Bachata is a style of dance. It is danced widely all over the world but not identical.
The basics to the dance are three-step, ended by a tap on the 4th beat. The knees should be slightly bent so the performer can sway the hips easier. The movement of the hips is very important because it's a part of the soul of the dance. Generally controlled full body movement is crucially important in the dance, but most of it comes from the hips. In partnering, the lead can decide whether to perform in open or closed position , depending on the lead’s comfort position. Dance moves, or step variety, during performance strongly depends on the music (such as the rhythms played by the different instruments), setting, mood, and interpretation. Bachata does not require many complex turns; although they are very well used when the musicality is understood and interpreted correctly. The leading is done just like in most other dances, with a “pushing and pulling” hand communication. If this is done correctly, the follower should clearly understand the intended direction. Although there is a lot of body movement in Bachata >
The new Fusion Styles (mix of different dances) developed . Counts 4 and 8, consists of a tap and can include a “pop” movement depending on individual style. The 'pop' can also be executed by lifting the foot while popping the hip to the side opposite of the natural Cuban hip motion. Bachata music has a slight accent in rhythm at every fourth count, indicating when the 'pop' should happen. The tab or 'pop' is done in the opposite direction of the last step, while the next step is taken on the same direction of the tap or pop. The dance direction interchanges after every 4th count.
Basic steps moving within a small square was added danced both in closed and in open position depending on the dancers mood and the character of the music. This style is today, also faster in accordance to faster music, adding more footwork, turns and rhythmic free style moves and with alternate between close(romantic) and open position(more playful adding footwork, turns, rhythmic torso etc.). This style is danced with soft hip movements and a tap with a small "pop" with the hip on the 4th beat (1, 2, 3, Tab/Hip). Can be danced with or without bounce (moving the body down on the beats and up again in between the beats by springs the legs a little).
* Technique and Styling:
* Basic Steps Twisting feets and with syncopations (steps between the beats).
* Vuelta Turning almost on the spot.
* Enchufla (change side) Lady Inside turn moving forward on the 2nd beat facing the dance partner (1st beat is a basic on the spot or to the side).
* Footwork Lots of it, some cuban Son inspired and some new original.
* Movements Natural soft African moves.
* Styling Natural arm and torso movements generated from the natural body movements.
Traditional Style: the most common style of Bachata danced all over the world as it was promoted with music from big Bachata stars. Basic steps moving side to side or on the spot. The main characteristic of this style is the close connection with your partner and dancing also with soft hip movements and a tap with a small "pop" with the hip on the 4th beat (1, 2, 3, Tab/Hip) - A very romantic style of Bachata like the early Bachata because of keeping the dance close.
Modern Style: The basic is the Traditional Style Bachata added dance techniques and styling. Steps moving not only left-to-right or on the spot but also moving to different directions and adding basic Tango steps (steps with many crosses), where on each count the male leads to a cross (cross on1, cross on2, cross on3), but on the 4th count keeping the pop or hip movement. For the Lady often danced with very big hip movements, she should picture the number eight when swaying her hips from side to side. Modern Style dancers claims that the dynamics of the Modern Style are based on maintaining the essence of the Bachata basic which can be very difficult to see. Nowadays, dancers are also incorporating styling movements borrowed from different dances.
