Things You Should Know About Merengue 💃🏽🇩🇴

Merengue is one of the most joyful and accessible dances in the world. You don’t need experience, fancy steps, or perfect coordination — you just need to feel the rhythm and let your body move.

At Latin Soul Dance, we use merengue not only as a dance style, but as a tool to build confidence, connection, and freedom through movement.

What Is Merengue?

Merengue is a traditional music and dance style from the Dominican Republic, born in the 19th century and deeply rooted in everyday life, celebrations, and community gatherings.

It blends:

• African rhythms

• European melodies

• Caribbean energy and soul

In 2016, UNESCO recognized Merengue as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural and social importance.

Merengue is not just danced on stages — it is danced at home, on streets, at parties, and at festivals. It belongs to the people.

The Roots: Perico Ripiao

The oldest and most traditional form of merengue is called Perico Ripiao, also known as merengue típico.

This style is characterized by:

• Accordion-led melodies

• Tambora (double-sided drum)

• Güira (metal scraper)

Perico Ripiao represents the raw, rural, and authentic roots of merengue — where music, dance, and storytelling come together.

🎥 Watch this video to explore the history of Perico Ripiao:

Why Merengue Is Perfect for Beginners

Merengue is often the first dance people feel comfortable trying — and for good reason.

✨ It is:

• Simple and repetitive

• Easy to follow

• Rhythm-based (not step-based)

• Social and playful

The basic movement is a side-to-side weight shift, which allows your body to naturally express the rhythm. This simplicity creates confidence very quickly.

Merengue Music: Feel Before You Think

Merengue music is written in 2/4 time, making it easy to walk, clap, and dance to. The rhythm is strong, clear, and contagious.

Traditional and modern merengue use:

• Tambora

• Güira

• Brass instruments or an accordion

You don’t need to count or overthink. Merengue invites you to feel first, think later.

Merengue & Confidence: Dance Without Fear

Many people say:

“I have no rhythm.” “I feel shy dancing.” “I don’t know what to do with my body.”

Merengue gently breaks those fears.

Because the movement is repetitive and joyful, your body relaxes, your mind quiets down, and confidence grows naturally. You don’t perform — you participate.

This is why merengue is at the heart of our Dance Without Fear philosophy at Latin Soul Dance.

Merengue Today

Today, merengue continues to evolve:

• Traditional merengue típico

• Orchestral merengue (popular in the 80s–90s)

• Modern and fusion styles

But the essence remains the same: joy, rhythm, and connection.

Dance Merengue With Us

At Latin Soul Dance in The Hague, we create a warm, inclusive space where:

• Beginners feel welcome

• All ages and backgrounds dance together

• Movement is about joy, not perfection

If you’ve ever wanted to dance but felt hesitant, merengue is the perfect place to start.

👉 Come dance without fear with us:🌐 www.latinsouldance.com