If you can march, you can Merengue. This lively Latin dance is one of the easiest ballroom dances to master. Often one of the first dances students learn, Merengue has very simple footwork. This gives the man, as the leader, an opportunity to concentrate on his leading and the lady on her following. The basic Merengue step is a simple "walk" or "march" with the feet flat on the ground. Basic Merengue steps include steps to either side, done in 8 count segments, steps forward and backward and steps rotating in place, again in 8 count segments. Because the basic footwork is always the same, with only two beats, the man can easily lead any combination of moves - open breaks, underarm turns, wrapping and unwrapping the lady in his arms, etc.
Video 1 demonstrates all of these basic steps with the partners in dance position, then breaks down the gentleman's footwork. Video 2 shows the breakdown for the lady's footwork and then shows the partners dancing the Merengue to music. You will see all the basic steps plus many of the kinds of patterns and turns you can put together as you dance the Merengue.
Dance Video on this page courtesy of our affiliate TC Dance Club International in Kansas City, Copyright 2008 TC Dance Club Kansas City.