El Tiguere Del Mambo asked some really great questions about Traditional Bachata. I believe its an important topic to discuss specially in the light of current Bachata talks and debates. Here are my answers to his questions about ‘Traditional’ Bachata based on my understanding, experience, and observations: 1. How do you define traditional bachata/authentic? Traditional Bachata whether music or dance is define by the evidence of its fundamental structure/formula, which has been established either as common knowledge, rule of thumb, common sense, or simply innate. Whether there has been evolution or not there will be an underlying common structure that for the most part remains essential and unchanged from one generation to the next thus making it a tradition. In this case with the music will be the instrumentation, the song form, musical sections and basic rhythms (derecho, majao, mambo), and lyrical themes (mostly amargura). As far as the dance Bachata itself does not have ‘global’ standardized way of being danced because in essence it did not develop as a formal dance and the first bachata dancers we’re most-likely Son dancers who never called the dancing nor music bachata due to the negative connotation that went along with the word when you follow or trace its history. So in essence there are no regulations or rules that MUST be followed when it comes to the dance or music. However, Bachata does has its own (DNA-like) structure which is what distinguishes it from other genres. 2. Is there set timing? Can I tap on any count and still be traditional? There is no set timing for dancing. Each particular song may have a certain accented beat or beats due to the personalization, thematic feel, and style of the artist but regardless the tap can be done on any count so long as it is consistent for the most part. There may be personalization on how the “tap” is done. For instance holding, placing the heel, marking the beat with leg up, shuffling, pushing back, tapping across the front or back. 3. Is there a set direction of steps? Does it have to be box or can someone dance side to side? The dance will be based mostly on its predecessor the Bolero which may include imperfect box-like figures as well as, zig-zaging, slow gyration, slot dancing (forward/back), and other basic shapes and figures done mostly in a loop with minor variations and may include minor personalization. Dancing side to side is a of course a personalization of the dancer and of course anyone can dance side to side but that no longer becomes part of the ‘traditional’ structure. Think of it as how would dance in the islands when there has been no formal training or little exposure dances outside the islands. Most of the structure has been passed on for generation. This is not 100% evident and true in the entire island of course due to innovations, evolution, and influences from international dances. 4. Can partner work be done or does that null and void timing and direction? Not completely clear on question but I’ll try my best. Partnering in Bachata can be done much like in its predecessor’s son and bolero. Much of the partnering is based on Cuban dance figures. When dancing in the traditional way like I said above the timing is mostly consistent with the exception that due to the deep focus on the music while dancing the leads and followers may lose timing or unconsciously change where the tap goes as they do a turn. Tradition hasnt been established rules about where and how to turn but you will rarely see spinning in the traditional dance as done in salsa. 5. Does body movement define the dance? If I do a body roll or shake my hips or step higher or lower does that take me out of the traditional category? I don’t believe that body movement alone is enough to define the dance. Body movement is definitely an element of personalization and this will vary from one dancer to the next and at times even from one region to the next. If the fundamental structure is present, then it does not matter how the body movement is done as long as the essence, rhythm, and flow of time is maintained consistent for the most part. Of course there are certain ‘natural’ body movement that are more evident in the structure of Bachata but its not unique or exclusive to Bachata as they may have come from the Cuban hip movement and the preceding dance forms. Body-rolls, booty roll, hip shakes, shoulder shakes, dipping, lifting, etc., Can take one out of the traditional category, as they were never a part of the ‘tradition’ of neither Bachata nor its predecessors. These are elements fused into the dance via other styles. The quality or level of stepping for the most part is not something one choses to control for most is innate others learned via imitation. It will not take you out of the traditional category as long as it’s done within the structure, good taste, and keeping with the rhythm. To conclude if one is dancing in good-taste, within the structure, with or without minor variations/alterations one can be considered dancing Bachata but much of this will be subjective due to the lack of Standardization of the music and the dance. Most of my answers above are based on my research in the field of music and dance, my experience as a dancer, instructor, and observant. Besides being a Bachata dancer, I also dance what some consider Urban, Modern, Fusion which is my personal style due to my experiences with other dance forms which brings up an important topic which also requires some attention; How does one properly title, label, describes, what one does in a way that does not create conflict and confusion? I guess thats a question for another time ;) If you want to learn more about traditional bachata my recommendations are: immerse yourself into the culture, inquire and investigate with the locals in D.R. and heavily populated regions abroad, research to trace its origins and roots to get a better understanding of what it is, consult with the people with experience in any given area for example Adam Taub (research based films and documentaries done via Dominican Republic), Carlos Cinta (breakdown of the music and the fundamentals of Bachata dancing as done in the Islands), Frank E (Understanding of the predecessors Bolero and Son), Deborah Pancini Hernandez (Intense/Holistic research on Bachata Author of Bachata book), Consult with older Bachata musicians from the era of its development, most importantly GO DANCE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. You wont believe how much youll learn about Bachata by going to Dance Bachata in various places where you can experience the culture first hand. Feel free to offer feedback, questions, or correct any information I may have given. If I can’t answer I will do my best to consult with someone who can.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:10:20 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015