Bachata, a dance form I deeply cherish, holds a special place in my heart. From the most traditional, spicy steps to the slowest, most lyrical remixes, I appreciate its diverse expressions. At its best, bachata embodies romance, playfulness, relaxation, excitement, intimacy, and respect, all harmoniously intertwined. However, a noticeable shift in the bachata scene has tempered my enthusiasm, and it’s crucial to address the evolving culture surrounding what some perceive as increasingly sexually charged dance interpretations.
Unfortunately, the bachata experience today often falls short of this ideal. This decline isn’t attributable to a single factor, but rather a confluence of elements reshaping the community in ways that are, for me, increasingly disheartening.
This rapid transformation is linked to several trends: the proliferation of dance congresses and their associated culture, the sensationalism of bachata through online videos, an intensified focus on performance over social connection, and significantly, the rise and widespread adoption of sensual bachata styles. It’s important to clarify that sensual bachata itself isn’t solely responsible, nor are its instructors. However, it’s undeniably interwoven with these cultural shifts. The growth of congresses and the performance-driven aspects of the culture are intrinsically linked to the popularity of sensual bachata.
This article delves into the evolving culture of bachata, examining these changes and explaining why my personal engagement with the dance is waning. The core issue, in many ways, boils down to an increasing emphasis on sexualized dance movements and the cultural shifts accompanying this trend.
The Overt Sexualization of Movement
One of the most immediate changes is the increasing sexualization of bachata movements. While sensual moves, when executed with skill and intention, can enhance musicality and emotional expression, they are frequently performed in an overtly sexual manner, often mirroring the more provocative styles popularized on platforms like YouTube. It’s crucial to acknowledge that sensual movements don’t inherently need to be sexual, and dancers can certainly opt for less suggestive variations. However, the prevailing trend leans heavily towards the sexual. To be clear, I am not against sensuality or mutually desired intimacy in dance.
Alt text: A bachata couple performs a sensual dip, showcasing the intimate nature of the dance style.
However, context is paramount. Sexiness has its time and place, and it’s not universally appropriate. I recall an experience dancing to Pablo Alboran’s Perdoname, a song known for its sweetness and romantic undertones. During this song, I was led into a move that required me to squat low and then stand up, back to my partner, essentially presenting myself in a sexually suggestive posture. This felt jarringly out of sync with the music’s emotional landscape.
Furthermore, there’s a palpable pressure for popular bachata couples to project a hyper-sexualized image. Consider the well-known couples in the scene – are any of them not overtly sexy in their presentation and online content? While similar arguments could be made for other dances like salsa, lambazouk, and kizomba, bachata’s recent trajectory towards demanding overt sexiness feels particularly accelerated.
Promoters aren’t solely to blame. They operate within a market where “sex sells.” However, the pervasive emphasis on sex appeal in promoting bachata is unfortunate. Watching popular sensual bachata videos often leaves me feeling both bored and slightly repulsed. The predictable formula of body rolls, dramatic hand gestures, and intensely suggestive gazes feels performative and lacks genuine depth. The message is clear: “We’re sexy.” Yes, we get it.
Objectification within the Dance
Building upon the theme of sexuality, it’s essential to address the objectification of women’s bodies that is sometimes present in this sexually charged dance environment.
Consider again the aforementioned move where I was made to “ass stand up” while my partner simply observed. This move, and others like it, can inadvertently reduce the follower to a mere object on display.
Dips, a common bachata move, can also become objectifying when executed with the leader staring at the follower’s chest while she is in a vulnerable, inverted position, unaware of his gaze.
Anecdotally, workshops, even those taught by renowned instructors, can sometimes perpetuate objectification. I recall a workshop by Andrea and Silvia that was punctuated with objectifying sex jokes, creating an atmosphere that felt uncomfortable and undermined the dance’s artistic potential.
Objectification, in its various forms, is a tangible issue within certain segments of the bachata dance scene.
Self-Aggrandizement and Performance Focus
Contemporary bachata culture, particularly within performance and competition circles, often fosters an atmosphere of self-aggrandizement. While self-promotion is understandable and even necessary for instructors and aspiring professional couples, the competitive environment can become toxic.
Competitions often incentivize dancers to prioritize image and self-promotion over genuine dance quality. Individuals may rush into performance training without a solid foundation in social dancing, develop inflated egos based on performance routines rather than social dance skills, and adopt a peacock-like demeanor, prioritizing flashy aesthetics over grounded, comfortable movement.
Alt text: Bachata competition dancers in striking costumes execute a complex routine, highlighting the performance-oriented aspect of the dance.
Appearance Over Communication
Bachata, particularly sensual bachata, possesses undeniable visual appeal. Performance teams and couples often capitalize on this, sometimes incorporating elements of traditional bachata into their routines to broaden their appeal.
However, the emphasis on performance and competition frequently leads dancers to prioritize the visual aspects of the dance – how it looks and the complexity of the moves – over the fundamental feeling and connection between partners.
As I’ve discussed in detail in a previous blog post regarding performance teams and social dancing, this focus on aesthetics can be detrimental to the core of partner dancing. Many “famous” bachata leaders I’ve danced with, despite their performance accolades, are surprisingly rough and disconnected social dancers. The vast majority of performance-focused leaders who are not yet famous often exhibit even less refined social dance skills. In the pursuit of looking “cool” and “sexy,” essential elements like connection, communication, and genuine togetherness are often sacrificed.
For a deeper exploration of cultivating quality connection in dance, refer to my posts on the technique of quality connection and the importance of playfulness in partner dancing.
Party-Centric Culture
Dance scenes inherently involve social gatherings, but bachata today seems particularly party-centric. This is partly attributable to the scene’s rapid growth.
The influx of a younger demographic, drawn to the sensual aspects of bachata, also contributes to this party atmosphere. The youthful exuberance at bachata parties sometimes resembles a fraternity house, amplified by the scene’s growth and the prevalence of individuals eager to showcase themselves or embrace the “sexy” image. While excessive drinking and after-parties exist across dance scenes, bachata dancers often take partying to an extreme, organizing elaborate pre- and after-parties even months in advance of events. For many, the burgeoning congress culture, involving travel to new cities and weekend-long partying, is a significant draw. While this is a valid aspect of the culture for those who enjoy it, it personally feels disconnected from the dance’s artistic core and increasingly tiresome.
Inconsiderate Dance Floor Etiquette
Observing a recent bachata social from the sidelines, I was struck by the lack of consideration exhibited on the dance floor.
Elbows flew, leaders executed large moves without checking their surroundings, and individuals casually walked through ongoing dances, seemingly oblivious to the disruption they caused.
While such inconsiderate behavior exists in all dance scenes, particularly in crowded club venues and congresses, more experienced dancers generally develop a stronger sense of dance floor etiquette. The influx of newer dancers, drawn to sensual bachata and its associated party scene, often lack this developed awareness. Furthermore, those primarily attracted to the party-oriented or “sex-chasing” aspects of the scene may exhibit less consideration for others compared to those who are drawn to dance for different reasons. While self-absorption is not unique to bachata, the issue seems somewhat amplified within this particular dance community.
Rise in Disrespectful Male Behavior
Unfortunately, the image of bachata, with its emphasis on physical intimacy, sensuality, and sexuality, appears to attract a higher proportion of men primarily interested in sexual connection and hookups compared to other dance forms.
While this dynamic exists in all dance communities, and respectful exploration of intimacy in dance is possible, the increasing sensuality of bachata seems to draw individuals motivated primarily by the potential for physical intimacy.
My personal experience suggests that the proportion of men in the bachata scene who have made unsolicited and inappropriate propositions, disregarding personal boundaries and prioritizing their own desires, is noticeably higher than in scenes like salsa or swing.
Blurred Boundaries and Communication Breakdown
The intimate nature of sensual bachata seems to lead some individuals, particularly men, to assume unwarranted liberties regarding physical contact.
The misconception arises that engaging in a sensual dance automatically grants permission for further sexual advances.
It is concerningly common to attend a bachata event and experience uninvited kisses on the lips from leaders. This occurs with alarming regularity, sometimes multiple times in a single night. This lack of respect for personal boundaries is a significant issue.
Diminished Leader Communication and Playfulness
In a culture increasingly focused on pre-choreographed moves and performance routines, the emphasis on spontaneity and partner communication diminishes. In contemporary bachata, the focus often shifts from genuine connection to executing a repertoire of “sexy” moves, leaving little room for improvisation or playful interaction.
While I don’t intend to single out bachata specifically (or sensual bachata) in this regard – traditional bachata often retains a playfulness that is frequently absent in sensual styles – it’s important to acknowledge that other dances often excel at fostering creative communication. Lambada, salsa (with skilled partners), and west coast swing, for instance, typically prioritize and facilitate partner communication more effectively.
Personally, I thrive on this dynamic communication in dance. It’s intellectually stimulating, emotionally engaging, and genuinely fun. It allows me to feel heard and danced with, rather than danced at. I refer to dancers who prioritize this interactive style as “co-creators.” While some bachata leaders do cultivate this collaborative approach, their numbers are dwindling compared to other dances. The current emphasis on executing “cool sensual moves” has transformed bachata into a dance where pre-set sequences often overshadow playful creativity and genuine partner connection.
Conclusion: Navigating the Evolving Bachata Landscape
These observations are not intended as a definitive judgment on bachata or sensual bachata. Bachata will undoubtedly continue to evolve, irrespective of individual critiques. While some of these concerning trends may naturally resolve over time, others may require conscious effort to address, and some may persist.
It is crucial to acknowledge the presence of incredibly talented and respectful individuals within the bachata scene – leaders, instructors, promoters, performers, and dancers of all genders who embody care, integrity, and dignity in their dancing. It is my sincere hope that their influence and representation will continue to grow.
It’s also relevant to consider the broader issue of sexism within dance communities, a topic I’ve explored in a separate post. This issue is pertinent to all dance forms and deeply relevant to discussions about the evolving culture of bachata.
Ultimately, these are the reasons behind my diminished engagement with bachata. It’s a disheartening shift, as I genuinely love the dance itself. Fortunately, other dance communities, like the London salsa scene, offer fulfilling alternatives.
Your thoughts and perspectives on these observations are, as always, welcomed and highly valued.
