Cumbia

HISTORY
Cumbia is one of the most melodic representative expressions of Columbia. It brings together three
cultures – African, Indigenous and European. The African influences gives the rhythm of the drums
while the indigenous based flute blends in the melody. The European influences provide some
variations in the melody, choreography, and costume of the dancers.
During the 17 th and 18th century African slaves were brought to Columbia’s Caribbean coastal town.
Cumbia emerged as social and courtship dance amongst the slave societies, taking its name from the
Guinean Dance “cumbe”. Slaves would gather to dance Cumbia on a special occasion or on a holiday.
As a traditional dance of slaves, Cumbia was associated only with the lower classes until the
mid20th century. Today, some of the stigma has disappeared, but it remains a dance which is most
popular amongst poorer people.
Source: discovercolumbia.com/cumbia-the-rhythm-of-Columbia
 
THE STYLE
The Cumbia dance style has come a long way from the days of its origin to the modern times. The
dance form initially began as courtship and had young couples topping their feet to the beat of the
drums. The couple form a circle and each pair moves to the center of the circle in turns. Once at the
center, the woman waves her long skirt and the man hands over to her the candle he had been
carrying. The Cumbia dance step follow the rhythm of the beats, which is 4/4. The man dances along,
occasionally waving his sombrero hat in the air, trying all the while, to win over the woman. Today
this dance is also performed by groups of women.
DANCING CUMBIA
Like Salsa or Merengue, popular Cumbia is dancing as a couple and in a different way to Columbian
folk Cumbia. It is characterized by a delicious back and forth, the movement of hips, short steps and
many turns on oneself.
To summarize, the basic step is the same as for Salsa, but the rhythm is different …123…123…a step
back, a step on the spot, a step forward…a pause to transfer the body weight on the other foot and we
start again.
To vary this step of very basic dance we will alter with the lateral pitch tempo not limited. We move
the foot to the left while the right follows the movement by dragging on the ground, we repeat this
action before starting in the other direction.
Source: http://dancingexperts.com/cumbia-dance-style/
Sway like the women. In its oldest and most traditional form, you hold a burning candle and take
short, sliding or dragging steps to mimic the limited foot movement imposed by shackles on slaves’
ankles. You dance slowly along with other women in a counterclockwise circle. As you continue
moving in a circle, sway your body back and forth while waving your skirt in a figure-8 motion. At
times of your choosing, and without warning to your partner, approach him and spin, letting the candle
pass before his face before retreating to your place in the circle. [1][2][3]
 Today, candles are not used much. Instead, women hold both sides of the skirt as they wave it
or use one hand to wave the skirt while the other is raised in an open arc.
 You can dress in the original style or the more flamboyant one of today. If the former, wear a
long and colorful skirt (a bolero) and a short-sleeved white shirt. Go either barefoot or in sandals and
wear your hair back.
 Or you can dress as many do today in long, colorful dresses. The skirt of the dress is often of
layers and ruffles and adorned with sequins. Wearing flower headdresses or a large flower tucked
 behind your ear is common. Large earrings and a face full of makeup are also the norm. You can go
barefoot or in sandals.
Pursue the women if you’re a man. Much of the man’s dance involves trying to lure the woman to
him. His steps and movements are also faster than hers. Dance behind and around the woman, and
take your hat on and off your head with one hand while holding the other behind your back. This
gesture is intended to entice the woman toward you. When she approaches and spins, you can “crown”
her with your hat before also spinning around her and then retreating. In some scenarios, the man
holds a red handkerchief, bends low and fans the woman’s feet with it.[4]
 Wear white pants and a white shirt; a hat or sombrero; and a large , colorful (often red)
handkerchief tied around your neck. You can go barefoot or in sandals.
 
BASIC STEP PATTERN
Over time, the step sequence changed and become more formalized. Instead of short, sliding steps,
they became a simple 4-count, “two-step” forward and backward motion. It’s not necessary to use to
use this pattern if dancing in the original style. However, it’s important to know it as most people
dance the cumbia this way today.
1. Start with your feet together. Stand with your feet close together, which is the neutral
position. Bend both arms at the elbows and roll them inward in circles close to your body.
2. Step back with your right foot. As you step back, pivot your left foot so that your right curls
slightly behind your left and a little to the side.
3. Step in place with your left foot. As you’re doing the dance, be enthusiastic and smile.
4. Bring your right foot forward to neutral. Lift your heel and step forward on your toes to the
neutral position.  *Pause for a beat to switch your weight from left to right
5. Step back with your left foot. Do this as you did with your right foot, but now pivoting your
right instead.
6. Step in place with your right foot.
Bring your left foot forward to neutral. Pause when your left foot comes to the neutral position.

Cha cha
A. HISTORY

A. History of Cha-Cha-Cha
This topic may not be new to you as you have learned the importance of dancing cha-cha-cha to
having fun, for pleasure and building a strong connection.  But how many of you have imbibed that
knowledge and consistently engage in dancing to stay healthy and fun?
 
As you read the lessons, you will re-learn all about the Latin Cha-cha-cha and how it can develop your
learning competencies into much of enjoyment nowadays.
 
Cha-cha-cha (also called cha-cha), is a dance of Cuban origin. This rhythm was developed from the
danzón-mambo. It is danced to authentic Cuban music, although in ballroom competitions it is often
danced to Latin pop or Latin rock. The music for the international ballroom cha-cha-cha is energetic
and with a steady beat. The music may involve complex polyrhythms.
Styles of cha-cha-cha dance may differ in the place of the chasse in the rhythmical structure. The
original Cuban and the ballroom cha-cha-cha count is "one, two, three, cha-cha", or "one, two, three,
four-and." A "street version" comes about because many social dancers count "one, two, cha-cha-cha"
and thus shift the timing of the dance by a full beat of music. Note that the dance known as Salsa is
the result of a similar timing shift of Mambo.
Description:
This is a fun, flirty dance that grew out of the Cuban Mambo and became immensely popular in the
United States in the 1950’s. It consists of triple chasse steps (cha cha cha’s) and rock steps.
Cha Cha has a modified Cuban Motion hip action, because of the speed. This is an exuberant dance
that will get your heart pumping and put a smile on your face.
  History:
Cha Cha originated in Cuba and evolved from a slow version of Mambo called “Triple Mambo” or
Mambo with guiro rhythm.  This musical rhythm inspired dancers to dance a hip syncopation to the
forward and back breaks of a mambo which late evolved to a triple step.
Mambo evolved from a fusion of danzon, son and American jazz.  Danzon has its origins from Europe
(chamber music) and African/Haitian drum rhythms. Enrique Jorrin, a Cuban Violinist created the first
cha cha song in 1948.  He named it after the shuffling sound the dancers shoes made when they dance
to this type of music.
In 1952, an English dance teacher Pierre Lavelle visited Cuba and saw dancers dancing this triple step
to slow rumba and mambo music.  On his return to Britain, he taught this as a separate dance and it
has since evolved to Ballroom Cha Cha.
Cha Cha was introduced to the US in 1954 which replaced mambo as the latest dance craze.   After its
introduction to the US, the traditional violins and flutes were exchanged with big band instruments
such as trumpets, trombones and saxophones.
 
 
Dance Characteristics
Cha Cha is a lively, fun, cheeky and playful dance.  It is a non-progressive dance that emphasizes
Cuban motion, distinguished by the chasses (cha-cha-cha) typically danced during the 4&1 counts of
the music. Cuban motion in Cha Cha is more staccato than Rumba to reflect the music with emphasis
on count 1.  The Cha Cha frame is a typical Rhythm frame.
 Musical Information
Time signature – 4/4
Tempo – 30 measures per minute
Timing – 1234&
Beat value is 1-1-1-1/2-1/2
·  Orovio, Helio 1944. Cuban music from A to Z. p. 50
·  ·  Giro, Radamés 2007. Diccionario enciclopédico de la música en South Korea. La Habana. p. 281
·  Jorrín, Enrique 1971. Origen ddwadel chachachá. Signos 3 Vil esparza, p. 49.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cha-cha-cha_(dance)
 
The basic footwork pattern of cha-cha-cha (one, two, three, cha-cha- one, two, three) is also found in
several Afro-Cuban dances from the Santeria religion. For example, one of the steps used in the dance
practiced by the Orisha ethnicity’s Ogun religious features an identical  pattern of footwork. These
Afro-Cuban dances predate the development  of cha-cha-cha, and were known by many Cubans in the
1950s,
especially those of African origin. Thus, the footwork of the cha-cha-cha was likely inspired by these
Afro-Cuban dance.
 
This is the basic four element of cha-cha-cha, see and watch this
link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWiLi22Cq8w
 
 
 Rhythmic Step Pattern for Cha-Cha
The rhythmic step pattern for cha-cha combines a break step (two weight changes in two counts to
execute a change of direction that propels the body in a new direction on each step) with a triple step
(three weight changes in two counts) that is executed twice for a total of eight counts. The break step
is an agility move that alternates a forward-to-backward or a backward-to-forward direction change.
The triple step is called the cha-cha-cha steps. The downbeat in cha-cha music occurs on count 1, or
the first beat of each four-beat measure, while the break step occurs on counts 2, 3. The styling of
breaking on count two fits the music best, which changed in the 1980s. A common way to count the
cha-cha rhythmic step pattern starts with the break step as follows: 2, 3, 4, &-1. Because it takes two
measures, or eight counts, and two repetitions of the cha-cha rhythmic step pattern before your starting
foot is free again, you may count each measure using the cues 2, 3, 4-&-1; 2, 3, 4-&-1. Or,
alternatively, you may count two measures of music together as follows: 2, 3, 4, &-5, 6, 7, 8, &-1
which places the forward break step and replace step on counts 2, 3, and the backward break step and
replace step on counts 6, 7. Either method of counting the two measures is acceptable.
The cha-cha-cha steps (triple step) may be executed while traveling to either the right or the left side
or in a forward or in a backward direction. When you move to the side, you are following an H-shaped
floor path (see figure 11.1). This floor path is very versatile for sideward travel and offers many
variation options. Thus, the basic H floor path is considered home base for executing the cha-cha
rhythmic step pattern. Come back to the basic H floor path after doing selected cha-cha variations that
will be covered in the drills.
 Both partners execute the cha-cha rhythmic step pattern by splitting it into two halves defined by the
direction of the break steps: a forward half basic includes a forward break step, and a backward half
basic includes a backward break step. The follower does the mirror reverse. For example, when the
leader is breaking forward, then the follower is breaking backward. And, when the leader travels to his
left side on the cha-cha-cha steps, the follower is executing them to her right side, and vice versa.
Each direction for the break step is described separately. Each half basic takes one measure.
Forward Half Basic
Your left foot should be free to initiate the forward break portion of the cha-cha rhythmic step pattern
that completes half of the basic H floor path. For the first weight change on count 2, place your left
foot forward and shift your weight onto that foot. For the second weight change on count 3, shift your
weight back onto your right foot using a replace step by lifting and lowering that foot in its original
location. Throughout the break step weight changes, keep your upper torso centered above both feet,
rather than letting your upper torso move beyond your base of support. Your left foot is now free to
execute a triple step (stepping left, right, left) on counts 4-&-1 as you move either to your left side, or
backward, on the cha-cha-cha steps.
Backward Half Basic
Your right foot should be free to initiate the backward break portion of the cha-cha rhythmic step
pattern that completes half of the basic H-shaped floor path. For the first weight change on count 2,
place the ball of your right foot slightly behind the heel of your left foot and transfer your weight onto
only the ball of your right foot yet place your whole foot on the floor as you slightly lift your left foot
off the floor. On the second weight change on count 3, transfer your weight forward onto your left
foot, replacing your weight and keeping that foot in its original location. As you execute the backward
break step, you need to keep your upper torso centered above both feet, much like an agility drill so
that you can quickly shift your weight, or like marching in place. Now your right foot is free to
execute a triple step (right, left, right) on counts 4-&-1 as you move either to your right side, or
forward, on the cha-cha-cha steps.
The rhythmic step pattern for the cha-cha may be initiated from a shine position, a one- or two-hands-
joined position, or a closed position. Figure 11.2 shows various ways that you might organize the
counts and footwork for repeating the eight-count cha-cha rhythmic step pattern. Some cues will be
more helpful to you than others. Select those cues that most help you retain how to execute each half
of the rhythmic step pattern whether traveling to the side, or alternating forward and backward, on the
triple step. Notice that the forward half basic always starts with your left foot (and a forward break),
while the backward half basic always starts with your right foot (and a backward break).
Learn more about Social Dance .
https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/rhythmic-step-pattern-for-cha-cha
 
 
Module 1.2 Cha-cha-cha Line Dance
 
A line dance is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people
dance in one or more lines or rows, all facing either each other  or in the same direction, and executing
the steps at the same time. Unlike circle dancing, line dancers are not in physical contact with each
other.
Line dancing is a form of dance that takes place with a group of people. Participants line up in rows
and execute the same movements in a synchronized manner.
Everyone dances alone, side by side, facing the same direction in lines or rows. .... Each dance
consists of a sequence of steps that are repeated throughout the music. Although a variety of music
may be used, the major emphasis is on country-and-western music.
Line dancing involves people standing in lines and performing dance movements together. It consists
of patterned foot movements that are usually performed to a number of counts per sequence, and then
the sequence is repeated. The dances are done one-wall, two-wall, or four-wall
Lane, Christy (2000/1995). Christy Lane's Complete Book of Line Dancing, p.2-4. Human
Kinetics. ISBN 9780736000673 . 
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Origin and History of the dance
Cumbia

- Origin in African dance that came to Colombia through the slave trade. During the
17th and 18th century African slaves were brought to Columbia’s Caribbean coastal
town. Cumbia emerged as social and courtship dance amongst the slave societies,
taking its name from the Guinean Dance “cumbe”. Slaves would gather to dance
Cumbia on a special occasion or on a holiday. As a traditional dance of slaves,
Cumbia was associated only with the lower classes until the mid20 th century.
Cha cha

-  Originated in Cuba and grew out of the Cuban Triple Mambo. The cha-cha-cha, or
simply cha-cha, is a dance of Cuban origin performed to the music of the same name. It
was originally introduced by Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrín during the
1950s. This rhythm was developed from the beginning danzón-mambo. The name was
derived from the shuffling of the dancers' feet. 
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Style of dance
Cumbia

- Often classified as salsa, played in 4/4 time with a heavy beat one and accentuated beats
three and four, giving a loping rolling rhythm similar to "riding a horse".
Cha cha
 - Cha Cha gathers its flavor, rhythm and charm from a derivation of three primary sources:
the Mambo, Rumba, and indirectly, the Lindy.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Description of dance
Cumbia

- Cumbia is dancing as a couple and in a different way to Colombian folk Cumbia. It is

characterized by a delicious back and forth, the movement of the hips, short steps and
many turns on oneself. A folk dance.
Cha cha

- This is a fun, flirty dance that grew out of the Cuban Mambo and a fast rhythmic
ballroom dance of Latin American. Ballroom or social dance.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Basic steps
Cumbia

 cumbia forward
 cumbia sideward
 cumbia backward
 half turn
Cha cha

 basic cross rock

 new york
 basic waive
 basic in place
 pivot half turn
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Rhythmic Step Pattern
Cumbia

- 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2/ 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, 7&8

Cha cha

- 2, 3, 4-&-1; 2, 3, 4-&-1/ 2, 3, 4, &-5, 6, 7, 8, &-1/ 1, 2, 3, cha-cha- 1, 2, 3, cha- cha

__________________________________________________________________________________
Attire
Cumbia
 - Dress in the original style or the more flamboyant one of today. If the former, wear a
long and colorful skirt (a bolero) and a short-sleeved white shirt. Go either barefoot or
in sandals and wear your hair back. Or you can dress as many do today in long,
colorful dresses. The skirt of the dress is often of layers and ruffles and adorned with
sequins. Wearing flower headdresses or a large flower tucked behind your ear is
common. Large earrings and a face full of makeup are also the norm. You can go
barefoot or in sandals.
Cha cha

- Cha Cha dancers wear a dress with ruffles in bright shades. The shoes are of the same
colour as the dress and are mainly high heels. Men used to wear ruffles on the bottom of
their dresses and on their sleeves. They now wear silky black shirt and black pants along
with Latin shoes.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Musical Information
Cumbia
Time signature- 2/2 or 2/4
Tempo- 90 and 110 beats per minute (45 and 55 measures per minute)
Genre- Cumbia Sonidera, Cumbia Pegassera, and Cumbia Villera

Cha cha
Time signature – 4/4
Tempo – 30 measures per minute
Genre- Cuban music
__________________________________________________________________________________
Personal opinion
Cumbia

- Based on my observation Cumbia seems to be a more relaxed dance, due the counting 1,2
and easy steps.
Cha cha

- On the other hand, Cha cha is a bit difficult due to fast beat and steps.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Despite the differences mentioned, both dance are a Latin dance. They both give excitement and joy to
the viewers and performers. Another, both dance has its own uniqueness that highlights their origin and to
what purpose they are serving to us.