They say, If you can walk, you can do the Merengue! Thats hardly surprising, given the legend of its origin. The story goes that a soldier returning from war was honored with a large homecoming dance. Unfortunately, his leg was wounded, so he could only step with his good leg, then drag his other leg to where he was standing. The resulting step, step, left, right, left, right pattern in time with the 4/4 music gave rise to the Merengue.
Of course, to dance the Merengue, you dont just drag one leg limping around the ballroom floor, but the constant stepping motion as if you are marching in place, keeping your feet close to the ground, is the basic pattern. 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. Its the style and attitude you put into the steps that matter most.
If you havent mastered the Cuban Motion yet, this is the dance to practice on. The Cuban Motion can make the simplest of steps entrancing to watch " and its a lot of fun. Simply take a step on every beat of the music as you make your way around the room. In partner dancing, the woman mirrors the steps of the man, so when he moves his left foot, she moves her right. He holds her in the classic ballroom position: left hand holding her right hand, his right hand at her waist, her left hand on his right shoulder. Then its just one foot after the other and away you go!
The two step pattern can be started on any beat, but in order not to get lost in the middle of the music, its 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 Merengue includes three basic movements: Forward Basic, Back Basic, and Side Basic. Not surprisingly, these movements move you forward, backward, or to the side, with the female mirroring the footsteps of the male lead. Generally speaking, each movement is completed using eight steps before you begin another.
The music is very festive and the movements range from mild to wild. Its 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 partners eyes, thats fine, too. More than one couple in history has fallen in love dancing to the Merengue!
Of course, to dance the Merengue, you dont just drag one leg limping around the ballroom floor, but the constant stepping motion as if you are marching in place, keeping your feet close to the ground, is the basic pattern. 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. Its the style and attitude you put into the steps that matter most.
If you havent mastered the Cuban Motion yet, this is the dance to practice on. The Cuban Motion can make the simplest of steps entrancing to watch " and its a lot of fun. Simply take a step on every beat of the music as you make your way around the room. In partner dancing, the woman mirrors the steps of the man, so when he moves his left foot, she moves her right. He holds her in the classic ballroom position: left hand holding her right hand, his right hand at her waist, her left hand on his right shoulder. Then its just one foot after the other and away you go!
The two step pattern can be started on any beat, but in order not to get lost in the middle of the music, its 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 Merengue includes three basic movements: Forward Basic, Back Basic, and Side Basic. Not surprisingly, these movements move you forward, backward, or to the side, with the female mirroring the footsteps of the male lead. Generally speaking, each movement is completed using eight steps before you begin another.
The music is very festive and the movements range from mild to wild. Its 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 partners eyes, thats fine, too. More than one couple in history has fallen in love dancing to the Merengue!
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