See also: Bachata DVD's & Videos >> << Learning Center Intro

Free bachata lessons & introduction!

The bachata is sometimes referred to as the "blues music of the Dominican Republic." The Dance Store sells a great instructional video on Bachata.

An Introduction to the Basic Bachata Step PLAY Windows Media Quicktime RealPlayer Flash Video Help

Bachata Learning Area

• The Moves
• The Music
• History
• Tips & Info

 

The Moves

Bachata music has four beats per measure. Three steps are taken to four beats of music. As with salsa, the step timing is three steps and then a one-beat pause.

The basic footwork pattern is three steps in one direction (side-close-side) and then a hip motion. Repeat going in the other direction. Some people call out the timing as "one, two, three, touch; one, two, three, touch." Some teachers call out the timing as, "one, two, three, lift; one, two, three, lift," while others call out the timing as, "one, two, three, bump; one, two, three, bump." The basic step is easy. As with all Latin dances, the hard part is getting the body action. Without the hip and body action, you are not dancing the bachata. Bend your knees and practice that hip bump!
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The Music

The tempo is slow, typically 120 beats per minute. In some songs, the guitar melody is sad; in other songs merry.

Click on the link below for helpful examples of both Bachata songs and CD's which feature Bachata music.

Bachata Music Examples >>
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History

Bachata music was born in the Dominican Republic, borrowing from the Cuban Bolero.
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Tips & Info

Here are some "universal tips" for learning how to dance a partner dance such as foxtrot, swing, or waltz.

• First, acquire a few audio CD's of the music and play the music over and over in your home or automoble. Next, count the step timing in time to the music. This you can do sitting down, perhaps while driving. For example, for waltz, call out the 1,2,3 1,2,3 step timing in time to the music. For foxtrot, call out the step timing using slows and quicks. For cha cha and rumba, it's important to recognize the first beat of each measure. Otherwise you may dance on the incorrect beat. If necessary, have your instructor assist you in learning to count the step in time to the music. Dancing in correct time to the music is absolutely essential. Continue this "sitting down and listening" exercise for as long as necessary until you can easily and automatically count the step in time to the music. The Ultimate Ballroom Practice CD sold by The Dance Store might be a helpful
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• Next, practice the basic step, including the step timing, until the step is automatic - like tying a shoe. Using east coast swing as an example, practice the triple step, triple step, rock step basic until it's automatic. Next, practice this basic to music until it becomes automatic. Many basic steps can be practiced without a partner.

At this point, your brain is "freed up" to allow learning steps and patterns because you no longer have to concentrate on timing and step counting.

Many folks get frustrated if they can't dance competently immediately. Certainly individuals vary in dance aptitude, but all dancers must go through the awkward stages before they get to the polished stage.
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