If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you have been exposed to merengue, you already know that this combines wonderfully quick moves with a great deal of grace. If you have ever been interested in learning merengue dance steps, there has never been a better time to start. Many people are a little bit intimidated by the look of the dance put together, but as with any complex series of moves , you’ll find that breaking it down will go a long way towards getting you the start that you need.

One of the most basic merengue dance steps is the Side Basic step or movement. In this movement, the man starts with his weight planted on his right leg, but on the first beat, he is going to touch his right foot to the inside edge of the left foot. On the half count, he will roll his left foot forward onto the floor. On the next beat, the man should bring his right foot up to center, recreating the pose from the beginning. The woman will do complementary steps and you will find that. This is the most basic step that you will find in terms of merengue and it is quite easy; simply work on making sure that your merengue dance steps match the rhythm.

The Forward Basic merengue dance step is usually executed after the step mentioned up. Starting with his weight on the right leg, the man then swings his right leg forward and in, and then on the half beat, the left foot rolls flat on the floor and the weight is shifted to it. Then, on the second beat, the left foot is slid forward to return to the start position, with the female partner doing the inverse, which is usually called a Back Basic merengue dance step. With this in mind, this is an excellent step to do in quick succession, forward and back. Work with your partner and work on getting your movements as smooth as possible. The beauty of the merengue is made up of the cooperation of two partners moving across the floor.

When you are learning merengue, you will soon see that it is considered an asymmetrical dance for a very good reason. The same leg is used to start off every basic move, a mnemonic that is an excellent learning tool for many beginners to remember. Remember that when you are working on getting the merenegue dance steps right, you should keep in mind the action of your hips. The more synchronized you can be with your partner, the more smooth and fluid your movements will look. Typically, when you are working on the merengue dance, the responsibility for the synchronized rests with the partner who is leading due to the fact that they ultimately have a great deal more control over the overall movement of the dance.

When you are learning the rhythm of the dance, which some would say is a much more difficult yet fulfilling enterprise. Most teachers will tell you that when you are working on learning merengue dance steps, one of the first things that you need to do is to get to know the music and find out how it moves you. If necessary, learn to count the beats in your head and visualize yourself doing the steps. The real art of the dance comes from incorporating movement and music, so that both are enhanced.

When you are learning merengue dance steps, keep in mind that cooperation with your partner is one of the most important parts. Having a partner who has more experience or is willing to learn at the rate that you do is important, so make sure that you work with them closely. You can learn a lot about timing in this fashion, and as any teacher will tell you, successful timing of your merengue dance steps is quite important.

Whether you learn from DVD’s, books or in person instructors, you’ll find that there are plenty of reasons to learn the basics and build up. You’ll be surprised by how fast you master the merengue dance step basics, and then you’ll be able to devote the rest of your time to the refinement of this art!

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The merengue is the national music of the Dominican Republic and is played to accompany the very popular folk dance of the same name. The name merengue has little to do with the music, instead it is derived from the steps in the dance where the legs of the dancers look like eggbeaters, in much the same way the eggs and sugar are beaten to make the sugar confection named merengue. Both the dance and music are rousing and vivacious, very different in character from the Haitian mereng or meringue, which is danced and sung slower.

The traditional band playing merengue music is a trio composed of an accordion, a two-sided drum called a tambora and a percussion instrument called a güira. The güira is a scraper made of a sheet of metal shaped into a tube, with one area pricked outward with nails. This perforation makes the unique sound associated with the merengue when a stiff brush is run against it. The güira is played in syncopation with the other two rhythms from the tambora, which is played with the hand on one drum and the stick on another.

The resulting rhythms play a pattern called the quintilla, which is synonymous with merengue music. Many purists claim that if it is not played to a quintilla, then it is not the merengue. Other instruments could be added to the merengue band, but the three main instruments are standard.

Merengue music was originally played by Dominican bandurrias, the tres and the quatro, along with the güira and the tambora. However, when German traders came to the Dominican Republic, they introduced the accordion to the locals in exchange for tobacco and the new novel-sounding instrument replaced the roles of the string instruments in merengue music. It is often said that the three main instruments of the merengue band are symbolic of the Dominican Republic’s diverse cultural landscape: the foreign accordion, the Caribbean güira and the African tambora, all working together to produce the country’s national music.

The most common form of merengue music is the Perico Ripiao, also called the Merengue Tipico or typical merengue. Perico ripiao actually translates to “the ripped parrot,” which was actually the name of a famous brothel. Perico Ripiao is the most common form of merengue and is the merengue music that you hear today. Other forms of merengue music are the Merengue Orquestra and the Merengue Gitarra.

One of the first, important composers of merengue music is Francisco “Ñico” Lora, who was responsible for the accordion’s swift popularity. Merengue music’s popularity rose even further when the dictator Rafael Trujillo held control over the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961, by commissioning several merengues to be written to glorify him. It was during Trujillo’s time that a merengue song became a hit all over the world. Entitled “Compadre Pedro Juan,” it was written, performed and popularized by Luis Alberti.

Other merengue musicians of note include the Queen of Merengue Milly Quezada, Juan Luis Guerra, Los Hermanos Rosario and Elvis Crespo.

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The merengue is considered the national dance of the Dominican Republic and first gained popularity in 1850, when it replaced another folk dance, the Tumba. With a heightened sense of nationalist pride, native Dominicans boast that the merengue is 100% a hispanic dance from their country, but there are evidences in merengue history that some foreign steps and rhythms may have inspired it, including a telling fact that in Haiti, which shares an island with the Dominican Republic, they have their own local folk dance called the mereng or, in some areas, the meringue.

Discussions of merengue history always mentions the Haitian mereng. There are differences between the Dominican merengue and the Haitian mereng, despite the fact that their names and the main step of each dance – stepping out to the side with one foot and dragging the other foot to close – are very similar. The music and execution of the Haitian mereng is much slower than the merengue of the Dominican Republic. Also, the mereng of Haiti is said to be inspired by the French contredanse and minuet, merged with African slave rhythms. As we’ve mentioned, merengue is touted to be a homegrown dance, although it also shares characteristic with the Cuban danza.

The history of merengue can be traced according to the history of the Dominican Republic, but since there is an argument that it has no foreign influences, many scholars debate on the authenticity of these origin stories. For example, some scholars are convinced that since Dominican Republic and Haiti were at war with each other during the time the merengue was developed, then it was impossible that each could influence the other’s dances. However, there was a short period wherein Haiti ruled the entire island, and the roots of the dance, through sharing the dances could have sprung from there.

Another connection to history is that when the African slaves finally staged a bloody uprising against the French colonizers, many fled to Cuba to get away from danger. Eventually, they would return to the Dominican Republic, with much exposure to Cuban culture. There are debates whether the merengue was actually derived from the Cuban danzas as a result of this, or if the merengue was the one to influence the danza. Valid points are made by several conflicting parties on this matter.

The fondest stories told about the origin of the merengue are slave tales where the Africans would drag their feet along as they were chained together, and later this intimate community was immortalized as a dance. Another story is how a soldier was wounded during the revolution, and how his friends and family, who knew how much he loved to dance, decided to dance with a limp to sympathize with him on the dance floor. The dance was named after a sugar confection with pointy peaks because the nature of the dance resembled the abrupt peaks of the candy.

Because of merengue history’s concordance with the country’s own history, it can be said that merengue can be a bearer of Dominican identity. Which explains the Dominican pride in discussing the origins of such a lively dance.

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Learn how to dance salsa dance with this amazing step by step system that teaches you how to dance salsa. It’s totally progressive in nature, covers a massive 3 DVDs, and is beyond anything else you’ve ever seen on the market. It’s the silver bullet you’ve been looking for, and right now, Amazon.com has it on a Major sale (like, a really, really, major sale).

These DVDs have helped countless people master salsa dancing, but what really makes the special is their incredibly detailed and step by step instruction! They are designed for people, like myself, whom needed understandable, clear, detailed instruction, with practice and music. They are fantastic (and they have a complete money back guarantee). Get your set now on Amazon for a great price, here, SalsaCrazy Beginning (and Intermediate too) Mastery System. I have no idea how long this great deal will last, and Amazon might end it at any time.

I want to tell you about our upcoming Salsa Cruise, but I don’t want to minimize the importance of the great deal above for our DVD set. So let me say just one more thing. This is the DVD set I wish I had when I was learning how to salsa dance. It would have made learning so much easier, since it breaks down the dance far more than any other instructor (or DVD set) that I’ve seen. I see countless people whom struggle with learn how to dance, and these DVDs will help you beyond your wildest dreams. Why? Solid basics, a lot of repetition, clear instruction, detailed instruction, close ups of various tips and dance steps, and more. They are designed to help, and they do.

Ok, do you have the SalsaCrazy Beginning (and Intermediate too) Mastery System? You got a great deal (thank you Amazon!). Now it’s time to put those moves into action on a … dance cruise! Yes, a dance cruise. A great vacation, usually 7 or 8 days, to exotic ports of call. Every day, dancing, learning, dancing, eating, dancing, drinking and exotic ports of call (ie Adventure). Did I mention dancing? These cruises are an exceptional dance vacation. I wanted to tell you about our next one, since it’s something special.

Our next dance cruise is to the Mediterranean, for 12 days. This won’t appeal to everyone. It’s long, it leaves out of Venice (no, not Venice beach), and it’s bigger, grander, and more crazy than most of our cruises, but if you’re looking for adventure in the Med – this is your cruise. You can see it on our site, http://www.SalsaCruiseCrazy.com. It may be out of reach for some, so rest assured, we have our regular Caribbean cruise in the works for early 2013, but if you have the time (and yes, money), this cruise is exceptional. A real treat!

Hope you grab the DVDs on sale, and hop on board our next cruise. You’ll want to at least visit the website and get on the email list so you’ll be notified of future events and cruise.

Here’s some of our other Amazon DVDs!

And now, SalsaCrazy Advanced (for the Advanced dancers there, or high level intermediate):

Technorati Tags: dance cruise, how to dance salsa, how to salsa, how to salsa dance, learn to salsa, learn to salsa dance, salsa cruise, salsa dance cruise, salsa dvd, salsa dvds, salsa video, salsa videos

Take a look – there’s nothing else like it!

Our Wedding Dance Mastery System!

DanceCrazy.com announced the addition of a complete Wedding Dance Mastery System to its stellar line of instructional dance videos and DVDs. Over five years in the making, this step by step approach to your wedding dance is an an incredibly detailed and complete guide to your first dance.

“After so many of our friends were getting married, and coming to us for dance instruction and last minute, frantic, aid, we saw a need to develop this type of all inclusive mastery product”, says Evan Margolin, President of DanceCrazy.com. “It’s difficult enough to plan and execute a perfect wedding, the bride and groom needn’t worry about yet another think – like their first dance.

Spanning an enormous set of five DVDs, with over eight hours of instruction, and a massive question and answer section, spanning every question imaginable, this DVD is perfect for those whom want to have a truly fantastic wedding dance, and not stress over what should be a fantastic experience.

“The DVD system is designed to be incredibly step by step, and leaves nothing out”, says Margolin. “We covered all the bases, and the questions we’re always asked, about everything from wedding songs, to what dance style should I perform”.

DanceCrazy’s Wedding Dance Mastery system is now available at, http://www.WeddingDanceCrazy.com

About DanceCrazy.com:

Founded in 1996, SalsaCrazy.com is dedicated to offering the finest instructional dance videos on the market. By using a tested and proven method of fun, step by step instruction techniques, the videos available on DanceCrazy.com leads students through a carefully planned series of exercises on their path to becoming accomplished dancers. The library of videos covers an extensive range of dancing styles that allow students to comfortably enjoy a new world of exciting people, vibrant nightlife and incredible music. or an extensive range of instructional dance videos designed to show anyone how to dance, swing dance, waltz or perform other popular dancing styles.

Technorati Tags: first song, learn to danace, wedding dance, wedding dance dvd, wedding dance video, wedding dvd, wedding videos

For me, Salsa Dancing is a uniquely social experience, grounded almost entirely in the passion of the music. When I started dancing, it was before the creation of dance teams, troupes, congresses, and the entire economic models those things created.  Salsa dancing has come a long way since then, but at it’s core, it’s still an immensely popular social dance.  The goal and purpose of the salsa dance videos were to share the passion, but also create a real step by step system that allows you to dance with anyone, anywhere, anytime, to any music, and still have a great time.

Chances are that you, reading this right now, stumbled upon salsa dance at a local club, dance studio, or even a ballroom. Perhaps you heard the music, fell in love with it, or just found yourself dancing late at night when an as yet uknown latin rythym came on that spoke to you.  That led to dance lessons, perhaps private lessons too, and a fantastic (and sometime arduous) journey of the beginning salsa dance student. It can be tough, and I found my friends sometimes dropping off, and not reaching the level of a “social dancer”. How could I help?

How to Salsa Dance, with a progressive 5 dvd system, that takes you from your very first steps and coddles you forward to intermediate levels. It’s very basic at the start, very clear, with a fair amount of repetition, also done with music, to really help my friends internalize it. While it’s not easy to learn how to do any dance, with the Salsa Dance Mastery System, it allowed more of my friends to make the leap to becoming a social salsa dancer. For many, it was the missing piece of the puzzle – the practice, repetition, and step by step coach, that they needed to really learn how to dance.

And yes, years later, I can say with a humble heart, it really worked. Tons of my friends salsa dance, and rarely a day goes by that I don’t hear how this system has helped someone learn to dance salsa. How great is that!?  If you find yourself at a plateau, or you find yourself struggling with learn to dance salsa, give the Salsa Dance Mastery System a try …

How about you – how’s your salsa dancing journey?

Find it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/SalsaCrazy-Presents-Complete-Mastery-Package/dp/B000ICLS88/

Technorati Tags: how to dance salsa, how to salsa, how to salsa dance, learn salsa, salsa dvd, salsa dvds, salsa video, salsa videos

We’ve released our two DVD and five DVD Wedding Dance Mastery Systems.  Woohoo! It’s time to make that first dance a truly memorable experience, and we’re going to make it so easy …

But before we get into our wedding dance system, let me just tell you, this is NOT just for wedding dancers! You do NOT need to be getting married to love this progressive DVD system. It’s quite literally one of the finest ballroom dance systems you’ll ever find, covering all styles of dance from your very first steps.  It’s an incredible step by step dance production that you’ll cherish in your library (and of course, like all our systems, it’s 100 percent completely guaranteed).

The premium 2 DVD Wedding Dance DVD Mastery System is made up of two Step by Step DVDs for absolute beginners & intermediate dancers. The DVDs contain and in-depth analysis of footwork, styling, & “the essential connection” to make your first dance a truly special one, all with picture-in-picture & detailed close-ups. There are detailed breakdowns of the most exciting routines that are danced today and Step-by-step instruction that leave nothing out. The 2 DVD set covers a couple of patterns in the essential wedding dances of Swing dancing, Rumba dance, Foxtrot & Waltz.

We created this system after so many of our friends were getting married, and coming to us for dance instruction and last minute, frantic, aid, we saw a need to develop this type of all inclusive mastery product. It’s difficult enough to plan and execute a perfect wedding, the bride and groom needn’t worry about yet another think – like their first dance.

The big Wedding Dance Spanning an enormous set of five DVDs, with over eight hours of instruction, and a massive question and answer section, spanning every question imaginable, this DVD is perfect for those whom want to have a truly fantastic wedding dance, and not stress over what should be a fantastic experience.

Both The DVD systems are designed to be incredibly step by step, and leaves nothing out. We covered all the bases, and the questions we’re always asked, about everything from wedding songs, to what dance style should I perform.

Both wedding dance mastery systems include  descriptions and details on the best wedding dance songs, footwear and dresses, plus exciting new fashions and nuances in the world of Weddings.DanceCrazy’s Premium Two DVD Wedding Dance Mastery system is now available

DanceCrazy’s Wedding Dance Mastery system is now available at,http://www.WeddingDanceCrazy.com

Even though you probably know all this, founded in 1996, SalsaCrazy.com is dedicated to offering the finest instructional dance videos on the market. By using a tested and proven method of fun, step by step instruction techniques, the videos available on DanceCrazy.com lead students through a carefully planned series of exercises on their path to becoming accomplished dancers. The library of videos covers an extensive range of dancing styles that allow students to comfortably enjoy a new world of exciting people, vibrant nightlife and incredible music. or an extensive range of instructional dance videos designed to show anyone how to dance, swing dance, waltz or perform other popular dancing styles.

Technorati Tags: ballroom dance, ballroom dance videos, wedding dance, wedding dance dvd, wedding dance videos

Today is something of an anniversary. It’s an anniversary to the day my first dance teacher told me, “Salsa Dance, it will Change your Life”. I think I’ll ponder on this for a moment, as I try to convince you to Learn to Salsa Dance.

That was nearly two decades ago, and sure enough, salsa dancing had an effect on me that I could scarcely have imagined when I was dragged, kicking and screaming, from my ivory office tower. Since that time, I’ve seen countless people similarly affected, and since that time it’s become my mission to reach out, find and teach people like my past self – people whom would never have given dance a second thought.

It’s been a crazy experience. If someone had simply pulled me aside while I was CEO of a major startup, shook me a bit, and said:

“Dude, you have to learn to dance, I mean really … it’s going to change your life”, my first thought would have been, “how can I get far away from this guy, quickly …”. My 24/7 work days, filled with endless corporate climbing and business intrigue didn’t really allow for such thinking. My life was simply my work, as it is for so many others – especially those overachievers on the startup or corporate fast track.  There’ simply no space to entertain out of the box thinking – especially with your time.

It’s likely this understanding that makes it possible for me to reach so many people. I’ve seen the life-changing benefits firsthand, but I’ve also felt how hard it was to reach me, to get me out of my shell.  I’ve experienced firsthand the immense difficulty and hurdles other people faced in breaking me out of my shell. Time and time again, i’ve experienced that same difficulty as I reach out to others.  Getting someone to take their first steps in dance is HARD!

It’s not just salsa dance – but all dance (different dances certainly appeal to different people). Even if you get them to take a class, it’s really the entirety of the experience that changes lives – not just the dance, but likely the music and the social experience as well, that comes together to change someone.

Specifically, the major changes I see time and time again, brought about by learning to dance, are general happiness, fitness, health, a more positive and open outlook, and the grand-daddy benefit fo greater charisma, charm, and confidence in your own skin. Who doesn’t want these? Who couldn’t use them?

But how, how do you convince people to take that first step? People don’t necessarily want their lives changed. I suppose certainly some do, but I certainly didn’t, or at least so I thought. I thought my life was just fine. I was wealthy, powerful, and engaged in a field I had a genuine passion for – what more could I want?

It turns out the answer to that question, and the reason dance has such a powerful effect on those that will give it a try, is very personal to each individual, yet, somehow, something that we all share. It’s connection. Depth. Passion. Life. Community. Soul. Vitality. Grounding. It’s all these things, to each of us.

My passion for teaching dance runs out of me when I teach. I get animated, excited, and very, very vocal, because I believe that’s what necessary to reach people whom don’t even realize they may have something missing in their lives. I was lucky, dance and music spoke to me the minute I stepped foot into my first salsa club. But it’s not as earth-shattering an experience to everyone.

Now, I teach dance, I teach business, I teach marketing, and my passions run free.  I’m not sure what, if anything, I can say to get you to give it a shot, but I will say (without getting too sales-y), I created a Salsa Dance Mastery System that is simply unlike anything else around. It’s step by step, 5 DVDs, that progress you from your basics to a strong intermediate level.

So, once you take that first step, likely in your local club, dance school, or perhaps a ballroom, you’ll have a clear and well though out guide, like no other.

Learn to Salsa Dance – We’ll Help!

Technorati Tags: learn salsa, Learn to Dance, learn to salsa, learn to salsa dance

Before we talk about the details, if you are a beginner, or intermediate dancer, you’ll want to start with our regular Salsa Dance Mastery System. It’s five massively packed DVDs filled with real step by step dance instruction, starting off from your very first steps. You can Learn to Salsa Dance!  Don’t be fooled, this DVD system gets quite far, and can be pretty challenging …

But for the Salsa Dancers, those who already salsa dance every night, and are completely hooked, and have perhaps been dancing a few years, your options are limited (right?). We made this system for you. Intermediate improvers whom are beyond all the classes, have taken their share of private lessons, and want more. A well thought out series taking you to the next level …

It’s a massive six dvds of purely awesome advanced salsa dancing from 8 master teachers (people who can really teach, and break down the intricacies well), all done to great music, with fantastic multiple camera angles (to catch all the action). This is not an amateur production – this is a high level system that’s thoughtfully and beautifully produced. There’s nothing else like it.

If you’re an intermediate or advanced salsa dancer, this is what you’ve been waiting for. Just take look, and take your salsa to the next level. http://www.SecretSalsa.com.

As with all SalsaCrazy videos, it’s completely guaranteed, and has rave reviews. You’ll love it …

Get yourself some Advanced Salsa Instruction …

That being said, things can go so much better with the right wedding songs, the right wedding dance instruction and the right practice. We sell an amazing 5 DVD mastery system that covers everything, but that wedding dance dvd is not what this article is about.  This is about what to do before, and after, you get yourself those wedding dance classes (and or, our DVD). Because, let me tell it to you straight… that’s just the first step (quite literally).

Yes, our DVDs answer all your questions, but the biggest one is … you’re going to have to practice. So, regardless of whether you chose a swing dance, a waltz, a foxtrot, or a salsa dance, you’re going to have to practice with each other. This should be fun! Pop a bottle of bubbly and make a night of it (or three). Yes, it will take a little more practice than one night, or one lesson, but it’s worthwhile as a way to prepare for the big day.

The other wedding dance tips? Stay calm! Smile! Relax! Enjoy! Yes, that’s all one tip. Dancing can stressful, especially if you’ve never done it before, but don’t let it stress you out. Dancing, at it’s very core, is a fun activity. Tap into it, and don’t let your fear of dance get the better of you. I’ve seen this time and time again … because …

Wedding Tip number 3 – you’re wedding dance doesn’t have to be judged by So you Think You Can Dance judges! American Idol judges will also, likely, not be at your wedding. It only has to be perfect for you, and with the right attitude, it will be. Practice and great dance instruction, round out your ability to tailor and craft a wedding dance that will last you a lifetime.