Bachata Bolero Lyrical Fusion - Juan Luis Guerra "Estrellitas Y Duendes" (LFX Dancers)

LFX Dancers present: Lyrical Bolero and Bachata Fusion. Story telling with the language of music and dance. Enjoy!

Music: Estrellitas y Duendes by Juan Luis Guerra

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What is Bachata and How to dance Bachata.

Bachata is a style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic in the mid 1900s but gained popularity only after 1960s. Bachata's roots are found within Bolero and Son, two Cuban based music and dance. When Dominican artists in the Island began to innovate with new sounds, instruments and rhythms and with the influence of Merengue which is one of the oldest Afro-Caribbean music and dance forms, we saw the chronicles of what would later be known as Bachata.

Today bachata is danced widely all over the world and is one of the leading music industries first made popular by the likes Jose Manuel Calderon, Rafael Encarnacion, Blas Duran, Luis Segura, Marino Perez, Ramon Cordero and Edilio Paredes amongst others. They were considered the first generation Bachataeros when the music was known as Musica de Amargue. When the name Bachata, which meant informal party or gathering in a patio, was attributed to the music, we got the second generation and wave of Bachata Artists Luis Vargas, Antony Santos, Raulin Rodriguez, Teodoro Reyes, Kiko Rodriguez, Tony Santos, Joe Veras, Frank Reyes and many others who dominated during the 90s. Todays newer generation of Bachata artists include Andy Andy, Domenic Marte, Luis Miguel Del Amargue, Joan Soriano, Aventura, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, Toby Love and many other prominent artist. With new innovations in the music more and more ways of dancing Bachata have emerged around the world.

Dancing Bachata seems simple at first glance but there are so many nuances and intricacies that make dancers look and feel more authentic. Mastering the fundamentals is very important to achieve the best possible look and style. Bachata dancing can be 50/50 either a very easy task or a very frustrating experience.

The basics to the dance are three-step with a Cuban hip motion, followed by a tap or break which may or may not include an accented hip movement on the 4th beat. The knees alternate from bend to straight much in the same ways as with Son and Bolero. Some dancers vary in form and amount of upper body and hip movements but the important thing in achieving a natural look is to stay grounded and never exaggerate the movements. The movement of the hips is very important because it’s a part of the soul of the dance and where the sensuality lies.

The original Bachata dance in the Dominican Republic was danced in 4 counts within a square or "box" like figure. The sequence of 3 steps and one tap can start on any number which means the tap can also land on any number. It is popular to see dancers in D.R. dance on all 4 possible timings. Even though any timing is possible its important for the leader and follower to start on opposite feet and be consistent in the chosen timing. Often the ladies will start or dictate the timing and the gentleman will lead the ladies in the timing she prefers. Dancers in the Western World later began developing a more simple pattern, converting from a 4 count dance to into an 8 count dance timing in which the first step is taken on the number 1 and the tap or break lands on the 4th and 8th beat. The box has been simplified from a box into a side-to-side or forward to back linear dance. Both Styles consist of 3 steps normal and then a tap step. The important thing when dancing with or without a partner is to maintain the flow and essence of the dance.

Видео Bachata Bolero Lyrical Fusion - Juan Luis Guerra "Estrellitas Y Duendes" (LFX Dancers) канала LFX Network