Bachata
Dominican / Sensual / Urban (Fusion)
Bachata Fundamentals
We offer bachata dance classes in Edmonton that are fun and energetic! An explanation of Bachata musicality and Basic Bachata rhythm will set the foundation for an understanding of this dance as well as the body movement and timing involved.
Bachata can be danced both with a partner, as well as a solo (shines) and both will be explained in this course, but this class will be taught as a Lead/Follow Partnering dance.
We will introduce the three different styles of Bachata: Sensual, Dominican, and Urban.
It is our goal as instructors, that students leave this course, with an understanding of the timing and body movement involved in the interpretation of these three different Bachata Disciplines and the corresponding musicality.
Bachata Intermediate
This level will build on your basics previously learned in Bachata Fundamentals. The class structure will be progressive, with each class building on the last. Fundamental building blocks will be stacked upon the last as we introduce syncopations, turns, body isolations, body rolls, and how these elements should be incorporated in order to interpret the musicality of the different Bachata Rhythms.
This class is taught as a Lead/Follow Partnering Dance.
The History of Bachata: From the Dominican Republic to the World
Bachata is a passionate and expressive dance and music style that originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 1960s. Born in the working-class neighborhoods and rural areas of the country, bachata began as a voice for everyday people—expressing love, heartbreak, joy, and resilience. Early bachata music was influenced by bolero, son, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, using guitars, bongos, güira, and heartfelt lyrics.
For many years, bachata was marginalized and labeled as music of the poor. It was rarely played on mainstream radio and was often performed in informal settings such as bars and homes. Despite this, bachata continued to grow organically, passed from generation to generation through music and dance.
Everything changed in the late 1980s and 1990s when artists like Juan Luis Guerra helped bring bachata into the spotlight by refining its sound and introducing it to international audiences. This marked the beginning of bachata’s global rise.
Traditional & Dominican Bachata
Traditional Bachata, also known as Dominican Bachata, stays closest to its roots. The dance is characterized by quick footwork, rhythmic movement, playful partner interaction, and strong musical interpretation. Dominican bachata emphasizes creativity, musicality, and freedom, making it a favorite for dancers who enjoy fast tempos and intricate foot patterns.
Urban Bachata
As bachata spread internationally, it evolved. Urban Bachata blends traditional bachata with elements of salsa, hip-hop, and modern social dance. This style is often danced to contemporary bachata music with smoother transitions, expressive body movement, and crowd-friendly patterns. Urban bachata helped bridge traditional styles with modern dance floors.
Bachata Sensual
Developed in Spain in the early 2000s, Bachata Sensual focuses on connection, fluid body movement, and emotional expression. This style incorporates waves, isolations, and controlled movements that reflect the music’s emotion. While different from traditional bachata, sensual bachata has become one of the most popular styles worldwide.
Bachata Today
Today, bachata is danced and loved across the globe. From social dance floors and festivals to competitions and performances, bachata continues to evolve while honoring its Dominican roots. Whether you’re drawn to Dominican footwork, urban creativity, or sensual expression, bachata offers a rich, cultural experience for every dancer.
Follow us on Social Media for Classes, Socials and upcoming Performances!
Copyright © 2025 edcSTUDIO