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The Bachata is a dance born in the Dominican Republic and, a dance floor after another, has conquered hearts from all over the world with its hypnotic rhythms and seductive movements. With its diffusion, however, this dance has evolved into increasingly sensual styles that have led many critics to wonder if the Bachata is not too provocative dance. Will they have found an answer?

The origins of the Bachata

To understand this dance it is essential to know his origins, where he was born and in what circumstances. The Bachata originated in the rural areas of the Dominican Republic, during the second half of the twentieth century. In the sixties it was considered a typical music of the poorest social classes and the rich did not see it well: the steps and movements of the traditional Bachata predicted close movements, which emphasized the emotional depth of music and were perceived as vulgar.

The evolution of the Bachata Sensual

When the Bachata began to spread out of rural contexts, he suffered a transformation. A new style, often defined Sensual , the steps of tango and zouk made its own, emphasizing even more the wavy movements of the bodies. It is from here on that critics started asking if the Bachata was not too seductive dance.

Art or pure provocation?

Over time, the question has reduced to a simple question: is this dance the expression of an art form or pure provocation? Fans of the genre support firmly that it is a refined art form, creative expression of music and emotions together. The movements that characterize it, although very intimate and seductive, are not to be understood as a provocation towards the partner or the spectators, but as a manifestation of the passion that every dancer nourishes for the dance.

Perception and cultural context

The explanation given is very convincing but, however, it is difficult to accept in the most conservative cultures in the world, where the Bachata is seen not as an artistic expression of the passion for dance, but as a pure sensual provocation. In these cases, it is the cultural context that played a crucial role. What is considered normal and accepted in one culture can be seen as transgressive and provocative in another and can clash with the values most shared by a community. The Bachata is an example. And this discrepancy creates questions about cultural sensitivity and the real acceptance of traditional art forms of other places in the globalized world.

The places of dance and the communities

Another variable in the perception of this dance are the places of dance and the communities in which it is most widespread. Depending on the social context and the place where we find ourselves, the basket in its most sensual forms takes on a different value. In dance schools it is often taught by placing the emphasis on technique and respect for the partner. In the most informal nighttime nightclubs or dance tracks, it can take a completely different tone, impregnating himself with provocation and seduction.

There Bachata Sensual Is it too provocative dance?

In the end, it is impossible to give a right answer to this question. It depends on the cultural context in which you dance, on personal values, on the relationship you have with dance and partner. It is a dance strongly rooted in the Dominican and Caribbean people, but which has evolved as an art form all over the world. As with all artistic forms, to give meaning to art is the intention of the artist who underlie the performance, in this case the intention of the dancers. Bachata was born from the connection, emotion and joy of the movement. Its true essence is not only provocation and sensuality, but it is the ability to unite people through different cultures by sharing the universal language of dance.