not referred to as "on 1" "on 2" "on 3" or "on 4" but it is common to see all those timings danced. It is also very common to have the follow start the dance and thus determine the timing, which is another cultural difference in the dance. Generally, when a couple starts on a certain timing they then attempt to stay on that timing throughout the song, meaning they are not (at least on purpose) switching timings through the song. Another point I want to make clear is that this idea of dancing on multiple timings does not mean a dancer cannot be viewed as "off beat," or "out of time." A dancer may be be considered off beat, out of time, or not dancing with the music while on any of these timings.

Many of you are probably interested, inspired, or challenged that Bachata in the DR is danced on a variety of timings and that there is NO RULE that you have to start "on 1." To some, this info is new, while others were already aware of it, or have experienced it. Some love the diversity of expression, others accept it, while some disagree and have implied that it may be musically incorrect or culturally better to only dance Bachata "on 1." Some of you have been called "wrong" for dancing on other timings before. I want to make it clear that I think its OK if dancers only dance Bachata “on 1” if that is how you or your community learned, feel comfortable and enjoy. I teach many of my classes on that timing if I think it best serves the students. It is however, vitally IMPORTANT that you at least are educated that it can be, and IS, danced on different timings, so that your students have that option, and so they understand Bachata as it is danced in the DR, where it has its roots, and is alive and well today. Many people that dance Bachata internationally do not recognize that they are watching Bachata when they see it in the DR, and will sometimes be critical or consider it wrong when dancers use other timings. This is like not recognizing your own parents when you see them. INSTRUCTORS have a great responsibility, I believe within the first couple of classes to at least expose students to cultural and musical info about Bachata in the DR, the "Roots." This involves more than dance timing, it involves people and culture so if you are teaching a cultures dance you have a responsibility to your students to expose them, the best you can to the wisdom that has developed through the generations as the dance developed. I know it is challenging in an hour or a series. Believe me, I know it can't all be covered in one class! All I'm asking is for teachers to consider it and do the best you can. You don't have to be able to teach on all timings or the structure of how its danced in the DR to at least expose them to the info. Also, PERFORMERS, I would love it if more of you choreographed to other Bachata timings also!

If you have been dancing Bachata "on 1" for along time you may find it challenging to dance on other timings. It may seem "off" or musically "wrong." Perhaps you will decide to stick with dancing Bachata mostly "on 1" for a variety of reasons and that is fine. But you may want to take the journey. Start by asking yourself why YOU dance Bachata "on 1." It likely wasn't because of a conscious, well thought out musical choice you made, carefully considering the music, understanding the music and then deciding that this was the best way to dance it. NO! Rather you were taught that way, or were operating on assumptions, like I was, that it must be danced "on 1" because of your past experiences with other dances, videos, teachers, or your culture.

Dancing Bachata on Multiple Timings May Have Many Benefits!

1. The ability to dance Bachata in the DR, and with Dominicans and others who dance on multiple timings. You can dance with more people and open up your community.

2. Connecting to the culture, roots, and musical elements of the dance. Develop a deeper understanding of the dance and the wisdom in it, that has formed over generations of dancers.

3. Musical insights and understanding that you may not get on one timing. You will hear and feel the music in a new way. 

4. Keeps songs and your dance fresh and exciting. That Romeo song that you have danced a 100 times may seem fresh when dancing on a new timing.

5. Who knows you might develop a preference for a different timing? Yes, even after years of dancing "on 1" it is possible. This certainly happened to me. I enjoy dancing on all timings but my normal preference now is dancing Bachata "on 3."

In an informal survey I did of 250 videos in the DR I found that "on 3" was actually most popular! The key point though is that all timings were significantly represented. This brings me to an important point. Dominicans may have preferences on what timing they, as individual dancers might like to dance, but they normally don't view it in numbers, rather musically, with sound. They may have a preference but they do not follow a rule that you have to dance on that timing and generally have the ability to dance multiple timings. Has it always been this way since the beginning of Bachata? We don't know at this point. Also, its important to point out that not all Dominicans dance Bachata or dance it well. Yes, many do, but just because someone is Dominican does not mean they dance or understand Bachata! As I mentioned before just because you can dance on multiple timings doesn't mean that someone is always with the music or "on beat." You can be disconnected with the music, or off beat in a sense, while starting on any of the timings. So what I am NOT saying is that anything goes and whatever you do you will be with the music. Not at all! I'm for freedom in dance and individual expression but it's not without limits within a particular genre. 

Recognize in dance and music that its not always about "right or wrong." its about participation, experience and relationship. I learned to dance on other timings by finding musical references and sounds within the music and figuring out where that would now be in relation to my step on various beats. So for instance, that low bongo beat on 4, if I'm dancing "on 3" is now on my second step. I did the same with the bass guitar etc. That is basically how it went. I have continued to go to the DR to film and teach over the years. But your process might be different. Generally Dominicans learn to dance on multiple timings purely through experience and this is another great route to learn.

I'd encourage you remain OPEN to learning and EXPERIENCING Bachata as its danced in the DR and to the RICHNESS and WISDOM that has developed there.

Learn The Bachata Basic “Box” Step

More Bachata Timing & Rhythm Video Resources:

by Adam Taub

These songs are dedicated to Mom, touching on a variety of themes and emotions, From stories to remembrances, serenades to homages. They sing of love, dedication, sacrifice, loss, joy and pain. Eladio Romero Santos sings of his sweet mother’s infinite love being a gift from God. Aventura tells a story of a mom’s tremendous sacrifice trying to raise a child alone. Teodoro Reyes says that he can’t trust in friends, only in his Mama and his lover. Luis Segura cries of a tremendous pain he carries, that he can only tell to his Mother. Raulin Rodriguez, Juan Bautista, and Luis Vargas sing of losing and missing their greatest loves, their moms. Other artists sing of having to leave home and being away for Christmas. Fernando Villalona serenades Mothers, Ramon Orlando sings a beautiful dedication, and finally Jose Manuel Calderon sings a Mother’s Day tribute backed by a mariachi bad. Dedicated to Mom!

Estas canciones son dedicadas a las madres, tocando una variedad de temas y emociones. Cuentos, recuerdos, serenatas, y homenajes. Las canciones son del amor infinito, la dedicación, recuerdos bonitos, el sacrificio, perdiendo su mamá, el dolor, y la que es sagrada. Dedicado a las Madres!

1. Madre Mia by Eladio Romero Santos

Emotional dedication to a mothers infinite sacred love. Bachata/Bolero

https://youtu.be/V1kEOFLpVao

2. Amor de Madre by Aventura

Story of a mothers tremendous sacrifice raising a child alone. Bachata

https://youtu.be/hPT2FGoSOr8

3. Mis Dos Estrellas by Teodoro Reyes

Songs that speaks of the only ones that he can believe and trust in are his mother and lover. Bachata

https://youtu.be/jhwrlp0z58A

4. Solo a Mi Madre by Luis Segura

Luis cries that he carries a pain that he can only tell to his Mother. Bachata/Bolero

https://youtu.be/iiqxEHahgYc

5. Homaje a Mi Madre by Raulin Rodriguez

Homage to his Mom. Guitar Merengue

https://youtu.be/sAKzxcCZZUQ

6. Mi Padre y Mi Madre by Fefita la Grande

Song of her leaving her Mom and Dad and their hopes for her. Merengue Tipico

https://youtu.be/6w8GZtpRpAM

7. La Casita de Mama by Juan Bautista

He sings of his Moms little house, the loss of his Mom, and his own fast living. Bachata

https://youtu.be/4JYUe2jvrco

8. Una Canción para Mama by Jaycee

A song dedicated to Mom. Bachata

https://youtu.be/CWMHCH6CQ74

9. Si Yo Me Voy Mama by El chaval y Los Infatiles de Amargue

Asks his Mom not to cry if he leaves and speaks of her true love. Bachata

https://youtu.be/O2lLsCTehlI

10. Lamento de Hijo by Cuco Valoy

Singing of a sons regreat. Salsa/Son

https://youtu.be/kM-Zoo4SJhg

11. Mi Madre y Yo by Kiko Rodriguez

Remembering his mom who has passed on. Bachata

https://youtu.be/EKYhu5IwChg

12. Serenata a Mama by Fernando Villalona

Serenade to Mothers. Ballad

https://youtu.be/tYHVDz77I9k

13. Madre Mia by Sergio Vargas

An old Mother and a leaving child. Merengue

https://youtu.be/65evgoCNGBQ

14. La Navidad Sin Mi Mama by El General Larguito

Christmas without Mom. Merengue Tipico

https://youtu.be/uOddkg4YhRQ

15. No Hagas Sufrir a Tu Madre by Gil Soriano

Sings of a mothers sacred love. Bachata

https://youtu.be/nutbwckLtxg

16. Mama Vete Con Dios by Luis Vargas

Cries of the pain of losing and being in the world without his Mom. Bachata

https://youtu.be/xc1wtDFP23Y

17. Viejita Santa by Jose Manuel Calderon

Dedication for Mother’s Day. Mariachi

https://youtu.be/zLBZE2qGkIQ

18. Mama by Ramon Orlando

Touching tribute to Mothers. Ballad

https://youtu.be/gmZ3_GdsxGE

by Adam Taub

I originally wrote this article in 2011 and thought I would share it today.

Words are carriers of MEANING and have tremendous power to trigger ideas, emotions, thoughts and actions. The meaning of words can also change across time and place and this is certainly the case when we look at the word "Bachata."

Most of those familiar with the word "bachata" know it as a popular musical genre and dance form native to the Dominican Republic(DR). However, before it came to be used to refer to a genre of music it meant a "fiesta del patio" or an informal gathering of friends and neighbors where music was played and drink was often served. It was not until the early 1970's in the Dominican Republic that bachata came to describe a musical genre. It was first used as an insult, a disparaging term that impliee that the music and the people that listened to it were from a "lower" class, uneducated, crude, vulgar, and immoral. Today, to a great extent, the word has been "reclaimed" and currently has a much more positive connotation in the DR and internationally. It is still used to describe a musical genre and dance but does not have the same level of discrimination attached to it as before. The discrimination against bachata, although greatly diminished, still exists in the DR however. To learn more about what is Bachata check out this blog post I wrote.

Although there has not been a great deal of study done on the word bachata prior to it being a musical genre we can find written evidence of it's use to signify a distinct kind of party as early as the 1920's. Back then it didn't mean simply a fiesta, Baile, party, concert or dance but rather it was a distinct type of party. It was a "fiesta del patio" and gathering of friends and neighbors where music was played, and fun and drink were had. It could take place on a patio, in a house, on a corner, under a tree or a variety of other sites. The music played was often guitar music such as boleros. Elements of class distinction tinged the word even back then. A bachata would not be the type of gathering one of the "upper" class would have, and to them it meant a party for the "lower" class where too much rum was drunk, roosters were fought, and people were involved in immoral and socially non-constructive behavior. However, to those participating in the bachata's they were times of friends, neighbors, music, dance, drink and good times.

One evening after a concert in Houston I was invited to someone's house with Joan Soriano, El Chivo Sin Ley, Edilio and Samuel Paredes. After some good food and a few drinks the guitars came out and Joan, Edilio and the rest began to play and sing. I remember Edilio saying to Samuel his son, "Esto es una bachata!" "This is a "bachata!" Meaning this is a gathering of friends where guitar music is played, some drink is had and a good time takes place. Edilio has been involved in Dominican music since the 50's and has seen it through it's history.(More than that his musical style has shaped its sound greatly!) He remembers when the word bachata meant a "fiesta del patio."

Somewhere along the way, probably sometime in the early 70's the word "bachata" came to be used to describe a genre of music, that at the time in the DR was referred to as bolero or musica de guitarra. It is not completely clear how and why this happened, more research is needed, but we can gain much insight from those like Edilio Paredes who were a part of the history and saw it transpire. Edilio Paredes recounts to me the time when he saw a prominent musician and media personality get on TV and refer to bolero or musica de guitarra as "bachata," He was using the term as an insult to say it was a music of the lower classes. Because of his tremendous influence and the socio-economic beliefs within the country this use of bachata caught on. This was the first time Edilio remembers the word being used to describe dominican bolero as a musical genre and in a negative way. At that time, although not in the main stream media bachata was selling widely and very popular and some think that there were those that believed bachata was a threat to traditional merengue and that the merengue industry retaliated. Others believe that it has more to do with class discrimination against the marginalized poor where much of the guitar music was being played and enjoyed. It is clear we need more research and interviews in this area and subject. Regardless, we can say that as the term came to describe a genre of music it had a negative connotation. Bachata musicians were not given the respect they deserved. Many of the early bolero musicians did not at first accept this classification as bachatero and many today still describe their early bachatas played on requinto as bolero. In those days bachata lovers often listened to it in secret so that their neighbors would not hear it and gossip about them later. This discrimination persisted a long time a still persists to a degree. Joan Soriano tells a story, (and this must have been in the 90's) when someone asked him what he did for a living. He said he was a musician and played bachata. The man replied "oh man, I thought you said you were a musician!" Insulting him. When I was in the DR in 2004 and 2005 many clubs in Santiago would not play bacahta even upon my request. Many people I met from the upper or middle classes, college age into their 70's did not like bachata and looked down upon it. Some of this we can understand as differences in musical taste but for many it was because of negative associations they had with the word and music.

During the early 70's bachata was also know as "musica del guardia" or "soldier music." This is because it was associated with brothels and prostitution, and soldiers often frequent those places. So in addition to being associated with the lower economic classes bachata also came to be associated with brothels, prostitution, drinking, and vulgar lyrics. There are good reason for these associations but the reputation bachata got seems to be disproportionate to what it deserved. Although there was truth to these observations much of it was over generalizations. Most bachata musicians did play at places where prostitution was common and many still do today. But we must also keep in mind that bachata was not widely accepted in main stream venues so it had to seek out venues to be heard. It was not played on main stream media until Radio Guarachita played it in the 1970's. Also, drinking alcohol does not only accompany bachata music but also other music genres, merengue, salsa, rock, pop on and on. In addition double meaning and sexual innuendo's are by no means unique to bachata.

The Discrimination against bachata was mainly taking place within its country of origin, The Dominnican Republic and those that loved bachata around the world remained largely oblivious that bachata had this bad reputation in its home country. Thankfully for all of us that love bachata today there were musicians and fans that fought through the discrimination to bring us the bachata.

It has taken decades to take the word bachata with all its negative associations, to today, where the word has been largely reclaimed and now has a positive meaning. 'Reappropriation is a cultural process by which a group reclaims terms that were previously used in a way disparaging to that group.' -Wiki. Today musicians are proud to say that they record bachata. merengue and other latin singers record it also. There is a lot of money in it now and this has played a big part in it being more widely accepted. It is much more common to see people of all classes listen to it now. Again the discrimination still exists but it is less. It has gained international appeal and most that listen to or dance it outside of the DR are unaware that the word had a negative meaning.

How was it reclaimed? Some significant events that influenced this change include When Edilio Paredes, Ramon Cordero, El Chivo Sin Ley and others started a monday bachata night in the capital Santo Domingo called "Lunes de Amargue." Although it started slow soon it was full of a variety of people of all classes including lawyers, doctors etc. According to Edilio this played a huge role in reducing the discrimination and it was possible that bachata would have died out without that night because many musicians had stopped recording during this tough time for bachata. Another reason for the change has to do with the internationalization of bachata and its acceptance worldwide. This began with musicians such as Leonardo Paniagua who toured widely and spread the music. Later, Juan Luis Guerra, A Dominican born, Berklee educated musician made bachata widely know and accepted with his album "Bachata Rosa." Juan Luis Guerra is a master of music although he is not regarded among bachata musicians as a true bachatero. He did however play an important part in internationalizing the word and music because of his wide appeal and great songs and lyrics. Others such as Monchy and Alexandra, Blas Duran, Antony Santos and of course Aventura and Xtreme played huge roles in introducing the music to the world. Dominican Migration around the world also spread the music as did the increase of tourism to the DR in the 80's. In recent years some of the original musicians have done world tours such as the "Bachata Roja"tour and have exposed audiences to what the original Bolero/bachata sounded like.

I remember a story a Dominican Priest told me while I was visiting the island. He traveled to El Salvador to work at a church there and when he arrived in the country he began to hear bachata being played on the radio. He felt a surprising surge of national and cultural pride when he heard this music native to is home island, and while in El Salvador he claimed the music as his own. I used the word "surprising surge" because he was a catholic priest and bachata would not be something he could publicly associate with or take pride in within his own society. But as he found himself far from home, in a different social context he was able to claim it. It are small personal experiences such as these magnified across time and space that has allowed the word bachata to be reclaimed.

What does bachata mean today? Another difficult question! Appropriate for another post perhaps. It means different things to different people and its meanings continue to evolve. But very basically Bachata is a music and dance genre that was born in the DR. It's essential instruments include the first Guitar, 2nd guitar, bass, bongo and guira. It evolved from Bolero and was influenced by many other musics such and son, ranchera, and merengue. It is danced mainly in partners and involves a 4 step pattern that repeats with a "pause" or "touch" coming on the 4th step. I would love to hear comments and posts on how others in the Dominican Republic and around the world would define bachata today.

There are many execellent resources you can pursue if you want to find more out about the word bachata and what is Bachata. Check out my How To Dance Bachata blog post. The book Bachata: A Social History of Dominican Popular Music by Deborah Pacini Hernandez is great and a must read for bachata lovers. The book by Dario Tejada "La Pasión Danzaria: Musica y baile en el caribe a través del merengue y la bachata" is important and very interesting. A wonder article by David Wayne appears on the iASO Records website Also, my sincere thanks to el Maestro Edilio Paredes who has taught me so much about the music and genre. He has truely lived the music and seen it's changes over the years.