merengue dance

The merengue dance is as integral to the Dominican`s as drinking Guiness is to the Irish! Everywhere you go you hear the rhythms of merengue and the people can`t help but dance.

One of my most favourite memories of the Dominican Republic is going into a small bar in Santa Domingo and seeing the whole place dancing to merengue. Everyone had a smile on their face and was having a great time. All ages were dancing, young and old.

There is nothing like the real thing so check out the video below left!

Partners may walk sideways or circle each other, in small steps. They can further switch to a double handhold position and do separate turns without letting go each other's hands or momentarily releasing one hand.

During these turns they may twist and tie their handhold into intricate pretzels. Other choreography is possible.

In the merengue partners hold each other in a closed position. The man holds the woman's waist with his right hand while keeping his left hand/her right hand at the woman's eye level.

The merengue dance is a two-step beat requiring both partners to bend their knees slightly left and right. This in turn makes the hips move left and right. When danced correctly, the hips of the man and woman will move in the same direction throughout the song.

Although the tempo of the music may be frantic, the upper body is kept majestic and turns are slow, typically four beats/steps per complete turn.

Merengue dance