Difference between Sensual Salsa Dance and Porn on the Dance Floor!

A Bachata Dance demo posted on Facebook caused different reactions – most of them negative – ranging from “Where is the Bachata?” to “Get a room already!”. Bachata dance has its origins in the prostitution scene of the Dominican Republic. So, why are Salsa dancers who are 'honoring' Bachata's dance origins being (mis)judged, and what is the difference between Sensual Salsa dance and Pornography on the dance floor?

This is the video clip of the Bachata demo by Marta Khanna and Sokolov Oleg done in Odessa (USA) in 2010, causing all these reactions.

The dance couple makes many sensual dance moves besides the 'regular' Bachata Turn Patterns. So, what makes this "Bachata Porn“ on the dance floor?” Is it because of Marta Khanna's choice of clothes? Would the negative commentators on Facebook have a different opinion if she wore a long dress or a pair of jeans and a tank top? And, about Marta and Sokolov's sexy body movements & their own interpretation of Bachata: would their brand of Salsa dance be classified as a “proper partnering dance” if they would just tone down the sensuality and the erotic suggestions? And do we, as spectators, have the right to judge these dancers? Bare in mind that Bachata – as is the case with Salsa – does not have an international Codex in comparison to the American Latin and Ballroom dances. 

Is it Bad Taste using Pornography in Salsa and Tropical Dancing?
There have been several articles dedicated to this theme. Just read the articles on “Forbidden Dance: How to Dance Reggaeton Perreo”, “Newest Brazilian Dance Craze: Pounding Butts Against Faces”, “Hot Caribbean Dances 1: Jamaican Daggering” and “Salsa Dance Etiquette: From Sensual to Doggy Style”.

I want to conclude with a reaction on the article” 'Contra Tiempo against a 'de-politicized, hyper sexual exaggeration of the Latino body' in Salsa (part 1) “. “Tomt” wrote, “With the rooster-hen part of Rumba Guaguancó, the close hold of Son, the hip shaking of Mambo - who's to say there wasn't sensual and sexual elements within what we refer to as Salsa the dance these days, in its earlier days? Who's to say that the women who dance salsa now, aren't doing it because they want to? Old English might be the cradle of current contemporary English, but I'm more likely to use current ways to say words, than the correct Old English way. Who's to say it's over sexualised representation? And, have those folks been to a strip bar or normal night club (perhaps playing some Reggaeton?)”

He continues, “Ultimately, it's the female dancers who're dancing this style. Dancing with more personality, vavavoom, sensuality, sexuality, coordination, rhythm, musicality - this can all be taught - and the dancers can pick and choose what they want.What about saying salsa as it is, is it's own thing now - it's developed, changed, adapted and evolved. Yes, you can stay and or refer to the roots within the music, but you can dance how you want.”

Can we really dance the way we want to, or do we have to consider the opinions of the one's who are watching us whilst dancing? Can we still “dance like no one's watching”?

You can comment below!