What kind of bachata is danced?
Bachata: Dominican, modern and sensual
The three bachatas you will meet on a dance floor, how they differ, and where each one is danced.
The three you will see
Bachata is counted in four with a hip tap on the fourth beat. That tap is in all three; the rest changes quite a lot.
- Dominican
- The original. Short steps, plenty of footwork and a fairly loose hold. Danced close but without long figures.
- Modern
- Adds turns and figures borrowed from line salsa. Usually taught as the step in between.
- Sensual
- Born in Spain. Adds body waves and slow movements. The most popular in Europe, and also the most demanding in terms of contact.
About sensual bachata and contact
Sensual is danced closer than the other styles, and this is worth saying plainly: that is agreed between two people, not assumed. Keeping your distance is perfectly normal and nobody should push.
If someone makes you uncomfortable, you stop the song and leave the floor. No explanation and no apology needed.