How to Recognize Merengue Music

Merengue is a part of the Latin/Salsa dance genre that is an integral part of the Dominican Republic culture. Much like other types of Latin dance, Merengue is upbeat and often danced at parties and other celebratory gatherings throughout Latin America. So, being able to recognize the music and being able to dance Merengue enhances your dance repertoire.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Listen for Latin music that is fun and lively and is 29 to 32 beats per minute (bpm) in tempo, especially if the dancer is learning or in competition. However, Latin clubs typically play much faster music at 40 bpm. The pace increases towards the end of the song.

2. Learn the time and rhythm of the Merengue music. The time is 2/4, 4/4, or 6/8 and accents occur on the first beat of each measure.

3. Recognize the typical instruments associated with Merengue music. The accordion, saxophone, tambora (afro-cuban drum), guiro (scraper and roll) and clave are all distinctive sounds you hear in Latin music and Merengue. The guiro is heard on the last beat of each measure. The scraper and roll and clave keep the rhythm throughout the song; both are wooden percussion instruments.

4. Look for Spanish-language music first. Merengue is Latin-American music and the artists sing in Spanish; however, you will also hear other languages like English in Merengue music.

5. Buy examples of Merengue music and listen to them to practice both the dance and your recognition of music to do the Merengue dance. Examples include "Jump in the Line" by Harry Belafonte, "Hot, Hot, Hot" by Buster Poindexter and "Cuban Pete" by Jim Carey. Merengue music is available online through Amazon in Spanish and other languages.