The DREAM Project’s Bachata Academy is the first and only music program dedicated to bachata. A music of the barrios, bachata has become an important Dominican cultural export. While it was once censored, bachata is now a staple of dance halls and Latin radio the world over. The Bachata Academy’s mission is to mentor a new generation of bachateros and bachateras, preparing them for careers as international artists and ambassadors of Dominican musical culture.
By emphasizing improvisation, group playing, and ear training, the Academy – which resembles an intensive language program for music — encourages students to both listen and express themselves musically. Seven Academy students, ages ranging from 15 to 20 years old, will join Academy faculty to share their journey in a growing musical community whose whole is greater than sum of its parts.
Performance Schedule:
Tuesday, March 5 | 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Alumni Hall / Indiana Memorial Union (900 E. 7th St.) An exclusive viewing of the 20-minute teaser of the documentary “Bachata,” which features students/faculty from the DREAM Bachata Academy, followed by a performance in the multi-media environment provided by Big Tent: Replay.
Wednesday, March 6 | 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Eskenazi Hospital Lobby | 720 Eskenazi Ave., Indianapolis, IN
Wednesday, March 6 | 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Lotus Firebay (105 S. Rogers St.) A 30-minute introductory Bachata dance workshop/demo with Ritmos Latinos, immediately followed by a performance from the DREAM Bachata Academy.