Bachata (or cumbacata) is a dance that originated in the Dominican Republic and spread throughout all Latin American countries. This happened around the 1960s, but there is a belief that it occurred much earlier (almost 40 years earlier!). It stands out for its rhythmic diversity and the depth of meaning in the music to which it is performed.
The dance has a very interesting and rich history. Given its considerable age, there is plenty of useful and intriguing information and facts about it. In this article, we will highlight some of them and perhaps inspire you to start learning this unique style!
- Bachata originated in the lower classes of society. People who were considered poor at the time would gather on the streets, sing songs, and dance. The name came from them. The word meant any outdoor celebration;
- When cumbacata first emerged, it was considered vulgar and low, something only the poor and fallen could dance, so it wasn't popular. It only gained widespread love in the 1980s, when people realized there was nothing dirty about it. It simply gives freedom to emotions and allows you to open your soul to the world;
- The music for this dance has always had rather sad lyrics and messages. But what makes it truly diverse is human perception of these compositions and the situations they describe. The songs always sing about unrequited love, the bitterness of parting, and separations, and everyone has a different attitude towards them. That's why some melodies have a livelier rhythm, as if the person wants to 'lose themselves' in energetic beats, while others are slower and more melancholic, better suited to suffering;
- Despite the sad content of the songs, bachata is a dance of flirtation. If you love partner dances where you can flirt with your partner, this is definitely for you! Both dancers have their roles: the man seduces his partner with his movements, while she teases and flirts with him;
- Cumbacata is one of the hottest dances in the world. In terms of passion, it far surpasses salsa and tango! It is considered the sexiest among all Latin styles. Partners treat each other with great warmth and love, and this is clearly visible in their lively dance.
