Three legendary Merengueras Dominicanas: Ninoshka, Lidia de la Rosa, and Indira Rubiera whip up the stage with Dominican merengue; in the Repertory Theater at Hostos Center in Mott Haven, The Bronx; on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 8pm. From $25. Students & under 18, $5. hostos.cuny.edu 🇩🇴
Merengueras Dominicanas
From its roots in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros in the fertile Cibao Valley, merengue is the beating heart of Dominican culture. The rhythms and sounds of the tambora drum are in Dominican carnival, merengue, bachata, and even dem bow. It’s the sound of Quisqueya.
Women are the guardians of culture and these three Dominicanas each bring their own unique merengue flavor to the stage. From traditional merengue típico to the latest fusions, they will raise your pulse and get your hips swinging. ¡Ay, ay, ay!
Ninoshka
Ninoshka, “La Dueña del Merengue,” is from Bonao on Route 1 near the middle of the Dominican Republic. She started singing in her parish choir, and her voice created opportunities.
In the 1980s, she founded the girl group Las Chicas del Pais. “Nadie me lo quita” was their big hit. Ninoshka moved on to Tambo and had a big hit with “Volando pa’ Nueva York” popularly known as “La visa.’
Lidia de la Rosa
Lidia de la Rosa, “La Muñequita del Acordion,” is from a musical family in Janico, a small town outside of Santiago de los Caballeros. Her biggest hit was “La Chiflera” which has become a merengue classic.
Indira Rubiera
Indira Rubiera is also from Bonao. She is known for her work with Los Toros Band and La Orquesta de Ruby Perez.
The secret to why it’s called merengue is in the hips.
Ncue Band
Ncue Band is a fun Dominican band.
