Merengue Dance Lessons
Join Us and Discover How to Do Merengue Moves with Ease
Come and Learn How to Dance Merengue—For Beginners and Advanced Dancers
Master the Fundamentals of Timing, Rhythm, and Footwork in Our Merengue Dance Classes
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Merengue Dance Lessons in Our Warren Studio
How did the Latin Dance Merengue Originate?
Both Haiti and the Dominican Republic claim Merengue as their own. According to Haitian lore, an earlier ruler of their country had a lame son who liked to dance. So that this beloved prince would not feel self-conscious about his affliction, the entire populace took to dancing as though they all were lame.
The Dominican’s version is that the dance originated at a fiesta, a party, that was given to honor a returning war hero. When the brave warrior rose to dance, he limped on his wounded left leg. Rather than make him feel self-conscious, all the men present favored their left legs as they danced. One other story alleges the dance originated with slaves who were chained together and, of necessity, were forced to drag one leg as they cut sugar to the beat of drums.
Popular with Beginner and Expert Dancers – Thanks to Easy Movements and Upbeat Music
In both countries, the Merengue was taught and danced with these backstories in mind for many generations. When the couples got up to dance the Merengue, the man favored his left leg and the lady favored her right leg; while flexing their knees a bit more than usual and at the same time leaning the body slightly to the same side. Haitians and Dominicans alike refer to the Merengue as their “singing dance;” this is understandable when you consider the exhilarating brightness of the staccato rhythm. The Merengue is danced in place to Latin music.
Beginner Merengue Dance Classes
Beginner-level Merengue lessons at our dance studio focus on mastering the basic step and feeling the rhythm, and you can start dancing from the first dance lesson. The foundation is a simple marching step done in place, with dancers alternating feet on every beat of the 4/4 time music, usually counted as 1-2, 1-2, or up to 8 counts. Leaders often begin with the left foot and followers with the right, keeping feet close to the floor and lifting no more than 2-3 inches. The key is transferring weight from one foot to the other with each step, which naturally produces a subtle hip movement.
This hip motion stems from the bending and straightening of the knees, not from exaggerated twisting. Dancers learn to maintain a relaxed yet upright posture, often starting in a traditional closed partner position. As comfort grows, you can add a side-to-side step, continuing the same weight transfer and hip action. The goal is to start developing correct muscle memory from day 1 and not develop any bad habits.
Advanced Merengue Dance Classes
Advanced Merengue lessons build on the basics, incorporating sophisticated patterns, dynamic turns, and musical interpretation. Dancers explore a variety of turns, like one-handed, two-handed, hammerlock, and cuddle wraps that improve visual appeal and partner coordination. Footwork becomes more intricate as you advance, with added styling, body isolations, and creative variations.
You learn sequences such as basket walks and tuck turns, and to seamlessly link various steps and turns together without always returning to the basic step. Like Salsa, Bachata, and other Latin dances, musicality becomes central, as advanced dancers respond to tempo shifts and rhythmic accents using syncopation, rolling counts, and expressive timing.
You also learn to use techniques like dips, open breaks, cross-body leads, and spot turns to add drama and versatility to your dance. Our expert instructors teach you to focus more on the lead/follow connection, fluid transitions, and developing a unique style that reflects your personality.
Try Merengue at Our Dance Studio Today
From wedding dance instruction to a new hobby, or a way to connect with your partner, you’ll learn more, faster, and with more FUN, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios! Give us a call and ask about our Introductory Offer for new students. Our talented and friendly dance instructors in Warren are excited to help you start dancing today!
Group Classes and Private Lessons Available
Whether it’s your first time trying Merengue or you’re a professional dancer learning the most advanced movements, we welcome you to take a class with us. Our students fill the dance floor with energy, excitement, and positivity as we explore the ballroom dance together.
Our professional instructors are ready to teach you Merengue and provide a dance experience you’ll never forget.
Merengue dance lessons are available now. You’ll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your very first dance!
Ballroom Dance Styles We Teach
Dancing is a great way to express your emotions. Hop on the dance floor and try a ballroom or Latin dance class with us. Get creative and have fun! To learn more about each type of dance and view a demonstration video, simply click on the dance style to learn more. Then give us a call at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and be sure to ask about our money-saving introductory offer for new students. Together, we’ll get you started on your personal dance journey and make sure you leave each dance lesson feeling happy and more confident with your dancing skills!
Classes are available for students of all skill levels – from beginners to advanced and all ages. Adults and children are welcome! Fred Astaire ballroom dance lessons are fun, exciting, and a great way to express yourself.
Our exceptional staff is ready to take your dancing journey to the next level. Sign up for an intro class!