Week 7: Bachata Power and Changing of Guard

 Learning about bachata was very interesting. I found this discussion about whether bachateros were born or made to be the most curious thing. It showed the difference between bachateros that had no music education and those that had a lot but could still not truly feel bachata. I also found the history of bachata to be somewhat different from other styles we have learned about. Most importantly the idea that bachata was considered to be the "black sheep" of the Dominican musical family. Also worth noting was that people could relate to bachata because it rose out of misery. I found it interesting that it has developed into a very romantic musical style from this. I like that even though bachata has been modernized it still holds a strong Dominican identity. I also liked how there is liberty in the fourth step of bachata and how it allows people the ability to express themselves in different ways. Also interesting was the stated dress of those dancing bachata, it was very fine and detailed with great amounts of attention. I look forward to listening to more bachata music and possibly sharing it with a special someone in the future.

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