MERENGUE

Merengue

Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic, where it originated in the early 1800s and became popular by the mid-1800s. Legend says the dance got its characteristic look from an old hero who had returned from battle with a wounded leg. While dancing, he couldn't help but limp to one side. Out of respect, the villagers started dancing with a limp. Whatever its true origins, Merengue is a fun and easy dance.

Merengue arrived in New York as early as the 1940s, gradually becoming a part of the Latin dance scene. The music has evolved into an international phenomenon because of its easy-to-follow beat.