There’s been a lot of discussion lately about defining exactly what is and isn’t considered Bachata. This debate isn’t new; it’s happened with virtually every dance form.
During my time studying ballet and modern dance at York University, I encountered many styles within each discipline—Russian, Cecchetti, and Balanchine in ballet; Martha Graham, Limón, and freeform in modern dance. After earning my dance degree, I delved into international Latin. While it has been standardized for commercial purposes—with every step meticulously documented, judges extensively trained, and students taught through a structured hierarchy—it has still evolved over the past 50 years. Watching ballroom competitions from Ron Montez’s era compared to today reveals how much styles have changed.
I recall reading about George Balanchine’s reluctance to have a statue erected in his honor because, as he said, “Dance is forever moving and evolving.” That sentiment applies to every form of dance.
Having taught Salsa in over 20 countries since the 1990s, I’ve seen it transform dramatically. With influences from numerous genres, trends, and cultural shifts, Salsa today looks vastly different from its origins in the Mambo days of New York Palladium.
This is why I believe it’s unnecessary—and even limiting—to confine any dance form to a rigid definition simply to commercialize or monetize it. Dance is an art form. I love the diverse influences within Bachata, from sensual movements and fast footwork to body rolls and intricate turns. It’s all Bachata, and I teach it all. Each month, I create routines that explore different facets of this beautiful, evolving dance.
Let’s resist the urge to box dance forms into static definitions. Instead, let’s keep our minds open, embracing the evolution of these art forms. By learning, teaching, and sharing our knowledge and techniques, we ensure the continuous growth of dance.
To that end, I’m organizing a Latin Dance Masters Weekend (https://www.josieneglia.com/salsamasters), where professionals can gather to discuss their perspectives, share influences, and expand our collective understanding of Latin dance.
I’ve moved away from the idea of standardizing dance. Instead, I believe the joy of dance lies in sharing our unique interpretations with students and watching them grow. This is how the love of dance evolves—through connection, creativity, and openness. Let’s keep dancing, teaching, and inspiring together!
~Josie Neglia
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