What makes for a great merengue?

[Nammerz]

I've been taking dance lessons for about 3 years and still haven't gotten the hang of merengue while doing well in other dances. I'm not really sure why a dance which is usually considered easy is frustrating and difficult for me.

I think I'm making it seem much harder than it should be. I find myself trying to keep a steady strict 8 count in my mind instead of just letting go and having fun. I also think I lack creativity to play around with moves because it seems to be less strict than other dances I know.

Any suggestions on how to improve my merengue and have fun with the dance?

 

[cocodrilo]

Hi Nammerz & welcome!
Get down the rhythm, which shouldn't be too hard, then get those hips going!
After that you can work with your partner on turns and octopus-like intertwining arm movements! (For the latter, it was good to have an experienced instructor for this!) Good luck! :wink:

 

[MacMoto]

I was surprised to see this thread appear in the Ballroom forum -- do ballroom studios teach Merengue in the US?

I think I'm making it seem much harder than it should be. I find myself trying to keep a steady strict 8 count in my mind instead of just letting go and having fun. I also think I lack creativity to play around with moves because it seems to be less strict than other dances I know.

Well Nammerz, it seems you already know the answer -- let go, have fun and play with it! :wink:
(Reminds me of a joke -- Patient: "Doctor, doctor, it hurts when I do this (swings his arm)." / Doctor: "Don't do it then.")

Many Cuban (Casino) style salsa moves (from simple ones like Enchufla and Sombrero to more complicated arm twisters) work in Merengue, so taking lessons to learn these moves maybe useful, but I think the key to Merengue is to be playful and flirtatious!

 

[ratherbdancing]

I was surprised to see this thread appear in the Ballroom forum -- do ballroom studios teach Merengue in the US?

Yes they do teach it, and you can even compete in it in Dancesport Superbowl comps.
I also had trouble learning merengue, but I dont like to dance it at all socially unless Im with a really good partner because otherwise it can be quite boring.

 

[Joe]

The only thing that makes for a great merengue is a hot chick to dance with.

 

[MacMoto]

Yes they do teach it, and you can even compete in it in Dancesport Superbowl comps.

:shock: Merengue in ballroom comps! You sure learn new things everyday. (Somehow I can't see it making an appearance at Blackpool though -- a pity :roll

 

[ShyDancer]

The only thing that makes for a great merengue is a hot chick to dance with.

:lol:

Im glad you can fnd a positive in it somewhere :lol:

 

[etchuck]

Somehow I don't see merengue in the Latin syllabus. The salsa syllabus is only a few pages, so I expect a merengue syllabus to be a tri-fold pamphlet.

For me:
1) Hip motion, hip motion, hip motion.
2) Connection/tone in the arms to do a lot of complex pretzels.
3) Changes in speed of movement or rotation.
4) Excessive flirting
5) Having two hottie followers who can do all that with me at the same time... priceless.

 

[sunderi]

Nothing. :wink:

(From someone who can't stand merengue.)

 

[Sagitta]

I've been taking dance lessons for about 3 years and still haven't gotten the hang of merengue while doing well in other dances. I'm not really sure why a dance which is usually considered easy is frustrating and difficult for me.

I think I'm making it seem much harder than it should be. I find myself trying to keep a steady strict 8 count in my mind instead of just letting go and having fun. I also think I lack creativity to play around with moves because it seems to be less strict than other dances I know.

Any suggestions on how to improve my merengue and have fun with the dance?

Easy!! To do merenge well isn't easy.

 

[SDsalsaguy]

Yes they do teach it, and you can even compete in it in Dancesport Superbowl comps.

:shock: Merengue in ballroom comps! You sure learn new things everyday. (Somehow I can't see it making an appearance at Blackpool though -- a pity :roll

Its a money issue MM... if its a partner dance and people will pay for it, the US Ballroom industry will offer it. Its that simple. You'd be amazed at what counts as merengue in most ballroom studios though... :shock:

 

[MacMoto]

Nothing. :wink:

(From someone who can't stand merengue.)

Hmm, looks like we have to set Sabor on you, Sunderi.
What do you think, ShyDancer? :lol:

You'd be amazed at what counts as merengue in most ballroom studios though...

:shock: I'm curious now -- got to see it.

 

[Joe]

Nothing. :wink:

(From someone who can't stand merengue.)

Don't tell us you'd refuse to dance a merengue with Slavik, or that you wouldn't enjoy yourself!

 

[SDsalsaguy]

Nothing. :wink:

(From someone who can't stand merengue.)

Don't tell us you'd refuse to dance a merengue with Slavik, or that you wouldn't enjoy yourself!

It wouldn't be the merengue she'd be enjoying! :wink:

 

[Purr]

You'd be amazed at what counts as merengue in most ballroom studios though...

:shock: I'm curious now -- got to see it.

I don't practice merengue very often. I'd have to say the most important elements for a good merengue are posture, frame to maintain connection, and, of course, lots of hip movement.