Bachata Salvaje
Bachata Dancing on the Northern Treasure Coast of Florida
We LOVE Toby Love!
Is Bachata the new Salsa? Ask a Bachatero and they will answer ¡Sí! The music and dance style of Bachata was born in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s, sprung forth from música de guitarra. Since then it has morphed and transformed into an art form all its own. Much like its street style cousin Merengue and Argentine distant relative Tango, the roots of Bachata reach even further back to bars brothels and the shadier side of the street.
La música de la Bachata is uplifting and sweet. Song lyrics are full of love, trysts and lamenting. Similar to Cumbia, the beloved baile of Columbia, the original instrumentation of Bachata was played by accordion-based quartets, driven by a rhythm section of bass and drums, embellished with the stings of a guitar and Latin percussion. For those groups without the breathy whine of an accordion, guitaristas developed a unique sound style for their fretboards and keyboardists playing synthesizers have been added. The feeling that Bachata music gives, is friendly flirty and light.
Bachata dance is sensual, sultry and sexy. The basic steps of the dance follow a lateral slot rather than a vertical, like Salsa or a triangle like Cumbia. The pulse of the rhythm is a little slower than salsa which gives more breathing space for the dancers to perform lifts, dips and turns. My passion is to infuse the movement of Tango and Hip Hop into the dance. Bachata for me is an anything goes palette for choreography.
We are able to track Bachata as we know it back to the 1960s. The romantic guitar-based melodies became known through songs such as Borracho de Amor and Que Será de Mi by José Manuel Calderón. This was the turning point which brought Bachata into the mainstream of Latin dance.
The 1980s gave birth to a wide-open palette of ideas and subject matter for songwriters and performers as Bachata spread throughout Latin America. As Bachata grew the lyrics became more intricate with the use of innuendos and double entendres and the pace of the rhythm began to increase. The song Consejo a Las Mujeres by musician Blas Durán, added electric guitar to a fusion of Bachata and Merengue. This won the first significant commercial success for the style. In 1991 Bachata found international acclaim when Juan Luis Guerra won a Grammy for his album Bachata Rosa. Luis Vargas and Anthony Santos lead the new decade of Bachata through the 1990s finding landing it a home on the pop charts.
The new millennium has brought many great new performers to the genre. Dominican group Aventura has made a huge splash in the North American market along with popular Bachateros including: Monchy y Alexandra, Xtreme, Toby Love, Andy Andy, 4 Ever and so many more. Artists who usually perform in the other Latin styles are now making Bachata versions of their songs and collaborating for cross over styles.
Dancers all over the world are catching the Bachata bug. Congresses are springing up in every corner of the globe and showcased teams are performing Bachata as socials on a regular basis. Bachata has gone circular with rueda style and many teachers find that students pick up the dance a lot quicker than Salsa. This makes Bachata a great choice for beginners who are not accustomed to syncopated rhythms. Bachata Salvaje is here to teach you this sensual dance and invites you to come out social dancing each month for a mix of Bachata with the other club style dances.
Spicy Hot
Latin Dance Spicy Salsa, Energized Merengue & Romantic Bachata express the ultimate connection between partners. Build your skills and expand your dance vocabulary.
Dance Instructor Amy Ford
According to her mama, Amy’s first words were a song and dance routine. Since then the rhythm of drums, dance and deep breaths have been the beat of her heart and joy of her life!
Currently she instructs beginner through advanced students in dance styles including: Salsa On1, Bachata Merengue, and Reggaeton and Classical Yoga. Her specialty is guiding students to find their inner rhythm and joyful expression.
Amy’s energy packed classes are given locally on the Treasure Coast of Florida and often take her to exotic location around the globe. She is a professional percussionist and has performed with greats including, Babatundi Olatunji, Tito Puente Jr. and her own award winning bands.
Amy’s dance Team Bachata Salvaje is currently holding auditions in south Florida. While living in Arizona Amy performed as a Latin team dancer for two performing groups: Ritmo Latino and Salvaje in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Venues where Amy has performed include: Phoenix Film Festival, Scottsdale, Club Barcelona, Scottsdale, Club Tropicana, Scottsdale, Dance Time Studio, Scottsdale, Starlight Ballroom, Tempe and Fountain Hills Paragon Dance Studio and Latin Heritage Festival.
Amy is available for group and individual lessons for your events!
Lessons with Amy!
Latin Dance Spicy Salsa, Energized Merengue & Romantic Bachata express the ultimate connection between partners. Build your skills and expand your dance vocabulary. Learn to communicate through touch and feel rather than words. Excellent for couples preparing for life’s journey together. Available for individuals as well as groups at your location.
Private Session 1-2 people 60 minutes $125
Semi-Private: Group of 3-4, 50 minutes $75 per person
Group of 4-6, 50 minutes $55 per person
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