Dance the Merengue

The Dominican Republic is credited with inventing the merengue form of dance music, which is fast-paced and rhythmic. The Merengue is a Latin American and world dance that combines a European Waltz, African rhythms, a Polish Mazurka, and a French rural dance called Cotillion. It is the Dominican Republic's national dance.

Partners form a closed position around each other. The leader uses their right hand to grip the follower's waist and their left hand to hold the follower's right hand at eye level. Partners move their hips left and right by bending their knees slightly left and right.

Throughout the song, the leader's and follower's hips move in the same direction. The right or left step is frequently emphasized by the rhythm of these steps. A 'danced walk' is a common name for this pattern. A dancer will generally place their weight on the same foot during this dance. In short steps, partners can stroll sideways or circle each other. They can move to an open position and complete separate turns without releasing one hand or letting go of the others. They may twist their handhold into complicated pretzels during these turns. Other choreographies are feasible as well. The upper body is held steady and turns are slow, usually four beats/steps per entire turn, despite the fast tempo of the song.