Focus on "oriental bachata"

Thanks to Valentina, oriental dancer and teacher, for all her clear and spontaneous answers to our interview.

You offer during a workshop to teach an "oriental bachata" fusion at the crossroads between bachata and Bellydance. Why?

I've always practiced different dance styles. I fell in love with oriental music at a very young age and it is for this reason that I decided to focus on oriental dance. A few years ago, on a trip to the Dominican Republic, I discovered bachata and the sounds that go with it. There, this dance has a major place in the country's culture. Since its democratization, several styles of bachata have appeared but the music used remains the same. After this immersion, I have never stopped being inspired by bachata in my choreographies. So, the codes related to oriental dance and bachata naturally intertwine in my body and in my dance.

To what extent do Bellydance and bachata go elegantly together?

Oriental dance is mainly characterized by the work of the pelvis while the bachata focuses on the legs. Of course, arm movements are essential in both dances.
Oriental bachata fusion has been around for a very long time and some bachata steps, especially when working on the hips, can be combined with oriental choreography. In addition, the music itself is conducive to oriental steps. Finally, Bellydance and bachata are definitely both very sensual and feminine dances.

What is the perfect dance costume to practice oriental bachata? On which musical titles can we train for this fusion?

In order to dance an oriental bachata on stage, it is better to wear a rather short skirt which can sometimes be embellished with fringes. The most important thing is to be comfortable and to be able to move your legs freely. The main thing in this kind of mixing of genres is that the public clearly understands the two dances' fusion with the music on the one hand but also thanks to the outfit.
Some titles of the group Aventura "Por un beso" or even Prince Royce "Rechazame" are consistent to practice this fusion but there are many others.

How did you fall in love with dancing? And what has been your journey so far?

I discovered Bellydance at a very young age. As a child, I watched with admiration the magnificent Samia Gamal in Egyptian films, the oriental dance costumes and the music made me dream.
I started with classical dance very young then I did a few years of salsa. When I had the opportunity, I signed up for my first Bellydance class at the age of 17 and it was a real eye-opener as I haven't stopped since. Some time ago, I decided to start as an oriental dance teacher in order to share my passion for this art with as many people as possible. I also had the opportunity to participate in Bellydance competitions and festivals, and this allowed me to meet other oriental dancers and experience unforgettable moments.

Are you for or against modernizing and diversifying oriental dance?

Everything depends on the accessory. In general, I am rather in favor of modernization because I really like the mix of styles and the accessories' use… I think that anything that can add an extra touch to the choreography is interesting as long as it's well done and makes sense. I am thinking in particular of the Isis wings with LED that I really like! On the other hand, I'm less attracted by some accessories such as the candelabras for example.
Recently, I was able to watch on internet an oriental dancer who moved with a shisha on her head. Personally, I will never use this kind of accessory because I find it really irrelevant. But it is only a question of taste, each bellydancer has her preferences and specificities, which makes us all unique!

What is your favorite Bellydance costume in our store and why?

If I had to choose only one, I think I would choose this flamboyant aqua Bellydance costume because I am a big fan of all that glitters and I find the color and the cut very pretty. It can be perfect for an oriental bachata fusion for example since the legs are visible, it is very feminine and seems quite comfortable. What I also like a lot about this costume is the fact that it is high waisted, I find that very pretty and rather rare.

What is your favorite Bellydance accessory and why?

Without hesitation my favorite accessory is the oriental dance veil. I love its ultra airy side which really allows you to sublimate the movements and choreographies. I prefer oriental veils in real silk which give a more aesthetic rendering on stage. However, I would not recommend the silk veil to beginner belly dancers because it is a particular fabric, very difficult to handle. It is therefore better to move towards a silk chiffon veil if you want to learn how to use this accessory.

Finally, you are rather...

Bellydance belt with sequins or scarf on the hips?
I'm not a fan of belts with sequins because their noise masks the music.
I like the oriental belts with fringes which highlight the movements of the hips and sublimate the vibrations much better.

Ballet shoes or barefoot?
I never wear dance shoes during performances, I am more comfortable barefoot, in direct contact with the floor.

Matching or mismatched Bellydance training outfit?
Everything depends on the context… During dance lessons, the key word is: comfort. I usually wear leggings with a top that shows the belly and a scarf tied on the hips. Simple, aesthetic and efficient… 

Come and discover the choreographic universe full of sensuality of the bachata in this illustration and demonstration video: