Latin dancing is a fun and exciting way to get active and meet new people. Two of the most popular Latin dance styles are Bachata and Salsa. Bachata originates from the Dominican Republic, while Salsa (in the style we teach at Baza) grew popular in New York, with roots stemming back to Cuba, Mexico (Mambo), and Africa. In this blog post, we'll compare and contrast Bachata and Salsa and help you decide which style is right for you. As a Vancouver dancer, you have access to many great dance studios and classes, including Baza Dance Studios, which offers both Bachata and Salsa classes.

Music:

One of the biggest differences between Bachata and Salsa is the music. Bachata music features 5 main instruments: a lead guitar, secondary guitar, bass guitar, bongo drums, and the guira. The lyrics are often romantic and/or melancholic, with the tempo being generally slower than Salsa. Salsa music, on the other hand, includes instruments such as trumpets, timbales, and congas, played generally at a higher BPM (beats per minute) than Bachata, often lending to a more vibrant energy.

Rhythm/Movement:

Another difference between Bachata and Salsa dancing is the basic step. Bachata follows a basic step of "1, 2, 3, tap, 5, 6, 7, tap", while Salsa follows a "1, 2, 3, pause, 5, 6, 7, pause" step pattern. While both Bachata and Salsa involve partner dancing, they have different movements. Bachata is known for its close, sensual, intimate connection. Salsa, on the other hand, has more energetic and lively movements, including more turns, spins, and figures, and traditionally allows for both partnered and solo expression/styling. Both dances can be performed in an open or closed embrace, depending on the style. Today, Bachata is danced all over the world, with varying styles developed in different areas: the original Bachata from the Dominican Republic, Bachata Moderna (Americas/Europe), Sensual (Spain), and fusion. Many Salsa styles also exist, with popular ones being: LA style, NYC style, Casino, Colombian, and more.

Which Style is Right for You?

So, which dance style is right for you? If you prefer slower, more romantic music and sensual movements, Bachata might be the perfect choice for you in Vancouver. If you prefer faster, more upbeat music and energetic movements, Salsa might be more your style. Of course, you can always try both and see which one you enjoy more! Baza Dance Studios offers beginner and intermediate Bachata and Salsa classes in Vancouver, so you can learn both styles in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you choose Bachata or Salsa, or both, Latin dancing is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and have fun. As a Vancouver dancer, you have many options for dance classes and studios. Baza Dance Studios is a great place to start your Latin dance journey, with experienced instructors and a friendly community. Registration is now open for our next Bachata and Salsa Intro classes, so why not sign up and see which style is right for you? Visit our website or call us to enroll in our courses today!