What's the Merengue?
The urban legend of the Merengue starts with a soldier returning home from war. The legend goes that at his homecoming party he was only able to step with his good leg and drag the other since it was wounded from the war. The result was the stepping pattern that started the Merengue.
Of course, to dance the Merengue, you don't just drag one leg limping around the ballroom floor, but the constant stepping motion as if you are marching in place is the basic pattern, keeping your feet close to the ground. More than any other dance, the Merengue is the easiest to learn and it proves that the soul of dancing is not to be found in the feet alone. It's the style and attitude you put into the steps that matter most.
This dance is similar to the Cuban Motion in that you take a step on every beat of the music as you move around the room. The Cuban Motion can seem entrancing, especially when partner dancing. With mirrored movements in classic ballroom positions, the Cuban Motion can take the simplest of steps and turn them into a mesmerizing experience.
The two step pattern can be started on any beat, but in order not to get lost in the middle of the music, it's always best to start on the downbeat. The head is kept erect and the upper body remains upright, giving it a majestic appearance and somewhat of a military bearing. The tempo can be quite fast, and there is no rest for the weary, so turns are usually made in four steps to four beats of the music.
The Forward Basic, Back Basic, and Side Basic are the basic movements of the Merengue. And if you're partner dancing the female should be mirroring the footsteps of the male as he move forward, side and backwards. You would usually move for eight counts before beginning another movement.
The music is very festive and the movements range from mild to wild. It's a rather fast-paced dance, as you keep marching even through turns, dips and other improvisational moves. The dance is very spontaneous and even sexy if the basic moves are there. Given the simple nature of the step pattern, there is nothing to exclude any form of movement, which can include various intricate arm twists, turns, ropes, tunnels and pretzels. Or, if you just want to dance in closed position, gazing into your partner's eyes, that's fine, too. More than one couple in history has fallen in love dancing to the Merengue!
Of course, to dance the Merengue, you don't just drag one leg limping around the ballroom floor, but the constant stepping motion as if you are marching in place is the basic pattern, keeping your feet close to the ground. More than any other dance, the Merengue is the easiest to learn and it proves that the soul of dancing is not to be found in the feet alone. It's the style and attitude you put into the steps that matter most.
This dance is similar to the Cuban Motion in that you take a step on every beat of the music as you move around the room. The Cuban Motion can seem entrancing, especially when partner dancing. With mirrored movements in classic ballroom positions, the Cuban Motion can take the simplest of steps and turn them into a mesmerizing experience.
The two step pattern can be started on any beat, but in order not to get lost in the middle of the music, it's always best to start on the downbeat. The head is kept erect and the upper body remains upright, giving it a majestic appearance and somewhat of a military bearing. The tempo can be quite fast, and there is no rest for the weary, so turns are usually made in four steps to four beats of the music.
The Forward Basic, Back Basic, and Side Basic are the basic movements of the Merengue. And if you're partner dancing the female should be mirroring the footsteps of the male as he move forward, side and backwards. You would usually move for eight counts before beginning another movement.
The music is very festive and the movements range from mild to wild. It's a rather fast-paced dance, as you keep marching even through turns, dips and other improvisational moves. The dance is very spontaneous and even sexy if the basic moves are there. Given the simple nature of the step pattern, there is nothing to exclude any form of movement, which can include various intricate arm twists, turns, ropes, tunnels and pretzels. Or, if you just want to dance in closed position, gazing into your partner's eyes, that's fine, too. More than one couple in history has fallen in love dancing to the Merengue!
About the Author:
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have been dancing, teaching, performing and creating wonderful choreography for over thirty years. The own NYC's top-notch dance center If you interested in learning more history of any dances make sure you check out their site. They are currently teachingdance lessons in NYC