Dance Style: Merengue

The Merengue is one of the most popular latin dances and the national dance of the Dominican Republic, and also to some extent, of Haiti. There are two popular versions of the origin of the Merengue. The first story alleges the dance originated with slaves who were chained together and, of necessity, were forced to drag one leg as they cut sugar to the beat of drums. The second says that a great war hero was wounded in the leg during one of the many revolutions in the Dominican Republic. He was welcomed home with a victory celebration and, out of sympathy, everyone dancing felt obligated to limp and drag one foot.

The Merengue is a spot dance, meaning it doesn't move aroundthe dance floor so it is ideally suited to small, crowded dance floors. Merengue is a fun dance with simple steps so it is easy to learn quickly and the "1-2" march-like rhythm makes it a favorite throughout the Caribbean, Latin America and South America. It is the perfect dance to learn for those planning a honeymoon in any of these regions of the world. The Merengue was introduced to the United States in the New Y ork area and like the other Latin dances is here to stay. You can merengue any night of the week in any Latino bar in the area.

Song Examples of Merengue:
"Suavamente" Elvis Crespo
"The Cup Of Life" Mark Anthony
"Lets Get It Started " Black Eyed Peas

Dance Style: The Cha Cha

The Cha-cha is the newest of the "Latin" dances. It is a true American dance, developed in the dance studios in the early 50s as a mid-tempo variant between Rumba (slow) and Mambo (fast). It is believed to have started as a step in Mambo - a triple step to replace the slow one to accommodate slower musical rhythms. This developed into an entirely new dance. Slower modern music has often inspired the evolution of popular dances such as Single Swing into Triple Swing and Quickstep into Slow Foxtrot. Cha-cha music is slower than Mambo/ Salsa but not much. It it quite a common upbeat musical tempo. The dance is alive and well in ballrooms and studios today. It is flashy, sassy and full of itself. The Cha-cha styling is very similar to Rumba and Mambo. Like most Latin dances, your weight is forward and most of the movement occurs below the ribcage. The steps are small, taken with the ball of the foot first to better execute the hip action commonly known as "cuban motion". Cha-cha music is composed in 4/4 time. The rhythm is danced 2-3-4 & 1 ( "rock step cha cha cha".) Cha-cha is a flirty dance great for couples or just to catch someone's eye!

Cha-chas:

"Smooth" by Santana
"Oye como Va" by Santana
"My Maria" by Brooks and Dunn
"Super Freak" by Rick James
"Cuban Pete" by Tito Puente

Upcoming Balls - dance and romance while supporting a charity!

The Northwest Center's 23rd Annual Indian Summer Ball (Fundraiser)
October 17, 2009
The Organization of American States Building 
17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington DC
9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Black Tie; Gourmet Buffet/Open Bar
The Jokers Wild Band (Swing, Latin, Ballroom)
Silent Auction
$90 or $165/couple 
Contact: Kristen Sullivan (301) 335-1206
northwestcenter@verison.net
See website for more info
http://www.northwestcenter.net/?page_id=32

CELEBRATING LIFE and INSPIRING HOPE since 1981, The Northwest Center seeks to promote the dignity of women and a respect for all human life by offering the loving support and comprehensive aid
necessary to enable all women to continue their pregnancies, deliver healthy babies, and adequately care for themselves and their children. Proceeds provide vital support for The Northwest Center. 
We have helped over 40,000 women and children in the Washington, DC area and are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity supported solely by the generous support of individuals, churches, foundations, and
volunteers!

An Evening of Wine & Dance at the Embassy of France

Where: La Maison Française 4101 Reservoir Road NW Washington DC 20007
When: Wednesday January 28, 2009
Time: 6:45 PM
Requested Attire: Business or cockatail

Are you and your fiance exhausted from wedding planning? Here is a romantic time out for both of you! The ICDC is pleased to present to you a special opportunity to learn how to dance the Viennese Waltz and cha cha at the Embassy of France. Beginners are welcome! You do not need a dance partner to sign up! Let them show you how to dance the Viennese Waltz, one of the most elegant and romantic ballroom dances followed by the cha cha, one of the most fun Latin dances. The dance lessons will be followed by time to practice what you have learned and meet other ICDC members who love to dance. For more information go to http://www.internationalclubdc.com

Learn the Viennese Waltz and other dance styles to prepare for this event by contacting us at www.TheWeddingDanceSpecialists.com or 703.626.7016