Vocabulary

• El paso: Step• El ritmo: Rhythm

Famous People

Olga Tañon Juan Luis Guerra

Origin

• Merengue was the national dance of the Dominican Republic in the 1920.

• It was founded by Nico Lora and introduced to the US by Angel Viloria.

• Merengue was also influenced by French and African beats.

Cultural Comparison

• It originated from the Dominican Republic and some extend of Haiti. Dance originated from slaves who were chained together and it was necessary to drag their legs as they cut sugar to the beat of the drums.

Traditional Dresses.

Instruments

• El güiro: Instrument that’s played with a percussion stick or a music fork.

Occasions That Use Merengue

• Merengue is used at festivities such as parties, or weddings.

Songs/Dance

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlO3VLHm2lM

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Peh9UT-Bg