But step into any salsa club or ballroom now, and bachata is the sexy new dance that has dancers hooked and keeps them coming back. Part of the allure is that it is a fairly simple dance to learn (at least at the outset). Bachata festivals are spreading the gospel of the eight-beat-basic dance. Three steps to the left and the signature hip motion to take you in the opposite direction again. Repeat in the other direction. It is this signature hip motion that makes the dance hard for some beginners to master. This hip motion -- the bachatero’s fingerprint-- is distinct and personal, whether subtle or sharp, can be dependent on style of bachata being danced. Some examples of styles are Dominican (the original style filled with intricate footwork, no dipping and tons of sassy improvisation between partners) or Modern. With increased popularity, fusion dances have begun to sprout like Bachatango which crosses bachata with Argentine Tango.

If you’re looking to experience a high-octane injection of bachata, look no further than the 2nd Annual Reno Bachata Festival . This spectacular four-night festival takes place January 7 - 10, 2010 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino smack dab in the heart of downtown Reno and is organized by Rodney "Rodchata " Aquino and BB of Salsa Reno
No resting allowed at this festival, there is no time. Aquino and BB have gathered some of the top international performers and instructors under one roof. Once you get a glance at the packed schedule of events, your pulse starts to race with anticipation and excitement. Four glorious days torment you with choices between tantalizing dance workshops, bachata history lecture and documentary, Jack & Jill Competitions, Team Competitions, social dancing, parties, Couples Competitions, performances and more.

Every level, from wanna-be beginner to professional bachatero is encouraged to attend the workshops. That is the beauty of the bachata community. It is not uncommon to see pros dancing with novices both in class and at social events. There are Bachata-specific classes like Styling and Footwork, Bachata Fusion, Bachata Musicality, Bachata Dominicana, Bachata Moderna, and Body Movement for Bachata. But, you will also have plenty of classes to add variety to your weekend with workshops like: Tango and Bachatango, Brazilian Zouk, West Coast Swing for Bachateros and Salseros, Island Touch Crunkchata, Salsa, or even Lap dancing.

Don’t you dare come to the festival that started the entire Bachata Festival craze and expect to just take classes. This second Reno festival is going to be explosive and the DJs cranking out tunes for social dancing will be working hard so you can practice your hot new moves on the dance floor. Isn’t that the point to all your hard work?
It’s not too late to get tickets to this festival. A full array of package prices are available here , but registration closes January 7th.

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