Merengue
The Steps of Merengue
Merengue music essentially has the tempo and rhythm of marching music. This is
appropriate for the even tempo left, right, left, right, step timing. The music and
the basic step may be counted: 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4. Counting to eight is also very
popular. The basic step can be thought of as step, close, step, close, step, close,
step, close. Most patterns require 4 beats or eight beats of music.
Going along with the festive character of the music, the dance figures can be
spontaneous. They can also be sexy and a little wild. Acceptable figures include
pretzels, wraps, ropes, and tunnels. As the basic step is simply marching in
nature, hundreds of figures are possible. Even so, many folks simply dance
merengue in closed dance position only.
Merengue music essentially has the tempo and rhythm of marching music. This is
appropriate for the even tempo left, right, left, right, step timing. The music and
the basic step may be counted: 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4. Counting to eight is also very
popular. The basic step can be thought of as step, close, step, close, step, close,
step, close. Most patterns require 4 beats or eight beats of music.
Going along with the festive character of the music, the dance figures can be
spontaneous. They can also be sexy and a little wild. Acceptable figures include
pretzels, wraps, ropes, and tunnels. As the basic step is simply marching in
nature, hundreds of figures are possible. Even so, many folks simply dance
merengue in closed dance position only.