Bachata
.Musical Influence
The Dominican Republic's "guitar music," influenced by it's surroundings of despair and crime
Evolution of bachata
Traditional Bachata
Sensual Bachata
Dominican Bachata
Modern Bachata
Bachata tango
It is also called "original bachata". The passages are usually free, made side by side and without turning, in more open or closed positions.
Its origin is in the United States and Europe and it is the most danced style in the world. With very romantic nuances, twists, visual drops and a hip strike on beats 4 and 8.
It is an evolution of the traditional one, with more importance to the expression and the variety of movements. Usually short distances are used and the couple maintains very little space between one another. The most important thing is the eye contact and expression between the couple, more than the turns or the work of feet.
The current Bachata has been introducing different styles, as is the case of crosses, called crosses. Its execution is by crossing the feet in all the steps, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Another variation of modern Bachata, which combines with tango and its sensuality. Kicks, falls, spectacular turns and studied pauses offer a romantic and harmonious dance.
Bolero
Son
Romantic, slow-tempo
Blend of the Spanish cancion, Spanish guitar and African drums.
Origin
Began in the 20th century, in the Dominican Republic and Caribbean, more specifically after Trujillo's dictatorship.
Bachata is made up of African rhythms and Cuba's Son and Boleros. Also associated with Puerto Rico's Bolero
Etymology- party, good time, reunion, rustic party
Bachata and Latinx culture and identity
Bachata wasn’t just one of the favourite music or dance in the Latinx community, but also it was a complete element of the Latin identity and culture.
In one way, it’s an element of the Latin culture becasue it’s a way of life and behaviour among Latinx. It's an old genre (Janra) that didn't go away.
And in another way, It’s an identity because it helps Latinx to express their feelings and self-conception in music that comes from their culture and identity.
An example of this is in a book called “Bachata and Dominican identity” by Julie A. Sellers when she said, “The distinction between merengue as Dominicans' music of choice for fun and happiness and bachata as their preference when feeling romantic or depressed is common among Dominicans." the use of music to express feeling or self-conception.
Originally it was rejected by the rich. It was seen as vulgar and associated with crime, sex, and despair. It was most popular in underdeveloped/poor places such as Santo Domingo. It wasn't always legal.Only one radio station would play Bachata.
In the 1950's Bachata became more of what it is like today.The first recorded song of bachata was "Borracho de Amor" by Jose Manuel in 1962.
Merengue
Originated in the Dominican Republic with elements of drums and percussion instruments, such as the maraca
Other influences include vals, and ranchera
A commonality between all of these dances is the idea that a man leads the women follows.
Many dance classes today begin by separating the class by gender. Now, many teachers to use the terms “leader” and “follower” instead of “ladies and gentlemen”
“I don’t call it “following” because I think it tends to reinforce a passive identity for the people who do it, which tend to be women,” she says. Instead of followers, McMains uses the term “interpreters.”