American Merengue history:

 The Merengue is a popular ballroom dance which originated in South Africa. Influenced by European dances, Merengue dance was created by the African slaves and it gradually became popular in the Dominican Republic. The dance soon reached all parts of South America and later, North America. (Harper) Two different stories of the origin of the Merengue dance are popular among people. According to the first story, the dance was created by the slaves who were tied together and they cut sugar to the drumbeat while dragging one of their legs. While the second story states that a great hero injured a leg during a revolution in the Dominican Republic. He was taken home by some villagers to celebrate the victory who danced with one foot out of sympathy. There is a possibility that the name of the dance is taken from the confection made of egg whites and sugar because the dance is light or maybe due to its precise, short rhythms. The Merengue first began in the New York area in the U.S. but it did not become popular for a few years. (Rinaldi)

 Originally Merengue used to be a circle dance unlike the modern Merengue dance and it looked similar to the “cake walk” dance of South America. The Merengue has originated from the African and French minuets which were blended together by the African slaves. Earlier, men and women danced at arm’s length while shaking their shoulders and taking quick steps. Later, people started dancing to the drumbeat and presently, Merengue is characterized by sexy hip movements, is best for small and crowded dance floors, and is a “fun” dance that can be easily learnt. (Rinaldi)