Merengue ....

is the national dance of the Dominican Republic. Its origination stems from one story alleging that the dance was inspired by slaves who were chained together and of necessity were forced to drag one leg as they cut sugar to the beat of drums.

The second story alleges that a great hero was wounded in the leg during one of the many revolutions in the Dominican Republic. A party of villagers welcomed him home with a victory celebration and, out of sympathy, everyone dancing felt obliged to limp and drag one foot.

Play Merengue

The Merengue was introduced in the United States in the New York City area and is one of the standard latin american dances. Its origins are considered very similar to that of the "Cake Walk" Dance of the american south.

Basic Merengue - Lady's Part
(RF: Right Foot - LF: Left Foot)

Part 1: 4 Beats to the RIGHT
1. Step side right with RF/close with LF 3. Step side right with RF/close with LF
2. Step side right with RF/close with LF 4. Step side right with RF/close with LF

Part 2: 4 Beats to the LEFT
1. Step side left with LF/close with RF 3. Step side left with LF/close with RF
2. Step side left with LF/close with RF 4. Step side left with LF/close with RF

Basic Merengue - Gentleman's Part
(LF: Left Foot - RF: Right Foot)

Part 1: 4 Beats to the LEFT
1. Step side left with LF/close with RF 3. Step side left with LF/close with RF
2. Step side left with LF/close with RF  4. Step side left with LF/close with RF

Part 2: 4 Beats to the RIGHT
1. Step side right with RF/close with LF  3. Step side right with RF/close with LF
2. Step side right with RF/close with LF  4. Step side right with RF/close with LF

Assume partner position and dance this measure from left to right
and visa versa; and/or vary the pattern in back-and-forth motion.