Dominican Experts Bring the Bachata to Massachusetts

Worcester, Massachusetts, October 30, 2019 – Experts on Bachata music – anthropologist Leonardo Nin and dance professor and folklore expert Xiomarita Pérez – headed two important events on this musical rhythm at South High School, in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Titled “Bachata Music: From a Negative Stigma to a Symbol of the Latin Community in the United States” anthropologist Nin and folklore expert Pérez headed the event, where some 200 students participated in the activity.

The students not only learned about this fascinating musical rhythm, but also truly enjoyed the event. All joined in to learn how to dance Bachata and enjoyed the most popular Bachata songs and rhythms. Today, this musical genre is considered to be one of the most popular dance rhythms of the Dominican Republic.

During the event, Leonardo Nin discussed the characteristics of the Bachata rhythm, analyzed its origins, variations and cultural reality in the country. Also, how foreign and national rhythms contributed to the final product today known as the Bachata sound.
Nin explained that “Bachata music is a hybrid, capable of adapting to regional characteristics without losing its original essence. “Today, the Bachata sound is popular throughout all of Latin America,” explained Nin.
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The musical event included a live Bachata band, accompanied by Leonardo Nin in the guitar. The group interpreted popular songs from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Spain, Reggae and Colombia.

Dancers Christian and Vanya, from Worcester, danced their way through various Bachata tunes, bringing the audience to their feet.

Dominican folklore expert and dance professor Xiomarita Pérez explained the various rhythms and dances that characterize Latin America and the Caribbean. She discussed the bolero, salsa, the chachachá and other rhythms. And, of course, the different variations of the Bachata found in the Dominican Republic..

The dance expert asked members of the audience to join in and express their love for Dominican culture through its music and dance. She also explained that the Bachata is now heard throughout the world.

The cultural event was sponsored thanks to a grant issued by Mass Humanities, with the support of Cojuelo’s Productions, headed by Rosario Ubiera and Guardianes de Tradición, directed by Maury Ramírez and Vanessa Joga.