WEEK 10

Cha Cha Cha

The cha-cha is an energetic, rhythmic Latin dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s.
SOCIAL DANCE
Social dance is a non-competitive version of ballroom and
Latin dancing. It is designed to be used in practical settings
like wedding receptions, nightclubs, business functions, or
informal gatherings.
Social dancing is partner dancing that is informal, relaxed, and danced for the enjoyment of the partners

Social Dances are communal dances performed in social

gatherings in any given space. They are usually performed in
pairs, male and female, but may also be performed in groups.

Social dancing is meant to be enjoyed while socializing. It is

danced for enjoyment, socialization, recreation, and health.
WHAT IS CHA CHA CHA?

The cha-cha-cha, is a dance of

Cuban origin. It is danced to the
music of the same name
introduced by the Cuban
composer and violinist Enrique
Jorrin in the early 1950s. This
rhythm was developed from the
danzón-mambo.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF CHA CHA CHA
RHYTHM
The cha-cha-cha is danced to a distinctive 4/4 rhythm, often
marked by a syncopated "cha-cha-cha" sound. The rhythm
features a strong beat followed by two quick steps (cha-cha-
cha) and a pause, giving the dance its unique character.

TEMPO
The tempo of cha-cha-cha music is generally moderate to
fast, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere on the
dance floor.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF CHA CHA CHA
VARIATION AND CREATIVITY
Cha-cha-cha allows for a range of variations, footwork
patterns, and styling, which dancers can incorporate to make
the dance their own. This creativity contributes to the
individuality and expressiveness of each performance.

SOCIAL AND COMPETITIVE DANCING

Cha-cha-cha is danced socially in social gatherings and
ballrooms, but it is also a popular choice in dance
competitions due to its dynamic and showy nature.
 MOVEMENT SKILLS
BASIC STEPS
Mastering the fundamental cha-cha-cha steps, encompassing
forward-backward motions and quick "cha-cha-cha" transitions,
constitutes the dance's foundational skill set, harmonized with the
essential Cuban hip motion for rhythmic finesse.

HIP MOVEMENT (CUBAN MOTION)

The cornerstone of cha-cha-cha lies in the coordinated tilting

and rotation of the hips, culminating in the distinct hip action
that adds vivacity and seamlessly complements the dance's
dynamic rhythm.
 MOVEMENT SKILLS
CHASSE
Vital for the dance's fluidity, the chasse involves a swift side-
close-side step, demanding agility and knee flexibility, expertly
combined with the signature Cuban hip motion to facilitate
graceful movement across the floor.

SYNCOPATION

Cha-cha-cha's hallmark syncopated rhythm demands

impeccable timing, as dancers execute swift, precise
steps between beats, showcasing their coordination and
rhythmic acumen.
 MOVEMENT SKILLS
FOOTWORK
Executing a ball-flat footwork technique, dancers adeptly shift
weight from ball to flat foot, facilitating rapid directional
changes and controlled motions that are intrinsic to cha-cha-
cha's vibrant style.

PIVOTS AND TURNS

Embracing various pivots and turns, dancers showcase their

prowess in balance, coordination, and seamless rotation, all
while maintaining the dance's signature hip motion and
rhythmic integrity.
 MOVEMENT SKILLS
EXPRESSION AND ATTITUDE

Beyond technical execution, dancers convey the dance's vivacious,

flirtatious, and vibrant demeanor through expressive facial cues and
body language, immersing the audience in cha-cha-cha's infectious
spirit.

MUSICALITY

In perfect harmony with the music's tempo, dancers accentuate

their movements to underscore the dance's inherent rhythmic
patterns, showcasing their innate musicality and enhancing the
overall performance.
 MOVEMENT SKILLS
VARIATION AND CREATIVITY
A hallmark of advanced dancers, creative variations infused with
intricate footwork patterns, unexpected turns, and distinctive
styling choices lend a personalized touch that elevates and
distinguishes cha-cha-cha routines.

BALANCE AND POSTURE

The foundation of graceful execution, maintaining an upright

upper body, engaged core, and impeccable alignment
ensures that cha-cha-cha's movements are executed with
poise and stability, exemplifying the dance's elegance.
 FITNESS BENEFITS
Cardiovascular Health
Cha cha cha is an excellent form of
cardiovascular exercise. It involves much
movement and can raise your heart rate,
which can help to improve your overall
cardiovascular health.
Balance and Coordination
Cha cha cha requires coordination between your
arms, legs, and feet. Executing Cha cha cha
dance moves requires accurate footwork and
body coordination, leading to better balance and
coordination.
Burn Calories
Cha cha cha is a great way to burn calories.
Depending on your intensity level, you can
burn between 200-400 calories per hour of
cha cha cha.
Posture and Flexibility
Cha Cha Cha dance also helps to improve posture
and flexibility. The dance requires proper alignment
and posture, which can help to strengthen the
muscles in the back and core. As a result, this can
also enhance one’s range of motion and flexibility.
 FITNESS BENEFITS
Mental Health Benefits

Stress Reduction Mood Enhancement

Cha Cha Cha dance can help to reduce stress
also boost mood and
and promote relaxation. The dance requires
focus and concentration, which can help to
clear the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety or
stress.
Cha Cha Cha dance can
promote feelings of happiness and well-being.
The dance is fun and engaging, which can help
to release endorphins and improve overall
mood.
 DIETARY GOALS

20-30%
Fats
-reduce inflammation
and promote muscular 55-60%
repair
Carbohydrates
- major energy source
in muscles
12-15%
Protein
- plays a key role in
muscle building
 DIETARY GOALS
Vitamins and Minerals
- Dancers should increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables (recommended 5 servings of fruit
or vegetables per day), whole grains, dairy products, and lean red meat.

Healthy Eating Plan

- This can be as three formal meals – breakfast, lunch, and evening meal, or as regular meals and
snacks. Planned nutritious snacks can be very helpful to the dancer with a heavy workload and high
energy requirements. Try to eat a light but balanced meal 2-4 hours before performances. Refuel as
soon as possible after the performance - definitely within an hour.

Water
- Dancers should aim for at least 3 liters of water daily. Daily needs may be higher if dancing for
longer than 60 minutes and/or in hot and humid environments.
 THANK YOU
For Your Attention !