Origin:

Bachata, like Merengue originated in the rural neighbourhoods of the Dominican Republic. Bachata is a sensual romantic dance with romance, heartbreak and sadness being the prevalent themes for the music.

Music:

Bachata music is played in 4/4. Dancers who are new to Latin American Dancing can often confuse this for a slow Salsa. The main difference between the two (apart from the pace of the music) is the use of bongo drums to provide syncopation, with an amplified guitar being the other main instrument.

Dance:

Bachata is a sensual dance with the steps fairly similar to Salsa, although the pace is much slower. The main difference is the replacement of the pause on beats 4 and 8 by a tap by the foot and an upwards jerk with the hip. The tap is often replaced by lifting the foot in the air. Bachata is danced much closer than Salsa and the most common step is a side to side movement, with three steps to the left and a tap followed by three steps to the right and another tap.

Latinos NZ Popularity Scale: 3/10

Bachata is slowly gaining popularity in New Zealand, with more dancers understanding the rythm and dance. On an average night out in a Latin Club, every 10th song would probably be a Bachata.

Give it a shot and get ready to get up close and personal with your partner!