Ed “Bachadicto” Huerta is featured in this edition of Dance Spotlight! He is a popular dancer and DJ based in the Phoenix area. He is an influential figure on the west coast latin dance scene and he (along with his business partner, Lawrence Garcia) produces socials and events that keep the community dancing all night long. Huerta goes by the name Bachadicto while on the dance floor, but he transforms into ‘DJ FNF’ when rocking parties as a DJ. Check out fun and interesting facts about Bachadicto including his thoughts on why Bachata has exploded on the latin dance scene and his advice for people who want to enter the dance scene, but are hesitant.
What (or who) originally inspired you to try Latin dancing? OR What are your first memories of latin dancing?
There is not one person I can credit for my inspiration for dancing. I was born in Honduras and dancing was something I grew up doing. As a child, however, I didn’t do much Salsa or Bachata. *Punta is the genre I mainly grew up dancing. That was the most popular genre at the time. I started Salsa/Bachata in California after my divorce as a way to make new friends and find potential relationship partners. Once I started taking classes, I became obsessed with mastering the dance and my focus shifted. I started with Salsa in 2006. Bachata hit the LA scene in 2009 and I became addicted. Hence my nickname Bachadicto (Bachata Addict).
*Not familiar with Punta dancing? Check out this video! Baila Punta de Honduras
You’ve been in the latin dance scene for approximately 15 years (since 2006). How has the latin dance scene changed since you started dancing and why do you think Bachata has exploded in the scene?
The community is always changing. Roughly every 2-3 years, dancers stop dancing (for a number of reasons) and new ones start their journey. It’s cyclical. I would say about 10-20% of the dancers that started with me are still dancing.
The reason why Bachata has exploded is because it’s new and constantly evolving. Salsa has been around for many years and it hit a plateau in its growth. Bachata capitalized on that. Also, Bachata has a younger vibe to it. The music is more modern and the moves appeal more to the younger crowds. However, the #1 reason why I think Bachata has exploded like it has is because it appeals to passionate hopeless romantics. Latinos are both very passionate and hopeless romantics. We connect and fall in love with the lyrics of the songs and express those emotions through dance.
With the advent of remixes, passionate hopeless romantics who speak English can now experience the same. Also, the closeness of the dance allows us to feels a strong “romantic” connection with our dance partners (this leads to a lot of misunderstandings between dancers unfortunately). If the dancers are actually involved in a romantic relationship, the romantic connection is even stronger. We are able to express our romanticism through dance moves on the dance floor as our minds sing and connect with the lyrics (some, including me, sing the lyrics to intensify the passion we feel). Salsa doesn’t provide that level of romanticism.
Describe a moment in your dance life that made you feel proud?
The most important moment in my journey is teaching a class for my daughters college Salsa club and DJing for them after the class. That was the first time I also danced both Salsa & Bachata with her. The most special moment in my journey without a doubt.
Social Dance Pet Peeve: (Hygiene, No connection, People who teach while dancing, drunk dancing, etc)
Drunk dancing. It’s unsafe for the lead/follow and everyone around.
In addition to being a dancer, you’re also an accomplished DJ and promoter. Does being a dancer help with your approach to DJ’ing at events/socials?
Absolutely! Being a dancer is the #1 reason why I am a an accomplished DJ. I am a dancer first. DJ second. That allows me to understand which songs are good for dancing and which ones are not. I’m glad I spent many years dancing before I became a DJ.
What advice would you give to someone who thinking about entering the latin dance scene, but is hesitant or nervous.
Force themselves to do it. The rewards of being a dancer and member of our dance community are innumerable. These are some:
- Meeting new people who become friends and some even family.
- The confidence one gets by mastering a new hobby.
- The physical benefits that come with the exercise we do in dancing.
- The mental/emotional benefits from all of the above. Dancing staves off dementia, depression, and other diseases.
- Some dancers find love and lifetime partners.
- Some find a renewed passion for life.
- Some find new careers.
One simply does not know what ones journey in the dance community will bring. Is it perfect? No, no community is. One principle holds true nonetheless, you will get out of it what you invest in it.
What are your current favorite songs to dance to? Top two or three…
Favorite dance video you’d like to share?
