CHA-CHA

History of the Cha Cha Dance

The cha-cha dance originated from Cuba and was originally known as the cha-cha-cha. The dance gained popularity
around the 1950's and was created from two other dances – the 'mambo' and the 'danzon'. While working with the
charanga group 'Orquesta America' in Cuba performed at dance halls in Havana.

-the footwork pattern "one-two-cha-cha-cha" has its roots in the vocal imitation of the sound produced by the shoes.
The name of the dance is basically an onomatopoeia that comes out of the sound of the dancer's shoes.

-The dance is danced in a steady yet energetic rhythm to authentic Cuban music, Latin Rock or Latin Pop and is
made up of two slower steps followed by three quick steps i.e. cha-cha-cha in a 'one-two-cha-cha-cha' dance rhythm.
Even though the modern ballroom version of dancing 'cha-cha' gradually continues to evolve with every dance
competition; it remains strongly based on its Cuban roots from the 1950's.

Cha-Cha Characteristics
The cha-cha is a vibrant, flamboyant and playful dance. The light and bubbly feel of the cha-cha gives it a unique
sense of fun.
The cha-cha requires small steps and lots of hip motion (Cuban motion), as it is danced in 4/4 time. The fourth beat
is split into two, giving it the characteristic rhythm of 2, 3, 4 and 1. Therefore, five steps are danced to four beats.
You may have heard it counted like, "One, two, cha-cha-cha."
 The Alemana turn
El Paseo
The peek-a-boo
The zigzag

Cha Cha Rhythm and Music

Because of the carefree nature of the cha-cha, its music should produce a happy, party-like atmosphere, with a
tempo of 110 to 130 beats per minute. The cha-cha is often danced to authentic Cuban music but can be performed
to all music genres, including country, funk, and hip-hop.

Distinctive Cha-Cha Steps

Because the cha-cha is similar to the rumba and mambo, several steps coincide with the steps of these dances. The
main difference between the dances is that the slower steps of the rumba and the mambo are replaced with a triple
step in the cha-cha.
The following are a few basic cha-cha steps:

The cha-cha chasse

The fan
The hockey stick
Manita a Mano
The New York
The New York bus stop
El Mojito
Underarm spot turns
The liquidizer

-The four elements of the cha-cha basic were walking steps, forward, backward, sidesteps, the fourth element and
the rock step. Side step, forward walk, backward walk, rocking step

Basic Side Step for Men

 1. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
2. Step backward & left with your right foot
3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
4. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
5. Move your left foot to your right foot
6. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
7. Step forward & right with your left foot
8. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it
9. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
10. Move your right foot to your left foot

Basic Side Step for Women

1. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
2. Step forward & right with your left foot
3. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it
4. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
5. Move your right foot to your left foot
6. Sidestep to the right with your left foot
7. Step backward & left with your right foot
8. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
9. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
10. Move your left foot to your right foot