Alex

“On the dance floor you have to listen for what style the song is first. And then you dance to match that music style.”

Advice on matching the bachata music genre to the dance style

“Everything we learned today is really, really basic stuff. Which means you can dance it to a Dominican-style song, to a sensual song, to an urban bachata song — all of it.”

Explaining how far the basic steps from the workshop can take you

“Sensual moves and central-style bachata don't actually fit Dominican songs that well. The feeling is just different.”

Explaining the musical difference between Dominican bachata and sensual/central-style bachata

“Teacher or dancer, you have to study for yourself what is bachata music and what isn't. And you need to be able to tell a dance style apart from the actual music style.”

Stressing why it matters to tell bachata music and dance style apart

“A lot of the sensual steps are mixed up with zumba and other things now. It's a beautiful evolution, but it isn't traditional bachata.”

Explaining how modern sensual bachata has shifted away from traditional bachata

“One couple took Dominican-style bachata and made it a little more elegant, more classic, so it would appeal to a wider audience. I'd dare say that's the first trace of what we call central style today.”

Walking through how bachata styles developed historically

“To make my point again — with these steps you can dance every kind of bachata.”

Driving home once more how universal the basic steps are