Merengue

This video is an instructional video on how to dance. The specific dance being taught is the Dominican style of the Merengue. The dance is rather simple. The instructor exclaims that, "If you can walk, then you can dance." I love to dance, but sometimes I get really dizzy. For starters, soemtimes I cannot spot well so I get off balance. Second, I have trouble seeing so I must feel the music, listen intensely, and compensate. The instructor makes it very simple to learn quickly. The initial commands are to step left, the step right, repeatedly. The steps are very similar to marching band directions. You step on each beat of music. This dance has a similar tempo and rhythm of marching music. The next directions were to step, close, step, close. The instructor gives 3 rules on dancing the Merengue:

1. Keep time with music.

2. Move your hips. (The hip motion comes from bending one's knees.)

3. Take your time and walk through all turns.

The instructor specifically directs one to never stop action and do not worry about the number of movements required for each beat, just step in time. In Latin dancing, the rib cage slides to the left with each left step.  Basically, the rib cage lead into the step. Make sure to make distinct steps and equal weight changes. It’s all about how you move, not the specific movements. Ladies follow and are a mirror image to the male steps. Keep your upper body level and never stop your hips or footwork while dancing figures. The video goes on to show turn combos which is easier to watch then for me to explain. Overall, this dance is much easier than people give it credit for. A few more times practicing this and you will be a pro! In conclusion, don't be nervous, stand up tall, breath, smile, be confident, and HAVE FUN!