How to Do the Merengue

Merengue hails from the Dominican Republic. It is characterized by a dragging of the feet, which is said to derive from the fact that its inventors were shackled slaves.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dance Floors
• Dancing Shoes
• Breath Fresheners
• Hot Street Salsa & Merengue Video
• Dance Instruction Videos
• Cha Cha, Merengue, Salsa Hits CD

The Leader

1. Stand opposite your partner.

2. Place your right hand high on your partner's waist.

3. Extend your left hand to chest height with your elbow bent and your palm raised.

4. Grasp your partner's hand in a loose grip.

5. Place your feet shoulder width apart.

6. Bend your legs slightly.

7. Lift your feet to the beat of the music. Drag or shuffle your feet slightly.

8. Move your hips to the beat of the music.

The Follower

9. Follow the leader.

10. Place your left hand on your partner's shoulder.

11. Place your right hand in your partner's outstretched hand.

12. Step forward when your partner steps back.

13. Step back when your partner steps forward.

14. Mirror your partner's moves as he makes his steps.

Tips & Warnings

• Merengue is easy to learn. The movements are small.
• Merengue is not considered a formal ballroom dance.

on 11/22/2005 Escape to a position where you can do a lot more small moves. Lift up your hand (the one holding your partner's hand), spin around and come to a position where you both hold hands and are at arm's length away from eachother. From this position you can do some pretty amazing and sexy stuff, which is what makes merengue pretty hot.

on 11/22/2005 While dancing merengue, the "follower"/lady has to try and move her hips in contrast with the rhythm. Oh, and the "follower" should try to move her shoulders as little as possible.

on 11/22/2005 Don't try to match or imitate your partner's moves. Just stop trying and let him lead. It's easy to follow. When you do let him lead without hesitation, the dance is beautiful and fun.

on 11/22/2005 When moving your hips, bend your knees slightly and rotate your hips in a figure 8 direction - as if your hips are two pencils drawing the figure 8.

on 11/22/2005 Do whatever your partner wants you to. Let your partner take control - otherwise you won't dance in union. When you turn, make sure your eyes are on your partner at all times. It looks more graceful.:-)