Many dancers have a complicated relationship with Merengue. It’s a dance that often elicits strong reactions, and for some, like myself, it’s not always positive. Confessing a lack of enthusiasm for Dancing Merengue might be relatable to a significant portion of the ballroom community. Often, when the music starts, I find myself politely declining or sitting it out altogether. Only on rare occasions, usually when asked by someone unfamiliar with my dance preferences, will I venture onto the floor for a Merengue. This sentiment, I know, is shared by many.
The difficulty lies in pinpointing the exact reasons behind this aversion. It’s challenging to articulate precisely what makes Merengue less appealing compared to other dances. Perhaps part of the issue stems from early experiences as a beginner dancer. Well-meaning but misguided partners would often insist on its simplicity, proclaiming Merengue an “easy” dance and eagerly pulling me onto the dance floor. However, formal Merengue instruction was, and often still is, conspicuously absent in local dance scenes. This lack of proper guidance left me feeling utterly unprepared to lead or even follow the dance. The well-intentioned encouragement, coupled with my actual beginner struggles, created a frustrating and somewhat unpleasant introduction to dancing merengue. The insistence on its supposed ease only amplified the negative experience.
Yet, upon reflection, this personal history feels insufficient to fully explain the persistent unease. Objectively comparing Merengue to other ballroom and Latin dances, it’s hard to identify any inherent flaws. There’s no obvious characteristic that should make it inherently objectionable. Indeed, its global presence and dedicated following suggest that Merengue is taken seriously and executed beautifully by many, not just in its native Dominican Republic. Its ubiquity in social dance settings further underscores its appeal to a broad range of dancers.
This leads to a compelling question: what is it about Merengue that evokes such diverse opinions within the ballroom world? What are the underlying factors that contribute to its unique, and sometimes polarizing, position in the landscape of partner dances? Exploring these questions might shed light on the Merengue mystery and offer a deeper understanding of its place in the hearts (and feet) of dancers worldwide.
