Dance Styles- Cha Cha Cha

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The cha cha is one of the most popular Latin dances. It was originally called the cha cha cha in Cuba during the mid-1950s to reflect the three steps used in the footwork and the calypso sounds heard in the music. The Latin cha cha alternates between smooth and staccato movements, requiring coordination and control in a blending of all the dances. In particular, it slows the timing yet still breaks on count 2, as in the mambo, and it adds a modified a triple steps from the Swing. A break step is a change of direction using a rocking motion, such as stepping forward and backward or backward and forward. Some even refer to the cha cha as a triple mambo.

The cha cha is also characterized by Cuban motion in that the upper body remains level while the lower body moved. Cuban motion results from alternately bending one knee as you straighten the other- the hips only appear to do all the work! The leg bearing the weight has a straight knee, whereas the non-weight-bearing leg is positioned with a bent knee, which results in a delayed weight change. It takes a lot of practice to achieve proper Cuban motion.

The styling for the cha cha is flirtatious. For instance, on turns you might look at your partner out of the corners of your eyes as you turn your head slightly to tease and challenge your partner to follow or look at you. Another way to give the illusion of a challenge is to alternately follow your partner's forward and backward movements- one advances and the other retreats. Thus, you seem to be connected, but you are actually approximately two feet apart and facing each other without touching.

Learn more about the other dance styles? Check here.
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