Discover the steps, rhythms, and social dance traditions of Salsa and Merengue through a practical guide by British dance teacher and choreographer Paul Harris.
First published by Sigma Leisure in 1998, Salsa & Merengue: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide introduces two of the most popular Latin social dances through a structured approach designed to help readers move from their first steps to more developed dance combinations.
Rather than simply presenting a collection of figures, Harris takes readers through a progressive learning process. The book begins with accessible movements and gradually introduces more advanced variations, allowing dancers to build their understanding of the steps and how they fit into social dancing.
Learning Salsa and Merengue Step by Step
Salsa and Merengue offer different rhythmic experiences, and this guide gives both dances their own place within a practical introduction to Latin social dancing.
The instructional material covers fundamental steps and develops them into further variations, supported by illustrations that help readers follow the movements.
The book also introduces Mambo and Cha Cha Cha, giving readers an opportunity to explore other Latin rhythms alongside its two principal dances.
More Than a Collection of Dance Steps
One of the book’s distinguishing features is its attention to the wider world of Latin social dancing.
Alongside the instructional material, readers will find information about Latin music, dance classes, and terminology associated with the club dance scene.
This combination makes the book useful not only for learning movements but also for becoming more familiar with the language and musical environment of Salsa and Merengue.
A Notable Work in British Salsa Instruction
Paul Harris has made an important contribution to the documentation and teaching of Salsa in the United Kingdom.
Published during the growth of the British Latin club dance scene, Salsa & Merengue represents an early attempt to present contemporary Salsa in a systematic written form.
Harris subsequently contributed technical material used by British dance teaching organizations, giving this book an additional point of interest for dance instructors, researchers, and readers interested in the development of Salsa teaching.
With a foreword by Nelson Batista, the book brings together accessible social dance instruction and the perspective of an established professional dance teacher.
Whether you are beginning Salsa, exploring Merengue, or looking for a written reference to the teaching of Latin social dances in the late 1990s, this guide offers a distinctive introduction to the subject.
Contents
The book’s documented subject coverage includes:
- Salsa: basic steps and progressively developed variations
- Merengue: fundamental movements and further variations
- Introductory steps in Mambo
- Introductory steps in Cha Cha Cha
- Dance illustrations supporting the instructions
- Information about Latin music and dance classes
- A glossary of music and dance terminology
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