Presentation Transcript
Slide1: By Erica Leon
Table of Contents: Table of Contents History of Merengue
Rhythms of Merengue
Types of Merengue
Active Videos© 1998-2004
History: History Dominican folkloric dance that appeared in second half of the 18th century
Merengue is considered the National dance of the Dominican Republic
Origins are still disputed and traced
There are three types of Merengue: Folkloric,Ballroom,Club
Origins: Origins Originated with slaves who were chained together who had to drag one leg to cut sugar to the beat of a drum
Originated from a welcome home dance for a wounded hero who broke his leg. Out of sympathy, people began to limp and drag one foot as they danced
Combination of African and French Minuet
Folkloric Rhythm : Folkloric Rhythm Rural areas of Dominican Republic
Short, Precise 2x4 Rhythm
Sharp quickening of pace towards end of music
Consists of the paseo (walk), body and "jaleo"
8-12 beats in each part
Merengue de Salon (Ballroom Merengue): Merengue de Salon (Ballroom Merengue) 1234 brass drum beat with characteristic limping
Men and woman hold each other in a vals-like position and step to their side which is a "paso de la empalizada" or "stick-fence step”
Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
The upper body is kept majestic and turns are slow, typically four beats/steps per complete turn
Merengue de Figura (Figure Merengue) is when dancers make turns individually, but never let go of their partner’s hand
Club Merengue: Club Merengue Club merengue evolved from Merengue de Salon
The main difference is that it is more erotic and less serious due to the rotational movement of hips that come from the knees
Couples may separate in a dance move called “shines”
Sources: Sources MSN Encarta - Multimedia - Merengue of the Dominican Republic
Merengue Sources.doc