How to Dance Bachata
Bachata is a style of Latin dance, originating from the Dominican Republic. It is a pairs dance, so you need a partner to dance Bachata with. The basic steps are relatively simple to learn, but the main focus in Bachata, especially for the woman, is the characteristic swaying of the hips. The hip motions of Bachata are softer than those of Salsa or Chacha, but still have a slight "pop" to accentuate the beat.
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Instructions
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1
Step to the right with your right foot on beat one. Bring your left foot together with your right on beat two. Step to the right again on beat three. On beat four, bring your left foot together with your right and pop your hip upward slightly.
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2
Repeat Step 1 to the left. This is the basic horizontal Bachata step. Moving back to the left it goes left, together, left, hip, then repeat back to the right.
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3
Step forward with your right foot on beat one, bring your left foot together with your right on beat two, right foot, then left together with a slight hip pop. Step back with your left foot, together with your right, left and together with your right.
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4
Repeat Steps 1 through 3 in any sequence you desire.
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Tips & Warnings
Always remember to initiate each step from the hip.
If approaching the dance floor with little knowledge of bachata, scope out the room to find a dancer that seems confident in his or her steps, and ask for a little help.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
