Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, Oh My! What is The Difference? Which Should You
Try?
Did you know that social dancing dates back to primitive cultures, where people used it to celebrate births and deaths in their community? Over the centuries, it has been enjoyed by many cultures as a means of connecting with others, flirting and having fun. Although sometimes referred to as “scandalous” for its sensual movements, (if you have seen Argentine tango danced, you’ll know what I mean), social dancing is here to stay and is as popular as ever!
Click here to learn more on Wikipedia
Latin has a few major dances and some minor ones as well. This article will focus on the major dances you will encounter at the club.
Salsa, bachata, kizomba, and merengue step forward as the major dances. Each dance has its own beat, style, patterns, and movements. Start by learning one, then add the next dance as your comfort level grows.
You do not need to come to your first class an expert. Most seasoned dancers enjoy teaching a newbie something.
Types of Dances
Salsa
Bachata
Kizomba
Merengue
Salsa
Salsa arguably ranks as the most popular Latin dance. While the origins are cloudy, the most well-known forms today developed in New York in the 1970s.
From there it had two offspring. The beginning beat and the feel of the dance determine the style.
The more common dance begins on beat one. To recognize this style, look for crisp turns and flashy movements.
The other style begins on beat 2. This style, while still the same dance, appears more moderate and fluid.
As a lead, it isn’t necessary to know both styles or even tell your partner which style you’ll dance. Based on the music, they will feel when to follow you. As a follow, count with the music and go when your partner “tells” you to go.
Learning salsa retains its value no matter where you go, people dance salsa around the world.
Bachata
Bachata comes to us from the rural neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic. At one time this dance was the slow, romantic dance of the peasants.
Lovers embraced by the fires while listening to almost mournful music on the guitar.
Bachata today keeps all of its original sensuality. The music, however, has evolved into faster and more festive tunes.
The steps go side-together-side and then have a pause. During this pause, the dancers tap or raise one hip. When counting it, one might say, “1, 2, 3, hip, 5, 6, 7, hip.”
Because of this, people characterize the bachata as having lots of hip motion. Plus, it is a dance of lovers, and your hips don’t lie!
Kizomba
Kizomba is a new direction of latin dance culture that originated in Angola in the 1980s under the influence of French Creole music and African folk rhythms. And in Europe, it has spread widely in the twenty-first century. Kizomba has similar features with samba, bachata and Argentine tango, but this style is smoother, moderate and calm. Energy of Kizomba is more sensual and romantic, not expressive but rather flirtatious. Nowadays, Kizomba is winning the hearts and minds of modern youth. Everyone wants to learn how to dance Kizomba, everyone wants to shine at parties, to be fashionable and modern. There are numerous Latin Festivals around the world that include Kizomba as one of their featured dances.
Merengue
Don’t confuse this with meringue, which tops a delicious lemon pie. Merengue comes to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic, like bachata. This dance serves as the most casual of all Latin dances.
Its free-form and lightheartedness has allowed for it to mix in almost as many dance pieces as the salsa. Unlike the other Latin dances discussed above it has 2/4 time.
As it’s counted 1-2-1-2, you can count this dance even if you lack all fingers. Also like the bachata, this fun dance relies on the hips moving freely.
This dance makes a great second dance to learn after salsa. The simple steps and easy counting are perfect for a beginner.
Well, you know a brief history of the common dances you will run into. You even know a bit about how to count them.
All that remains is to get out there and start dancing. If you want to join in a class or see what dancing can offer you, get in touch with us here:
