is a style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is danced widely all over the world but not identical.

The basics to the dance are three-step with a Cuban hip motion , ended by a tap on the 4th beat just like in other Latin dances (salsa etc.). The knees should be slightly bent so the performer can sway the hips easier. The movement of the hips is very important because it's a part of the soul of the dance. Bachata does not require many complex turns; although they are very well used when the musicality is understood and interpreted correctly.

The new Fusion Styles (mix of different dances) developed in US, Europe and Australia (Traditional, Moderna, Bachatango, BachaBallroom) is a basic dance sequence of a full 8 count in a side-to-side motion. The Original Dominican style basic dance sequence is a full 8 count moving within a square. Counts 1 through 3 and 5 through 7, when taken, generate a natural hip motion. Counts 4 and 8, consists of a tap and can include a 'pop' movement depending on individual style. The 'pop' can also be executed by lifting the foot while popping the hip to the side opposite of the natural Cuban hip motion. Bachata music has a slight accent in rhythm at every fourth count, indicating when the 'pop' should happen. The tab or'pop'is done in the opposite direction of the last step, while the next step is taken on the same direction of the tap or pop. The dance direction interchanges after every 4th count.