The Merengue is the easiest Latin dance to learn.
The simple measures that continue in the song render the music easy to follow.

History:

There exist two schools of thought as to the origin of this captivating dance. Some believe that it was first a dance practiced by the African slaves in the Dominican Republic. The thought was that this type of movement was all that was possible because of the chains around their ankles. Others say that it was a war hero, the general Maringie, who danced as a treatment of his injured leg. Today the rhythms of the Merengue incite the dancers of the whole world to move to a captivating music.

Music:

The Merengue is written in 2/4, 4/4 or 6/8 time. The rhythmic accent is heard on the first and the third beat.

Characteristic:

The walking steps and the side chases create the base of the Merengue. This dance is introduced like a march, but perhaps developed like a very rhythmic dance. With the Cuban motion and the animation of the body, the Merengue has the appearance of a festival dance.

Examples of the Merengue and the artists who perform them:

Hot, Hot, Hot.........................Buster Poindexter
Jump In The Line..................Harry Belafonte
Cuban Pete............................Jim Carey

Bolero Mambo Cha Cha Merengue Rumba Salsa Samba Foxtrot Swing Hustle Tango Waltz Viennese Waltz