Dominican Republic, mid-19th century
MERENGUE
The joyful Dominican walk
Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic. Its roots go back to the mid-19th century, in the countryside of the Cibao region; it was first scorned by the elite for its closeness to African rhythms, before being elevated to national dance status by dictator Trujillo in the 1930s-40s, who turned it into a tool of cultural propaganda.
Musically, it's a 2/4 rhythm strongly marked by the güira (metal scraper), the tambora (double-headed drum), and the accordion (or piano in modern versions). On the floor, it's a simple, joyful, accessible dance: two marked lateral steps, never any very complex figures. This simplicity is what made Merengue a universal ballroom dance across Latin America and in Hispanic communities.
How it's danced
Technique & figures
Merengue is danced to a 2/4 rhythm at 130-160 BPM. The basic step is a simple lateral walk: left-right, left-right, marking each beat with an accentuated hip movement. It's probably the easiest Latin dance to learn, which explains its universal success.
Styles and fundamentals
Two major forms coexist. Merengue tipico (or perico ripiao), rural and acoustic, is danced in an open couple hold with many figures and turns. Ballroom Merengue (the one seen at international congresses), smoother, is practiced in a closed couple hold, closer to Salsa in its frame.
Main figures
- 01
Basic step
A lateral walk marking each beat with an accentuated hip. The weight fully transfers from one foot to the other.
- 02
Vuelta
A turn for the follower, guided by a raised hand. Simple, clean, often chained in series.
- 03
Enchufla
The leader sends the follower to the other side, as in Cuban Salsa.
- 04
Sombrero
A figure in which the leader passes his arm above the follower's head, as if placing a hat.
- 05
Merengue tipico footwork
Small, syncopated, rapid steps from rural Merengue, inherited from perico ripiao.
Reading the music
Merengue tipico (Fefita La Grande, El Prodigio), orchestral Merengue (Wilfrido Vargas, Juan Luis Guerra, Fernando Villalona), modern fusion Merengue (Elvis Crespo, Omega).
Did you know?
Explore the rhythms
Same family
Danses Festives & Carnaval
Cross connections
Styles from other families that share a common language with Merengue.