Bachata

The dance is a four-step beat achieved with a walking Cuban hip motion, and a unique “pop”. The dance is performed both in open position and in closed position depending on the setting and mood of the partners. Similar to Merengue, dips are not original to the dance and turns are done infrequently. The male leads the female with subtle communication using pushing and pulling on the hands to guide the direction in which to move or to hint on upcoming turns. The female may also provide communication using her left hand to indicate whether she is comfortable or not dancing in a closed position.

The basic dance sequence is a full 8 count in a side to side motion. Counts 1 through 3 and 5 through 7, when taken, generate a natural hip motion. Counts 4 and 8, consists of a “pop” movement. The “pop” depending on a person’s style is executed lifting or tapping a foot or using stylish footwork 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. Note: The “pop” will always be done in the opposite direction of the last step, while the next step will be taken on the same direction of the pop.

Basic Dance Steps; Start with the male stepping left, with Cuban hip motion, and the female moving right also with Cuban hip motion. The dance direction will interchange at every 4th count. In order to remain in tune with the music, start with a tap of the right foot in tune with the musical change in rhythm. Then, Stepping with left foot; 1, 2, 3 and “POP” with right, then change direction and with right foot step 4, 5, 6 and POP. Repeat.