Bachata was born in the Dominican Republic in the early to mid-20th century. Rooted in bolero, son, and various Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Bachata emerged as a dance of everyday people - played on street corners, backyard gatherings, and small bars known as cabaretas.
Its lyrics often explored themes of heartbreak, longing, and the complexities of love. Because of this emotional tone, Bachata developed as a close, intimate partner dance centered around connection and softness rather than big shapes or sharp actions.
For decades Bachata was considered "low-class music" by the Dominican elite, much like early Tango or early Waltz. It wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s that the genre gained broader acceptance and began spreading throughout Latin America and eventually the world.
Artists such as Juan Luis Guerra, Aventura, and Romeo Santos transformed Bachata into a polished, modern style that blended traditional rhythms with pop, R&B, and contemporary Latin influences. Today Bachata is one of the most popular social dances worldwide and a favorite for wedding first dances thanks to its gentle, romantic feeling.
Bachata is defined by:
The overall feeling is romantic, intimate, and fluid, making it one of the most beginner-friendly dances for couples.
Bachata offers a way to look beautifully connected on the floor without requiring months of training.