The Merengue is known as the ultimate party dance which is the easiest Latin dance to learn. It has strong roots in the Dominican Republic and is the national dance of that country. There are several stories about where it originated. Some say it was invented by General Maringie who returned from the war and danced on an injured leg. While the true origin remains unsettled, one thing is for certain, Merengue dance lessons are certainly popular today!
It’s believed the Merengue is the result of combining African dance and the French Minuet. The Merengue combines steady marching beats and strong side-to-side motion. Originally, the Merengue was a group dance rather than one danced with individual couples. Dancers would form a circle and dance at arm’s length while facing each other. Quick feet and rapid movement quickly defined the Merengue and helped it to develop into the Latin dance we know it to be today.
By the mid-nineteenth century, the Merengue was very popular in the Dominican Republic. It was first introduced to the United States in New York in the 1930s but did not gain popularity until years later. As one of the foundational dances of Latin America, the Merengue remains a popular dance today that can be danced to well-known songs such as Pitbull’s “Fireball” and Elvis Crespo’s “Suavemente”. It’s easy to learn and is popular among both beginners and expert dancers!
Sign Up for Merengue Dance Lessons in Durham
The professional instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham are ready to teach you the Merengue! No partner? No problem! You can take Merengue dance lessons solo or as a couple.
Watch these Fred Astaire students demonstrate the Merengue:
Are you ready to take Merengue dance lessons in Durham? We are now offering introductory rates for as little as $60 for your first two dance classes! Give us a call at 919-489-4313 or fill out the contact form below to schedule your first lesson with one of our professional instructors.