2. Origin/Location/Time Period
Merengue was created by Ñico Lora, a Dominican
of Spanish descent, in the 1920s
The original Merengue was not danced by couples, but
danced in a circle
In the Dominican Republic it was promoted by Rafael
Trujillo, (the dictator), and became the country's
national music and dance form
5. Vocabulary
Animado – Lively
Arrastre – Dragging
El ritmo– Rhythm
El güiro– A scored gourd-like instrument played with
a music fork or a percussion stick
El paso– Step
El estilo – Style
6. Traditional Dress
No specific dress, however traditional Dominican
Republic clothing is worn, including:
Bright colors
Sandals
Blouses
Skirts
Long Pants
Assorted hats
7. Popular Artists
Elvis Crespo- a Puerto Rican-American Grammy
Award and Latin Grammy Winner, named "Elvis"
after Elvis Presley
Celines- Considered one of the best Merengue
performers by Puerto Ricans
Melina León – A Merengue singer and actress
Los Principes del Merengue - The first Merengue
and Salsa band in the city of San Diego