The document summarizes the Merengue dance, which originated in the Dominican Republic and was influenced by European dances. It describes the dance moves, fast hip movements and steps taken to the beat of fast music. The document also discusses the importance of the Merengue to Dominican culture and politics as well as traditional and modern costumes worn during the dance.

2. Backround
Information
Dance
Moves
Costumes
& Clothing
Importance
to Culture
Music
Works Cited

3. Table of
Contents

The Merengue, a popular ballroom dance, originated in the
Dominican Republic.

The Merengue was influenced by European dances and was
created by African slaves.

The Merengue became extremely popular in the Dominican
Republic.

4. Table of
Contents

The Merengue was originally danced in a circle and was similar to something
known as a “cake walk”.

Earlier, men and woman would dance the Merengue at an arm’s length apart while
shaking their shoulders and taking fast steps.

As the years went on, people started dancing to the drumbeat and the Merengue is
presently characterized with fast hip movements.

One step is taken for each beat of the music when doing this Latin Ballroom dance.

5. Table of
Contents

The music people dance to while doing the Merengue has suggestive lyrics
and is commonly very fast.

The music for this dance originated in the Dominican Republic.

Here is an example of people doing the Merengue and the music that is
played when dancing: http://youtu.be/FJ5MrZsPIjQ

6. Table of
Contents

What you wear during the Merengue depends on where the dance is to take place.

If the dance takes place at a cultural or traditional festival, the girl would wear a
traditional peasent top with a flowing skirt and the man would wear a shirt matching his
partner’s skirt.

If the dance takes place at a club, the girl would wear a fitting top that shows off the waist
line and the man would wear dark jeans with an open and colored fitting ship.

7. Table of
Contents

The Merengue touches upon the political realm, economics, social unity, and
celebration in the lives of the citizens in the Dominican Republic.

The Merengue has played an important role in the political history of the
Dominican Republic.

The Merenegue has also socially untied the citizens for the Dominican Republic.

8. Table of
Contents

Information: http://www.units.muohio.edu/ath175/student/jataek/culture.html

http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/merengue.htm

http://www.dancehamptonroads.com/Merengue_Music.html

Search Engine: http://www.ask.com/question/when-dancing-the-

Pictures: Google Images (www.google.com)

Video: www.youtube.com
merengue-what-do-you-wear , http://en.wikipedia.org