Merengue

BACKGROUND

Both Haiti and the Dominican Republic claim that the Merengue originated in their country. According to the Haitians, an earlier ruler of their country had a lame son who liked to dance. In order that this beloved prince would not feel self-conscious about his affliction, the entire populace took to dancing as though they all were lame. The Dominican's version is that the dance originated at a fiesta that was given to honor a returning war hero. When the brave warrior rose to dance, he limped on his wounded left leg. Rather than make him feel at a disadvantage, all the men present favored their left legs as they danced.

For many years, the merengue was taught and danced with these stories in mind. When couples got up to dance the Merengue, the man favored his left leg and the lady favored her right leg, flexing their knees a bit more than usual and at the same time leaning the body slightly to the same side. Over the recent years, the merengue has been danced with much the same motion as the Rumba and Mambo, utilizing Cuban motion. Haitians and Dominicans alike refer to the merengue as their "singing dance." this is understandable when you consider the exhilarating brightness of the staccato rhythm.

MUSIC AND TEMPO

The Bronze Merengue is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 29 - 32 measures per minute for examinations and competitions.

STYLE AND CHARACTERISTICS

The Merengue is a Sport Dance that does not move along the line of dance. Steps are quite compact, with the feet normally no more than 12 inches apart. Cuban motion is used-throughout the dance, unless it would detract from the movement. A more staccato hip movement may be used at times, along with a slight counter sway on chasses and some turning figures.