Once again this summer, I was in Spain and took note of the current trends and developments for you. Almost daily salsa and bachata parties were my favorite pastime for many weeks. Personally, I still feel that we are experiencing the lingering effects of the pandemic, especially in relation to salsa. Some friends who used to be my companions in Spanish clubs for years, I haven't seen as often anymore. Many have also taken up other hobbies.
Overall, I see significant progress compared to last year, especially with more clubs offering Latin parties again and more opportunities for classes, parties, etc. emerging.
First, let's start with the positive new things:
- There are many new parties and a resurgence of open-air events. In cities like Valencia, there are now many privately organized events in parks and on the beach organized through WhatsApp groups. It's cool and casual and just a lot of fun. These events often take place in the early evening, called "Matinee" or "Tardeo," and from there, you can move on to the clubs.
- There is also a resurgence of parties in outdoor pools, often combined with foam cannons. Big fun :)
- Many new, especially younger, dancers are taking over the clubs. This is undoubtedly due to the Bachata trend.
- Much less Timba, no Kizomba.
Current developments in Salsa:
Firstly, Bachata is played everywhere... so much so that I have to say for the first time that it's too much for me. In some clubs, salsa and bachata (especially during the week) are played in an 8:2 ratio!
This, of course, has many consequences:
- The overall level of salsa has decreased compared to pre-pandemic times. Most people know far fewer salsa figures, but they have very elaborate solo choreographies. This is also a result of the low number of partner workshops until last year and the focus on shines.
Since 2016, there have been hardly any partner workshops at major congresses, but there have been many step combinations. Admittedly, it's fun, but in Germany, in particular, there hasn't been much change in terms of free interpretation. Most people are still simply overwhelmed when it comes to interpreting a part of a salsa or Timba piece freely. - Fortunately, there are currently hardly any new Timbas. The flood of recent years has led to oversaturation. And let's be honest, most of them are hardly distinguishable from each other. Instead, more Cuban music in the "old style" is playing again, reminiscent of Polo Montanez or even Gloria Esteban, like "Me Hace Daño Verte."
- Hardly anyone asked me this summer whether to dance on one or two.
- Many of the new dancers come in sneakers, a clear indication of a focus on Bachata.
- Much more bumping, injuries, and kicking. Just three years ago, people were much better trained and, consequently, could pay more attention to their surroundings.
Current developments in Bachata:
Firstly, latler I will publish a more detailed article about this.
- Also in Spain, I now see more women than men in the clubs. I never observed that before.
- With so much Bachata being played every night, many older pieces are inevitably played. The interesting thing is that most new Bachata songs are now completely interchangeable and hardly distinguishable from those of 2021 and 2022. A flood of similar songs appears every month.
- Traditional Dominican Bachatas, on the other hand, are rarely played in Spain. Grupo Extra and Hector Acosta are the closest to traditional Dominican Bachata.
- Interestingly, there were very few remixes playing. I haven't heard any English remixes all summer, except for one by Justin Bieber. Remixes, both in Spanish and English, are currently playing almost no role. Perhaps the radicalization of one of the most famous remix DJs, Dj Soltrix, has something to do with it.
- The best hits this summer for me were: Chanel & Abraham Mateo „Clavaito“ and Romeo Santos "Bebo".
These are my observations for this summer. What did you recognize in your country?
