The Instruments of Bachata
There are about seven instruments on average in your basic Bachata group. They are the Requinto, which is the lead guitar, Segunda, also known as the rhythm guitar, electric guitar, guitar, bass guitar, bongos and guira, however the Segunda has the most pressure on it to preform and to perform well because it is known as the instrument that syncs all of the others together and sets the base for an incredible rhythm. Bachata groups tend to have a certain style of creating musical melodies together for the simple fact that when they connect a few cords that sound powerful to them, they tend to repeat only those cords and noted in different combinations to create a song that is both pleasant and repetitive so that it is easy on your ears. There is a little legend in Hispanic culture that says Bachata music was created to silence a stressful mind. This basically means that the reason why it is repetitive is so that you can get a feel for the music, so you know what’s to come. Your brain can shut off and stop trying to figure out what comes next and can relax, while you learn to trust the rest of your body to absorb the music!
Traditional Outfits of Bachata
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Traditionally, the outfits and styles that go along with the musical styles of Bachata are tightly fitted for both men and women. This is more so that we are able to have a visual simulation of the music. Bachata is a very passionate type of music, so when deciding on a type of outfit, it is customary to go with one that is fitted to your body so that viewers can clearly see the beauty of your body movement. It is the desire of the dancer to make you feel something inside that makes you feel like you could potentially express yourself though the music just like they do. They are trying to spark the same fire in your heart as they feel in theirs so that they could spread the beauty of all of these Hispanic cultures coming together across the nation. With their rather small outfits, they attempt to pull you in with the beauty of body movement and create an enviornment for you to feel the music in more than just your ears.
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The Dance of Bachata
Bachata is a style of dance that is said to have originated in the Dominican Republic, however, much like a lot of dances, the topic of origin has been debated very much throughout the years. Although it is questionable where it originated from, Bachata has become a widely practiced dance throughout all of the Hispanic community. Bachata has no set rules, it is a basic one, two step with a bit of hip, however anyone can put their own flare on it. Moving across different cultures, no two styles are alike. It really only depends on how the music speaks to you. That is the true beauty of the dance over all. You can practice the dance alone, or with a partner, the choice is yours. The whole point is to express yourself in a nonverbal arrangement to create a visual representation of the passion that you feel inside with the culture that surrounds you. When an individual dances to Bachata, it is like they are telling a story; a story of love, loss, and beauty from individuals who were here before us and created our culture as we know it today.
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