Do you listen to bachata? What kind of bachata dance style is your favorite? Are you taking bachata dance classes? Or, if you haven’t heard much about bachata dance at all, I am going to suggest some irresistible songs which are ideal for you to get to know bachata a little more.
But first I would like to say a quick “thank you” to my older brothers for introducing me to ALL kinds of music when I was a kid growing up in Honduras. Ever since I became a dance instructor and started teaching as a hobby, I have found myself being fond of this passionate, romantic, and exciting dance.
This is the kind of dance that teaches you to become more in touch with your inner self, and it is also a great way to connect with your dance partner on a more personal level than you can with Salsa or any other Latin dance.
The dynamics are very different between Salsa and Bachata. Salsa is on point and relies heavenly on technique, frame, precise timing, and execution. Bachata, on the other hand, shares some of the same demands as Salsa but it is more forgiving, allows for more flexibility, creates a more intimate connection with your dance partner, and develops full body motion.
I want to share with you one of my favorite quote when it comes to the topic of music
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” ― Bob Marley
When did bachata dance start?
Bachata dance was born in the Dominican Republic, starting from the Latin American bolero, in the 1930s and 1940s. Today this dance is still very strongly present in all Caribbean countries and has spread throughout the world thanks to its sensual, melodic, and romantic rhythms.
If you looking for additional information about Bachata check out the wikipedia article here.
I have learned that the origins of bachata went through four stages before it came to be a mainstream dance around the world
Any bachata dancer should know?
- First stage. Jose Manuel Calderon is the undisputed figure in the early 1960s. With a marginal character in the beginning (it was considered irreverent music), little by little it spread throughout the Caribbean island.
- Second stage. It happens between the 70s and 80s, a musical decade in which bachata is extended and refined, with artists of the stature of Leonardo Paniagua, Mélida Rodríguez “La Sufrida”, and Luis Segura, giving the bachata a much more refined touch.
- Stage three. It is the phase of its international expansion. In the 1990s, bachata began to be digitized and known all over the world, thanks to Teodoro Reyes, Zacarías Ferreiras and Luis Vargas, among others.
- Fourth stage. This is the present moment. Some very influential names in the current music scene are spreading bachata with records and concerts in different countries. It is necessary to quote the popular Romeo Santos, Juan Luis Guerra, Daniel Santacruz and Prince Royce.
Thanks to the current artists mentioned above, bachata dance and songs have a huge presence in today’s Latin music market and aren’t going anywhere any time soon, if you ask me.
Anyways, this is the list I use to get people really motivated to listen and to dance bachata.
The list for bachata dance music for your bachata dance classes
Darte un Beso - Prince Royce
A very romantic theme, with which many bachata dancers begin taking their first steps in dance classes.
"Darte un Beso" ("Give You a Kiss") is a 2013 bachata song by American recording artist Prince Royce. The single became an international hit for Prince Royce in the United States, Latin America, and Spain. It is also recognized as one of Prince Royce's signature songs.
Eres mia - Romeo Santos
Romeo Santos' unmistakable voice is the best accompaniment for dancing, and for listening all day long.
"Eres Mía" ("You Are Mine") is a song performed and written by American singer Romeo Santos for his second studio album Formula, Vol. 2. This is one of the classical songs I play in any of my bachata dance classes. It has a nice tempo for dancing.
Solo por un Beso - Aventura
When it comes to romantic bachata songs, this a must have. "Solo por un Beso" ("Only for a Kiss”) is nice to dance to with your girlfriend/boyfriend or lucky date!
It is a really sexy song when you listen to it and how he talks about kissing. The lyrics are very sensual.
Casi Casi – Toby Love
Toby Love is a well-known Bachata artist, and for me, this is one of his best works. It is a very nice song that uses very few instruments.
I enjoy this genre of music for it’s simplicity. This is a good song to start taking some bachata dance classes.
La Diabla - Romeo Santos
“La Diabla” ("She Devil”) is performed by Romeo Santos, who was the lead member of Aventura, an urban and bachata-infused band. This song was nominated for Tropical Song of the Year at the Premio Lo Nuestro 2013.
Any bachata dancer will tell you this is a good song to learn how to use full body motion.
Day 1 - Leslie Grace
I don't know I many times I replayed this song when I first heard it. I think I just love the violin sounds throughout the song, and combination of changes in rhythm.
Anyway, for just listening or dancing, this is cool song.
Te extraño – Xtreme
One of my students suggested that I check out this video where Tanja La Alemana and Jorge Ataca are dancing to this beautiful bachata song, “Te Extraño” (“I miss you”).
These guys are awesome! I believe this is a good time to be Dominican and Puerto Rican in my book.
Careless whisper – Grupo Extra
George Michael`s original version is great; this remix as bachata music is amazing!
This is a prime example of being able turn an English song into a whole different style of music… Love it!
Propuesta Indecente - Romeo Santos
This guy has done it again! "Propuesta Indecente" ("Indecent Proposal") is another sexy and sensual song, perfect for dancing an intimate bachata with your special someone.
If you haven't added this to your bachata playlist already, do it now because this one is a must have.
Promise - Romeo Santos ft. Usher
This song is super romantic for both guys and ladies. A lot of couples, even it they’re just dating, make this “their song,” because they always love listening and dancing to it.
Am I right or what?
Stand By Me - Prince Royce
This is another song that has held steady in the night club, ever since it’s first release on March 2010.
I mean, who doesn't love "Stand by Me"? Prince Royce's version of the song not only shows its international popularity, but also proves the track sounds beautiful in any language and any style.
Tu Eres Ajena - Frank Reyes
Wow! Speaking of “old” songs, this one is from the early 2000s. I like this song because it reminds me of the early evolution of bachata,when things were simpler.
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - Leslie Grace
The first time this song was released was in the 1960s by The Shirelles, and then the wonderful Carole King brought it back in 1971.
Leslie Grace took this classic hit and give it a refreshing bachata spin for us to enjoy. So, enjoy it! What a lovely melody!
No Tengo Amor - Unique
I remember exactly the place where I first heard this song by Unique. I was visiting my family in New Jersey. I really like this song and now when I hear it I remember being over there.
If you are thinking about taking bachata dance lessons, this is a good one to use for practice.
Debate de 4 - Romeo Santos ft. Luis Vargas, Raulin Rodriguez & Anthony Santos.
Here’s another great song that makes me feel extremely proud to be a Hispanic person surrounded by this amazing music. What a great time to dance Bachata.
Don't you think so?
Shorty Shorty - Xtreme
These two guys were an American music group consisting of members Danny D and Steve Styles, both of Dominican descent.
The group focuses on the Latin genre bachata and was formed around 2003.
Hoja En Blanco - Monchy and Alexandra
Rojas Blanca (“Blank Sheet”) is Monchy and Alexandra's first full-length album. I found the male and female vocal interactions refreshing in this song.
The best of the both worlds, really.
Loco - Enrique Iglesias feat. Romeo Santos
Why did I pick this song?
Well, because this song is huge and, of course, Enrique is known for his brand of pop-Latino. So, I was pleasantly surprising when he collaborated with Romeo, known as the contemporary "king" of bachata, on this awesome and unexpected track.
Obsesion - Aventura
"Obsesión" is a song by Dominican-American bachata band, Aventura. Aventura achieved huge success in many countries, topping many international charts.
This song, among bachata dancers, is recognized as one of Aventura's signature songs.
Cuanto Duele - Carlos y Alejandra
Cuanto Duele (“How Bad it Hurts”) came out sometime in 2009, if I am not mistaken. Another duo singing another good song for your bachata dance needs.
In Conclusion
When you find yourself playing some bachata dance music and feeling like indulging yourself with a little dance solo or practicing with your dance partner, remember to put some meaning to the music and use your full body motion to express your emotions.
As I said before, the connection between dance partners is truly an amazing experience. Safety between partners is extremely important, for this could make or break your dance!
Respect the limits of your partner, but also respect your own limits when you start getting too sensual during the dance.
Bachata dance is here to stay. You, bachata dancers, continue to keep it alive, keep it safe, and keep it fun.
“Even though you’re growing up your dancing, you should never stop having fun in the process.” – Ricardo
What other bachata song you think we need to add to the list?
Just leave your comment below and don’t forget to spread the word
Happy Dancing!
YDS
PS. I have written an article about the guilt-free Latin songs to enrich your knowledge on music click this link.
