Learn to dance Cha Cha; Dance Lessons: Orange, Costa Mesa, Lake Forest, & Long Beach, CA, Arthur Murray Latin Dance Studios

Cha Cha: The energetic rhythm of the Cha Cha encourages you to cut loose and let your personality show.

History:

One of the most popular Latin dances in the U.S., the Cha Cha began as a variation of the Mambo called triple Mambo. It was so easy and so much fun, it became the rage of the early 1950's. It's infections on-two, one-two-three, rhythm demands that sitters become dancers. Everybody can learn the Cha Cha.

Music:

Cha Cha music is written in 4/4 time and may be played over a wide range of tempos. Often in Cha Cha music, a rhythmical link can be heard between each measure resulting in an overall rhythm of 1, 2, 3, 4 & repeated over and over.

Characteristics:

Triple steps (Chasse) and rock steps are the basic components of the Cha Cha. Since the Cha Cha is derived from the Rumba and Mambo, Cuban Motion is an important aspect of this dance.

Teaching Elements:

Cha Cha Breaks--Concentrate on combinations and variations
Appearance in Shine Positions--Open leads, self expression, arms, and hands
Quick Footwork (syncopations)--Build staccato footwork & syncopated movement
Cha Cha Turns--Develop momentum control, weight off heels
Variety (Interrelation)--Add variety by adapting patterns from related dances
Amalgamations--Stress importance of combinations
Compare/Contrast--Rumba, Mambo, Salsa, Swing

Cha Cha songs and artists include:

Oye Como Va - Tito Puente
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White - Perez "Prez" Prado and His Orchestra
Black Magic Woman - Santana
Bang Bang - David Sanborn
Jezabel - Ricky Martin

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