How to Find the Rhythm When Dancing the Merengue

The merengue is one of the easiest dances to learn. It's basically a march, with a step taken on every beat. What makes the merengue a dance is the Cuban motion, the hip movements common to all Latin dances.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin in the same closed position as in most Latin dances. The man puts his right arm behind the woman's left shoulder, and the woman puts her left arm on the man's left shoulder, resting her arm lightly on his. They clasp their partner's other hands and hold them high.

2. Take one step for each beat. The man begins on the left foot, stepping to the left, then bringing the left foot next to it. The woman begins by stepping to the right.

3. Include Cuban motion, dropping the hip of the stepping foot each time, and letting your rib cage slide to the left or right.

4. Practice the basic pattern of step-together-step-together, taking two steps in one direction and then two steps back.

5. Add figures such as turns, promenades and pretzels. Keep stepping to the beat throughout, and don't worry about how many beats it takes to complete the figure.

Tips & Warnings

• It is said that the merengue originated with Dominican slaves, who were chained together at the feet while working in the sugar cane fields. Another theory is that an injured war hero was forced to dance this way and everyone did the same to keep him from being embarrassed.
• Don't let your upper body tilt left and right as you step. Keep your shoulders level.