FInal dance of the Dominican Republic...

The last and final dance that is performed throughout the Dominican Republic is the Merengue. There are many stories centered around the merengue. One story says that, "The dance originated with slaves who were chained together and, of necessity, were forced to drag one leg as they cut sugar to the beat of the drums" (http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/merengue.htm). This is the most popular story.

However another story alleges that, "A great warrior 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" (http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/merengue.htm).

The merengue has existed in the Dominican Republic since the early years of civilization in the country. It is also popular throughout the Caribbean and South America as one of the standard Latin American dances. The merengue is also popular in New York if you feel like practicing within the United States!

The merengue is a very fast paced dance with fast tempos. The ballroom merengue is typically much slower than the merengue that is played at clubs and parties.

Instructions for dancing the merengue are best described by eHow.com (http://www.ehow.com/how_4288_merengue.html)

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. Step1

   Stand opposite your partner.

2. Step2

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

3. Step3

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

4. Step4

   Grasp your partner's hand in a loose grip.

5. Step5

   Place your feet shoulder width apart.

6. Step6

   Bend your legs slightly.

7. Step7

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

8. Step8

   Move your hips to the beat of the music.

The Follower

9. Step1

   Follow the leader.

10. Step2

    Place your left hand on your partner's shoulder.

11. Step3

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

12. Step4

    Step forward when your partner steps back.

13. Step5

    Step back when your partner steps forward.

14. Step6

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

    
    

    Try it at home with a friend. It is fairly simple and is essential only two steps! While watching this keep in mind that these people are professionals and this takes years of experience!