Cha Cha
The cha cha is an extremely popular Latin and ballroom dance
that shares lots of style with salsa. An amazing array of well-known
music has a cha cha rhythm, from Latin favorites to the Beatles
to Roy Orbison to Santana and more. There are two flavors of Cha-cha-cha
dance, differing by the place of the cha cha cha chasse with respect
to the musical bar.
Ballroom Cha-cha and street Cha-cha-cha
in Cuba count "two-three-cha cha cha."
Country/western Cha-cha-cha and Latin street Cha-cha-cha in many
places other than Cuba count "one-two cha cha cha" or
"cha cha cha three-four".
Cha Cha Music: The Cha Cha
is either danced to authentic Latin music, or more contemporary
pop or Latin Rock, and even sometimes country music. The music
for the ballroom Cha-cha-cha is energetic and with a steady beat.
The "Latin" cha-cha-cha is slower, more sensual and
may involve inticate rhythms. "Cowboy" Cha-Cha-Cha is
danced basically to any "four to the floor" music; in
addition there are a number of C/W novelty dances with the names
that include "cha-cha-cha".
Footwork: Steps in all directions should be
taken first with the ball of the foot in contact with the floor,
and then with the heel lowering when the weight is fully transferred.
When weight is released from a foot, the heel should release first,
allowing the toe to maintain contact with the floor.
Hip movement: Latin hip movement is achieved
through the alternate bending and straightening action of the
knees. Just shifting weight will result in a nice, relaxed hip
movement.
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