Many people interested in Latin dance are curious to know the difference between Salsa and Merengue. So, I am writing this article to shed some light on the main differences between Salsa and Merengue and how they are unique, fun, and exciting dance styles in their own ways.
What is the difference between Salsa and Merengue dance? The main difference between Salsa and Merengue is in the basic steps. Merengue steps are 2 bars of music, and each step takes 8 counts. It is danced as limping steps where weight is always on the same foot. On the other hand, Salsa consists of 6 steps in total. Your feet move on beats 1,2,3 with a pause on beat 4, and you step again on beats 5,6,7 and pause on beat 8.
When I started learning Salsa, I wanted to try out other Latin dance styles to see if they would fit me. Luckily enough, the dance school I signed up for had an open house where people can drop in to try different Latin dance styles during the first week.
I tried out Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue, and others, but I truly fell in love with Salsa. However, our instructor suggested we take a few Merengue classes before learning Salsa because Merengue is an excellent introduction to Latin dances. At first, I was skeptical, but it eventually made sense because it is a perfect choice for those looking to ease their way into Latin dancing.
Major Difference Between Salsa and Merengue Dance
1. Popularity
Salsa is significantly more popular than Merengue. It is the most entertaining and widely popular Latin dance in the World. Merengue is also very popular in many parts of the World, but not as much as Salsa is.
2. Origins
Salsa is a Latin dance that originated in the 1960s and combines Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican dances. It was mainly developed by Dominicans and Puerto Ricans in New York between the ’60s and ’70s. On the other hand, Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic that was established in mid of 19th century.
3. Basic Steps
The basic salsa steps are 1,2,3 and pause and then 5,6,7, and pause. This means that there are only three steps for every four beats, with one step to each beat and one beat being skipped. There is a wide variety of step directions in Salsa. The steps can be side to side, forward and backward, or in a circle. As you can see, there are many variations. Salsa is a partner dance and is usually danced in an open or closed position.
Here is an easy to comprehend example of the basic Salsa steps for beginners.
On the other hand, the Merengue music used for the Merengue dance is a four-beat music bar, meaning four beats to each measure of music, representing four movements. A typical Merengue step is two bars of music. Thus, when dancing the Merengue, each basic step takes approximately eight counts. Unlike Salsa, there is no pause between steps. It is such an easy dance to learn because you are switching weight from one foot to another. Merengue is more linear with lots of hip motions.
Here is another easy to follow video for the basic Merengue steps for beginners.
4. Dance Styles
Merengue has one dance style that has a marching feel to it. On the other hand, Salsa has six dance styles, which are:
- Afro-Latino Salsa Style
- Columbian or Cali Salsa Style
- Cuban Or Casino Salsa Style
- Miami Salsa Style
- La Salsa Style
- New York Salsa Style
5. Pace
Salsa is danced faster than Merengue. Merengue speed in American ballroom dance is between 58 and 64 beats per minute. Salsa tempo differs based on the style. However, it is typically performed at 150 to 250 beats per minute. Please note, this is the required speed for professional dancers and not for people who are learning to dance socially. As beginners, we can dance at a much slower pace.
6. Intimacy
Salsa and Merengue are both Latin dances. Therefore, they are very intimate. However, if I had to decide which dance is more intimate and romantic, it would be Salsa. The intimacy and close holds of the Salsa make it a sensual dance that brings passion to its performance when danced correctly.
What Is The Difference Between Salsa And Merengue Music
Salsa Music
Salsa music is in 4/4 time and sounds more complex than Merengue because of its syncopated rhythm, known as the “Clave” rhythm.
Most songs that are considered Salsa are based on son montuno, with elements of Latin Jazz, Mambo, Plena, Bomba, and guaracha. Most salsa compositions follow the basic son montuno model based on a clave rhythm composed of a verse section. Salsa lyrics range from simple dance numbers and sentimental romantic songs.
Here is an example of Salsa music. Enjoy 🙂
Merengue Music
Merengue music is in 2/4 time (1-2-1-2), which gives a marching feel to it. Nowadays, Merengue has been influenced by R&B, Hip Hop, and other pop music. Merengue is danced in the precise time with music, meaning there are four beats to each measure of music.
The traditional instrumentation for a conjunto típico (traditional band), the usual performing group of folk merengue, is a diatonic accordion, a two-sided drum, called a Tambora, held on the lap, and a güira. A güira is a percussion instrument that sounds like a maraca. It is a sheet of metal with small bumps on it (created with hammer and nail), shaped into a cylinder, and played with a stiff brush.
Here is an example of Merengue music. Enjoy 🙂
Is It Easier To Learn Salsa Or Merengue Dance
Merengue is easier to learn because there are only two moves where you basically march in the linear direction. However, Salsa is a more challenging and more rewarding dance to learn. Also, Salsa is a more popular dance worldwide, and you will have more opportunities to dance socially no matter what country or city you go to.
If you are unsure where to start, I would suggest starting with Merengue because the steps are very simple and will allow you to learn the hip motions properly because there is lots of hip action.
Final Words
Whether you decide to learn Salsa or Merengue, you will not regret it. Learning any of these dance styles is a great skill to have. However, it is more rewarding to master Salsa because of more complex and fun moves. Also, you will have more opportunities to dance Salsa no matter where you go. I hope that information in this article has helped you distinguish the differences between Salsa and Merengue dance.
Happy Dancing!
