Dominican+Music+&+Dance

= Music & Dance = = in Dominican Republic = = =

===Dominican Republic is most known for its Bachata and Merengue, which are now played and danced to in the majority of the Spanish-speaking countries. Bachata and Merengue are the soundtrack of Dominicans' everyday life. ===

===Music is basically the national identity of the Dominican Republic. Everywhere in this island, from the stereo of your taxi, the corner store down the street, to the moment you step off of your plane, or while your walking down the street. ===



=Learn Bachata: =

media type="custom" key="22687026" width="110" height="110"

=Learn Merengue: =

media type="custom" key="22687074" width="110" height="110"

Street Music
==In Republica Dominicana, there is lots of street music all throughout the country, but mostly in the Colonial Zone Area. If you give them 100 pesos ($2.46) they will play traditional songs for you. You can relax and enjoy the music while you help out on their donation. ==

Merengue
==Merengue is Dominican Republic's National Dance and also its neighboring country, Haiti. Some people say that the dance was made by slaves that were chained together and were forced to drag one leg while cutting sugar to the beat of a drums. Other people believe that there was a hero that was fighting in one of the Dominican Republic revolution’s and was wounded in the leg. When he came home, everyone wanted to celebrate his victory. All they wanted to do was dance, and out of sympathy, everyone dancing wanted to limp and drag one foot. People think that the Merengue got its name from sweet stuff made of sugar and egg whites because of its white, light, frothy characteristics of the dance. Or because of its short, precise rhythms. The Merengue is fun and easy to learn so anybody can do it! ==

Bachata
==Bachata was originated from the countryside and rural marginal neighborhoods of Republica Dominicana. The subjects of the song are usually romantic; especially about heartbreaks. Bachata emerged in 1960. While Merengue and salsa were on the radio, Bachata musicians had to find a way to develop and distribute their music.The Bachata that has gained popularity is made with electrical instruments and exhibits a masterful use of the guitar. It's often faster than usual and have been very danceable in the past couple years. In Republica Dominicana, they have even produced popular bachata dance contest to broadcast. ==

Gaga
==Gaga is original name is Rara, named by the people in Haiti. In Republica Dominicana, the music is usually played by an Afro- Dominican population. It's played by these people as a cultural tribute to their African ancestors. Gaga isn't played in Republica Dominicana as much as it is in Haiti, for it was originated in Haiti. The instruments that are used to play this type of music are: vaksen (bamboo trumpets that can also be made of metal pipes), drums, maracas, g üiras or güiros (a percussion instrument), and metal bells. ==

Palo
==Palo is a Dominican sacred music that can be found all throughout the beautiful island. The main instruments used to play this kind of music are the drums, guiras, maracas, and the human voice. There is also a master drum that leads the group when playing the music. The drum is hit with a stick called the cata. Since the word palos in Republica Dominicana means tree, all the drums that the music is played on is made of hollowed out logs. Palo is usually played at religious ceremonies or important occasions. ==