If there is something which creates direct competition in terms of the popularity of the Dominican Republic's beaches, it is the country's rhythms and  music. The renowned Bachata, Merengue, Gaga and Guloya are some of the most popular and striking examples.

Bachata is a popular type of Dominican music played on the guitar.  The basic dance moves are a series of simple steps in a forward-backward or side-to-side movement.  The steps are briefly laid out as follows: perform a chassé to the right with your right foot, on 1, 2 and 3 bring the tip of your left foot towards your right foot (alternating, lightly tapping the tip of your left foot on the floor, in other words, as well as the right foot movement, make an upward movement with you left hip).  Then do the same but starting with your left foot.

Merengue is the most famous Dominican folk dance and is considered by many to be the national dance. This music is played and danced to in all towns and cities, at weddings, parties and in nightclubs frequented by the upper class. The Perico Ripiao (also known as traditional Merengue) was one of the first forms of Merengue and it comes from the rural areas of Cibao and the Northwestern area. It is played with a güira (Dominican percussion instrument), the tambora (Dominican drum) and an accordion. Merengue is currently the type of Latin music which is most mixed with and adapted to new, younger musical trends. Some of the most prominent Merengue artists are: Juan Luis Guerra, Toño Rosario, Fernando Villalona, Wilfrido Vargas, Johnny Ventura, Sergio Vargas, and Los Hermanos Rosario

For property owners who want to try their luck and dance along, immersing themselves in these sensual rhythms, we recommend that you visit places such as Shop and Drink, Go Drink or De lujo Car Wash in Bávaro, all located 10-minutes away by car, where tourists and locals alike show off their best moves.

Less well-known but much more attractive and flamboyant from a tourist point of view, are Gaga and Guloya, dances which are well worth seeing not only for their flamboyant, artistic outfits but also for their authentic and culturally-attractive symbolism.

The origin of Gaga lies in the bateyes (rural communities which emerged from the sugar industry in the Dominican Republic). It is an interesting, colorful, rhythmic and unique ritual dance. It is a very energetic dance which makes for an intriguing visual and symbolic spectacle, full of rhythm and beat; the costumes are full of color and each handkerchief symbolizes a specific deity; the machetes, handled with extreme skill, are thrown into the air and exchanged between the dancers. The challenge is to see who gives the best performance, and the dancers are guided by a whistle which indicates changes in the dance. Any rural celebration is an opportunity for those who wish to see the dances to come and do so. You must not forget to invite Iberostate Bávaro property owners to come into the towns and be amazed.

Finally, it must be mentioned that Guloya is synonymous with San Pedro de Macorís and was recognized by UNESCO on November 25 2005 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, for preserving tradition and being an essential aspect of Dominican folklore. Flamboyant outfits and unique rhythms which represent scenes ranging from the movement of the sugar canes blowing in the wind to the battle of David and Goliath. Undoubtedly, what most grabs the attention of those who witness it is the original costume, particularly the head which is decorated with long, colored peacock feathers, complimented by layers of vibrant colors, colored stones and mirrors, spreading the joy and dynamic nature of its folkloric symbol. To take in a show, you do not always have to go to San Pedro de Macorís. Due to its popularity, you can see it on tour around tourist zones in the eastern region on set dates such as Carnival.