Bachata is a form of music and dance that originated in the countryside and rural marginal neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic. Its subjects are usually romantic; especially prevalent are tales of heartbreak and sadness. In fact, the original term used to name the genre used to be "amargue" ("bitterness," or "bitter music"), until the rather ambiguous (and mood-neutral) term bachata became popular.

Bachata grew out of - and is still closely related to - the pan Latin-American romantic style called bolero. Over time, it has been influenced by merengue - a fast paced danceable music also native to the Dominican Republic - and by a variety of Latin American guitar styles.

History

Derived from the Latin American tradition of guitar music, and originally named for the crude bars and clubs were guitarists and singers would perform, bachata emerged in the 1960s. While popular radio filled the air waves with merengue and salsa, bachata musicians were forced to develop their own system of producing and distributing their music. Unlike merengue, which is also performed by women singers, bachata was predominantly performed by male singers such as Luis Segura.

Juan Luis Guerra won a Grammy in 1992 for his album Bachata Rosa allowing bachata to gain legitimacy and international recognition. The bachata that has gained popularity is produced with electric instruments and exhibits masterful use of the guitar. It is often faster than its predecessors, and is very danceable. In recent years, Dominican television stations have produced vastly popular bachata dance contests for broadcast.

At present 2006, the Dominican group Aventura is probably the best known bachata group worldwide, its single "Obsesion" having dominated for a long time radio play both in major US Latino markets, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Other artists of note include Antony Santos, Raulin Rodriguez, Zacarias Ferreira, Frank Reyes, Luis Vargas, Monchy y Alexandra, Andy Andy, Leonardo Paniagua, Los Toros Band, and Joe Veras.

Dance

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.