Does ANYONE know about Bachata dancing? Modern style versus Dominican?

Question

Is one more popular than the other in other countries. I have seen both, but it seems that the modern style is more popular, or atleast becoming more popular. Is the modern style a non DR style? Any thoughts...?

Answer 1

Now THIS dance has a great history!  Wikipedia will take you to links of the dances in motion; a history that you have to check out yourself, but provide a new creation that brought forth the merengue and salsa.

It was most likely created in the Dominican Republic by servants.  They made the music out of ordinary objects like those commonly found in a backyard such as trashcans and fences. In some rural areas of the Dominican Republic, bachata means trash, but most citizens also agree that it means a party. Others say that bachata is derived from the Italian ballata, which was a popular form of music in Italy centuries ago.

The basic footwork is a series of simple steps that produce a back and forth or sideways motion. A schematic footwork would be as follows: starting with the right foot make a chasse to the right on counts 1,2,3. On 4, touch the left toe beside your right foot (alternatively, tapping the left toe in place, i.e., apart from the right foot, make an upwards jerk with the left hip). Then do the same from your left foot. The character of the dance is achieved through sensual hip and body movements. You can also add turns to spice it up a little or dance closer together or far apart depending on how comfortable you are with your dance partner. The more you dance with someone the more likely you will be able to lead them or be led. Usually the male leads and the female follows.

The more I read, the more I recognized from some DVDs I have that teach dancing -- this may be one of them.  I'll check, and if it is I'll add that information.