Dance Lovers Unleash Their “Bachata Addiction” Over Downtown Phoenix

By Editor February 9, 2016 07:04

By Aida Chavez

Bachata, a style of dance originally from the Dominican Republic, is kicking off in downtown Phoenix in the form of “Bachata Addiction,” a dance event at DeSoto Central Market on Thursday nights.

Brandon Odom started dancing about seven years ago when he was deployed to Iraq. While stationed at an air force base, he attended a Latin night dance event and began learning both Bachata and Salsa. But it was the Bachata rhythm that ultimately appealed to him the most.

“I learned mostly just from going to clubs around military bases where I was stationed at and just by watching YouTube,” Odom said.

Odom is launching “Bachata Addiction” in hopes of expanding the dance community in Phoenix and providing an opportunity to learn and enjoy a style of dance few may actually know.

“There’s tons of salsa and Latin nights in the city, but there’s nothing that really caters to either the Dominican culture or people that just like to dance bachata,” Odom said. “One of my goals is to bring out of state artists that will help put on workshops and just help build the dance scene here in Phoenix,” Odom added.

Odom finds Bachata easier than Salsa, “I think it’s more accessible to the general public, [it’s easier] to get into Bachata dancing; and then from there, go into other Latin dances.”

Besides organizing and launching the grand opening on Feb. 3, Odom also teaches beginner classes.

“I think it opens people’s eyes to the fact there’s a lot you can do with the dance,” Odom said.

Beisha Hernandez attended the grand opening to support Odom and to go out and dance as well.

“I think this event promotes the culture super well and brings out some of the positives because people don’t usually see that,” Hernandez said. “They’ll see what being Latina is about.”

The grand opening was packed and there was plenty of enthusiasm among those who attended. Luis Perez said it was refreshing to go out and listen to music that isn’t in English.

“I go out a lot and you only hear English music but I want something like this,” Perez said. “I want Latin culture to stand out more.”

And if you thought the kickoff event was a blast, you’ll be thrilled to know the dancing doesn’t stop there. “Bachata Addiction” will be an ongoing event every Thursday night at the DeSoto Central market in downtown Phoenix. So brush off those dancing shoes, and get ready to dance the night away all over again!

For more information, click here