Why I Don't Dance Bachata Sensual

Bachata Sensual has exploded in Europe over the last few years. Why? Social Media. Social Media has glorified, sexualized, and rocketed this dance to the forefront of the latin dance scene.

Bachata Sensual is a beautiful dance. It usually features really good looking Spaniards, tight body suits, and is entertaining to watch. However, actually dancing bachata sensual is a different story. I started dancing Dominican Bachata in Los Angeles with Demetrio Rosario years ago. He taught me fundamentals, musicality, and easy turn patterns that are interchangeable and easy to play with. When dancing bachata, I’ve always kept it simple and try my best to be grounded and connected with the music and my partner.

After taking a couple Bachata Sensual classes, I’ve learned that it’s just not for me. The sequences and patterns don’t feel natural. They feel choreographed and disconnected. Sure, there is a way to lead and follow the pattern. However, it doesn’t feel right. It looks great when done right, but it doesn’t feel right when I do it.

Aside from dancing bachata, I also dance Kizomba and Brazilian Zouk. These are two dances that have really helped me learn more about connection and musicality. Taking what I’ve learned from these two dances and applying them to bachata sensual feels like I’m going backwards. It just doesn’t make sense and I still feel disconnected when dancing bachata sensual.

Trying to lead with my arms, hands, and frame with such distance is just something I cannot grasp. If I want to lead something, it has to be from the ground, my core, or a strong frame in a closed position.

I believe bachata sensual is great for those in relationships or have a dedicated dance partner to train with. Trying to do certain moves while social dancing doesn’t feel right. I can’t lead a move that feels choreographed with someone I don’t know.

The great thing about Kizomba and Brazilian Zouk is that it has helped me with my close embrace. I’m able to lead movements and patterns in a closed position that feels natural and grounded. I’m not going to label my style of dance when I incorporate Kizomba/Brazilian Zouk moves, but let’s just say it feels a lot more connected and grounded than the bachata sensual moves.

I recommend anyone looking to dance bachata or bachata sensual to start with the foundation. Take dominican bachata classes with Ataca & Alemana, Edwin & Dakota, Junior & Carolina, Argenis & Carolina, Sueco & Joanna, or Samy “El Magico” & Carolina.

Once you learn the basics, then venture off and explore different bachata fusions. Bachata sensual will continue to grow. Video is more powerful than ever and more and more non-dancers are consuming dance videos on Instagram.

Bachata sensual is not that popular in the US. However, it is growing. Dominican bachata and bachata fusion are the primary dance styles of bachata in Southern California. For information on where to go out in Los Angeles, check out post on Where to go out dancing in Los Angeles.

Four Similarities Between Salsa On2 and Brazilian Zouk

Salsa On2 and Brazilian Zouk are completely different dance genres. However, after filming and dancing both for awhile, I’ve noticed similarities between the two dances that I’d like to point out.

High Level of Dancing:

When you reach a certain level of dancing, you’re able to explore different instruments in the music. Your musicality allows you to create unique movements, patterns, and make every dance a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.

After watching many skilled dancers connect with each other, the music, the ground, etc. - their social dancing musicality is incredible. The sequences, patterns, and connection that some are able to create in the moment is amazing to witness.

Freedom:

With Salsa, dancers can do shines and dance by themselves to the music. They can express themselves individually. There are many instruments going on at the same time which gives the lead many options to choose from when playing with musicality. Dancers are able to go on or off the beat, and switch to different styles of salsa during a song.

With Brazilian Zouk, there is no defined music genre. You can literally dance to anything. However, popular music genres include ghetto zouk, hip hop/r&b, EDM, trap, future bass, lyrical, etc. The endless amounts of music genres coupled with many different Brazilian Zouk styles, well, you get the idea, the options are endless. Lead and follows are also able to swap roles during the song which really adds a different dynamic to the dance.

Basic Step

The basic step is the same. Yes, the movement, grounding, and energy is completely different. However, at it’s core, the basic is the same.

Trending

Both dance genres are hot right now. Brazilian Zouk has seen rapid growth in the US over the past 3 years. High quality video content has increased visibility on social media platforms. Salsa On2/Mambo events have been increasing over the past 2 years. Here in Los Angeles, there’s more and more mambo events as well as dance teams and students.

Both dance genres are difficult to learn and sometimes turn new dancers away because of how difficult it looks or seems. There is a slow learning curve at the beginning when learning fundamentals, technique, and musicality. However, after enough time and investment, things begin to click and you see why so many people love these dances.

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These are four similarities between Brazilian Zouk dancers and Salsa On2 or Mambo dancers. Another point I’d like to make is that many dancers who dance either dance, are dedicated solely to that dance. I know many mambo dancers that ONLY dance mambo. and Brazilian Zouk dancers that started with Brazilian Zouk and only dance that.

If you’re a Brazilian Zouk dancer and/or a salsa on2 dancer and have any insight or feedback, shoot us a message!

Question Every Dance Festival You Attend

These are some questions you should be ask yourself before attending any dance festival:

  1. What’s the lineup like? Are they bringing local or international instructors?

  2. Is it the event in one location or multiple locations? How is transit/parking?

  3. Who’s DJing and how much experience do they have?

  4. What is the sound system like? Do they have monitor speakers?

  5. Is there an ambiance/atmosphere/theme in the main room? (lighting/decor/vibe)

  6. What’s the floor like?

  7. What’s the hotel/venue like?

  8. Who’s attending the festival? Is it all local dancers or more national/international?

  9. How much does the full pass cost? Is it worth it for the artists, DJs, and overall experience?

  10. Are there shows? How many shows are there each night? Do they have shows every night? Do the shows run late cutting into social dancing?

  11. What’s the overall vibe/energy of the festival like? Are people stuck in team clicks or are there solo dancers trying to make new friends?

  12. What’s the promoter’s reputation like?

  13. What kind of online presence do they have? Do they communicate via FB/IG with dancers in regards to concerns and last minute updates or changes?

  14. Are there other activities that we could do outside of the dance event?

  15. Is the festival the same every year? (same talent, same dancers) Are they trying to do something different each year to improve the dancer’s experience?

  16. How much time do you really have social dancing?

  17. Why are you attending the event? Is it for the workshops, shows, social dancing, or jack & jill?

  18. Is the festival primarily a showcase/performance, competitive (jack & jill), workshop, or social dancing (marathon), or vacation type festival?

  19. Does the festival offer multiple rooms with different dance genres or focus on one specific style of dance?

These are just a few questions, there are MANY more you could ask yourself.

Let’s improve the overall dance scene by raising the bar. With so many festivals in today’s world, the quality has gone down, and many festivals feel the same.

Being aware of the different types of festivals, congresses, weekenders, and events will help you become a better consumer in the dance world.

Everyone attends events for different reasons. There will always be unhappy or dissatisfied attendees. However, being aware and investing in events that improve overall scenes is something that we should all strive for. Quality over quantity is the name of the game. Hope everyone is having an awesome summer!

Interview: DJ X-tra

Hailing from the beautiful country of Luxembourg, Patrizio Monteiro, aka DJ X-tra is a seasoned DJ both locally and internationally.  He is one of the organizers of Kizomba Luxembourg, one of the biggest Kizomba festivals in Europe.  DJ X-tra is known for his versatility; he’s always keeping it fresh and will leave you craving for more on the dance floor.  He DJs at the biggest clubs in Luxembourg and can spin everything from hip-hop to ghetto zouk. We caught up with DJ X-tra in Los Angeles before his set at Kizomba After Hours.

Tell me about your background.

I was born in Italy while my mom was studying in college. My whole family is from Cape Verde. Later, I moved to Luxembourg and that’s where I’m currently living.

Tell me when you started DJ’ing.

I started DJ’ing almost ten years ago. I’ve been DJ’ing hip-hop and top 40 music since school. It’s always been a part of me and will continue to be, even before Kizomba and my aunt’s influence.

When did you get into Kizomba?

Kizomba came into my life with my aunt, who is a big fan of Kizomba. Growing up, I was forced to learn to dance passada and she was always playing Kizomba, Ghetto Zouk, Kompa, & Semba - which I eventually grew to love.

Describe your sound.

It’s “extra”(laughs), every set is different and I always try to do something new focusing on the crowd in front of me. The crowd is my inspiration and is what determines how the night will turn out.

What genre do you like to play most?

All music. I play everything I like and make myself dance and groove to the beat which ultimately transmits to the dance floor.

What’s your favorite song at the moment?

There’s so many….but right now I would say Atrevido by Djodje.

What’s a scary moment you had while DJing?

One time there was a concert for Djodje in Luxembourg and the music stopped mid-set. It wasn’t my fault, thankfully, but the sound turned off and I had to scramble to fix it. Thankfully, I had a mixtape of DJ Chu, which helped me out.

What was one of the most memorable moments?

It was when I was playing for Booba, a French rapper. It was a special moment for me because it was my first time DJing a big concert.

What’s your favorite movie?

The Intouchables.

When did you decide you wanted to become a DJ?

When I was really young… around 14. I used to see my cousin play in Holland, Danny Delgado - shout out to him. Yeah, saw him DJing all the times with big names like Afrojack and Lil Bow Wow. I think he pushed me to do what I’m doing today.

Who inspires you?

DJ Khaled. I love his positivity, it drives me forward.

What’s something that you live by?

Happiness and positivity. I always try to be myself and bring joy to people.

What are your plans for the rest of the year and going into 2020?

I’m going to focus more on marketing and producing.

Keep up with DJ X-tra by following him on his Facebook or Instagram.

My Nairobi Experience

Arriving in Nairobi was much like arriving in Los Angeles- hot and dry with stop and go traffic. It took a little over an hour to arrive to the hotel in Westlands neighborhood of Nairobi.

Everyone I met was really nice and friendly. I met people from South Africa, Uganda, Nairobi, Germany, and the US. The event I was there to film was the 2019 Nairobi Kizomba Sensacao Festival.

Friday night was bumping as the DJs kept the vibe going with solid track selections and transitions. The only other time I heard such great Kizomba music was at the Miami Beach Kizomba Festival. The music was so good that I couldn’t help but shazam all weekend. Below is a compilation of songs I came across over the weekend:

Playlist 1 - NKS.jpg

Saturday and Sunday were full days of workshops. On Sunday afternoon, I was able to visit a local animal sanctuary and get some b-roll shots of crocs and monkeys. The weekend was concluded with a really fun pool party. It was great to unwind and dance Kizomba, Bachata, and Salsa at the pool.

Below is the vertical recap of the festival along with demos of the headliners. The last video at the bottom is a fun travel video I created with an old Sony Handycam Camcorder CCD-TRV58 that records analog.