Gaining confidence and connection through BACHATA

in Bee a Better You3 years ago (edited)

batch1067.JPG

As a social butterfly, I needed an outlet to use my creative energies and at the same time connect with people or join a community. And the solution to that dilemma was Social dancing!

My memories brought me back to a time when I went to a spiritual retreat in 2019, a dance teacher introduced us some AfroLatino dances. That's when I learned about Bachata and from there I tracked her down and where her studio was. However the pandemic happen and classes were stopped. So while waiting, I've been watching videos about Bachata and I've been dying to learn its dance moves.

Social dance is a category of dances that have a social function and context.[1] Social dances are intended for participation rather than performance and can be led and followed with relative ease.

So when V9 Dance Hub opened its doors last May 2021, I immediately without a doubt enrolled for the Bachata Class. The course costs Php 3,500 for 8 sessions. Classes were held every Tuesdays and Fridays. We started on the 3rd week of May.


WHY BACHATA?


Bachata is just one of the many styles of Afro Latin Dances. It originates from the Dominican Republic. I was initially comparing it to Kizomba but after watching tons of videos, I deduced that Bachata is much more easier to learn. So I went with that first. Our young amazing Bachata teachers taught us a little about each styles of Bachata dance - the original version, the modern and the traditional.

The basics to the dance are three-step with a Cuban hip motion, followed by a tap including a hip movement on the 4th beat. The knees should be slightly bent so the performer can sway the hips easier. The movement of the hips is very important because it’s a part of the soul of the dance. Generally, most of the dancer’s movement is in the lower body up to the hips, and the upper body moves much less. Source


batch1044.JPG
Our Bachata Teachers - Christian and Tracy


DANCE RECITAL


After learning the fundamentals of Bachata, our dance recital was held last June 13, 2021 (Sunday) together with the Kizomba and Tango student dancers to showcase what we learned . It was a fun filled activity! The dance instructors also showcased their expertise and awesome dance moves. We met with other social dancers old and new and get to dance with them prior to the start of the program. Here are some photos of the event.

SOCIAL DANCING BEFORE THE START OF THE PROGRAM

DSCF5907.JPG

a.jpg

batch1019.JPG

a2.jpg

ARGENTINE TANGO PERFORMERS

batch1023.JPG

batch1026.JPG

batch1035.JPG

KIZOMBA DANCERS

batch1045.JPG

batch1047.JPG

batch1048.JPG

BACHATA PERFORMANCE

When it came for us to present our dance number, it was nerve-racking but really fun! We were wearing neon tops to differentiate ourselves from the rest. I can't stop smiling throughout our dance piece. After our recital, I am more confident when someone asks me to be their partner and just have fun dancing it. Although I'm still not a pro.

batch1066.JPG

batch1069.JPG

batch1070.JPG

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BY THE TEACHERS

batch1038.JPG

batch1058.JPG

batch1053.JPG

batch1065.JPG


PERSONAL MUSINGS


After learning Bachata for beginners, I had a mental breakthrough that our bodies are so much more than its weight or its shape. I still have insecurities however our dance partners really don't care how we look, how big or how small we are but on how we can connect through our bodies. And most of the people I met through that community have this great passion for social dancing and that is all they care about.

I used to think that dancing is for the naturally gifted ones but I was wrong. Anyone can dance! Anyone can learn how to do it. Now, I think dancing is one way to release those stuck energies in your bodies and is also a means to use that creativity inside you. Besides that, its one way to easily connect with people. No words needed, just your presence and the dance moves.

So I encourage all of you, the young or old that its never too late to learn something new especially dancing! So go out there and have fun! Special thanks to my Bachata classmates and teachers for an amazing experience! See you on Bachata Level 2!

batch1072.JPG


Thank you for dropping by. Sending you love and light.

meeeee.JPG

Clara Pilca

Mermaid by day, Witch by night. Dive into Clara's world of bliss as she ventures out into the universe and travel to awesome destinations. Join her as she take on the road to self-discovery and limitless possibilities.

If her content made you 😁, then drop some ❤️ by upvoting and leaving a comment. Also, click the Follow button to keep posted on her whimsical musings.

Sort:  

I had a fun memory with ballroom dancing. Back at college, I had a PE class that all about dances. I will always find excuse not to dance by volunteering to be the teachers assistant during recitals. I have two left feet. By the way, good write-up. !discovery 30

How sneaky of you! 😂 But hey its not for everyone and I understand. Thanks!

Congratulations @indayclara! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :

You received more than 1000 HP as payout for your posts and comments.
Your next payout target is 2000 HP.
The unit is Hive Power equivalent because your rewards can be split into HP and HBD

You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

How cool that you like it and are interested in Latin dances !! I am Venezuelan and a dancer of bachata and many other styles, I invite you to visit my Threespeak channel to see choreography and tutorials, greetings !! ❤