MERENGUE

1. Organizer's music in preliminaries and semi-final, Organizer's music OR music of the dancers' choice in the final.

2. Length of Exhibition: In all rounds except the final, the length of performance should be 1½ minutes long, to conform to the end of the musical phrase. In the final round, the couple may use music of their choice or the Organizer's music, which must be 2 minutes of music to the end of the musical phrase, but must not exceed 2minutes 15 seconds.

3. Tempo: 29 - 32 beats per minute in 4/4 time signature / 56 - 68 bars per minute in 2/4 time signature.

4. Characteristics and Movement: Merengue is a Latin-American Spot Dance, and does not move along the Line of Dance (LOD). Steps are quite compact, and Latin hip movement, at times quite staccato, is used throughout. A slight counter sway is often used to compliment the Latin hip movement. The basic action is similar to a marching rhythm, but many other rhythms, including syncopations, slows, etc., may be used in interpreting the music. Merengue is a club dance, and the couples should focus on one another to create an earthy and sensual feeling through the use of close, intricate rotational movements coupled with an almost playful teasing interaction with one another.

5. In preliminary and in the semi-final rounds, two or three couples will dance at the same time, but this is determined by the size of the dance floor. In the final round, each couple performs alone.

6. In every round including the final, all couples will dance an opening minute and a final minute together