Merengue
Used by Permission and adapted from the Dance Vision International Dance Association - American Style Rhythm Bronze Manual (MarB04). www.dancevision.com
History: Merengue is the Dominican Republic’s National Dance and dates prior to the mid-1800’s. It was imported into the New York Latin dance clubs in the early 1940’s. An old legend says the dance got its characteristic drag of the right foot out of respect to an old war hero who returned home with a badly wounded leg. Merengue is a fun and easy dance made up of simple steps. It is primarily a non-progressive dance, is noted for its Cuban Motion, and is also characterized by its marching feeling. Musical Information: Time Signature: 4/4 Tempo: 29-32 mpm Count: 1 2 3 4, 5 6 7 8 Beat Value: 1 - 1 - 1 - 1, 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 Footwork: Ball Flat throughout with the exception of Taps. Toes should be slightly turned out. Feet should be kept in contact with the floor using slight pressure. Technical Tips: Stand with weight poised slightly forward on the ball of the foot, stand up straight, shoulders relaxed and DO NOT tilt the shoulders and arms side-to-side in a water pump action. Put emphasis on count 1 with a slightly wider step, a touch more of upper body movement, and a dragging of the other leg on count 2. Some of My Favorite Merengue Songs:
Bronze Syllabus Figures: 1. Basic to Left Side: 1,2,3,4, 5,6,7,8 Take the basic march to both sides, moving forward and backward, and in small circles. You can also bring in your East Coast Swing moves such as inside and outside turns, cradle, hammerlock, double face loops, etc. 1. Basic to the side, 2. Side Breaks, 3. Back Rocks 4. Arm Slide 5. Swivels – straight, 6. Swivels – turning, 7. Back to Back 8. Conga Breaks – simple, 9. Conga Breaks Crossing Repeat routine and add your variations of turns, forward/back, circular basics. "Bandolera" by the Arthur Murray Orchestras on The Fabulous Ballroom Collection 1998 |
Merengue