Two Hot Latin Dances: Bachata and Merengue

Have you ever hear of two hot!hot!hot! Latin dances named the bachata and the merengue? If not, you’re going to know a lot more about each dance by the time you’re done with this blog! And, what’s even more exciting…You can learn to dance these fun and exciting Latin dance styles yourself with beginner Latin dance lessons at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona. Let’s explore these two incredible dances…

The Dominican Republic is the aboriginal home of what most consider the most popular Latin beat in the world: the merengue. The bachata was always considered the black sheep of Dominican music in the past, but especially today, the sexy, suggestive style is back in the highlight of popularity. Both the music and the dancing of these Latin dances have made it to mainstream attention.

Let’s begin with learning about Latin music because it is always the music that inspires the dance. There are a many different genres of Dominican music. But the most popular musical genres in the Dominican Republic, the very music for which the country is known for, are merengue and bachata.

Merengue music most often associated with the area and has been part of its musical repertoire since the mid-19th century. During the 1930s, under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo the merengue became the dominant musical genre on the island. Interestingly merengue rose from music that was considered for the poor and uneducated to music that was accepted by higher classes and became the most popular music played on the radio for over 3 decades.

The other part of the Dominican musical landscape is bachata. The word ‘bachata’ has been part of Dominican culture for quite a long time though it wasn’t until the 1960s that it was officially named a musical genre. It is only within the last 10 years that bachata made its way to the ears of Latin cultures outside of Dominicans. Bachata today has quickly replaced the popularity of merengue and is the current favorite of the Dominican and in recent years has become one of the most popular Latin styles of dance everywhere.

Now that we have talked about the music, and since we are a dance studio, let’s talk about the dance! While both include lots of hip motion, merengue is casual, lighthearted, festive and social and bachata is sensual, intimate and relaxed.

Merengue began as a traditional folk dance that was brought to the U.S. by Dominican musicians in the early 1900s. Merengue’s basic steps are quite simple, in 2/4 time (1-2-1-2), which gives a marching feel. Dancers keep their knees slightly bent and feet in contact with the floor throughout. It’s a wonderful dance for beginners and a great way to practice the Cuban style hip motion. Today Merengue has been influenced by Hip Hop, R&B and other pop music, so like other dances of today, it has evolved into a new version of itself.

Many call bachata the “country music” of Latin music. Like our popular country music here in Arizona, the lyrics are often full of heartache, pain, and love, as a result, the dance may portray all of these things. Bachata basics consist of 3 steps and a tap. This “side-together-side-tap” movement is easily spiced up with hip motions or a lift of the leg at the “tap” step. Like merengue the knees are kept bent throughout to promote hip motion. Bachata can be danced in two-hand hold or open embrace but is most often danced in close embrace by romantic couples at nightclubs.

Of the two Latin dances, the one with the most popularity right now is the bachata.  Everyone and their brother wants to learn Bachata! Dance FX Studios has new singles and couples daily who take advantage of our New Student Offer and begin their dancing journey learning Latin styles of dance like the merengue and bachata. Like students of our other styles of social ballroom dances, bachata dancers are eager to show off their skills in the near future at our local Latin bars and clubs. Discover these steamy dances for yourself by giving us a call today at 480-968-6177. We hope to see YOU on the dance floor!