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 infectious one-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
Learning the Cha Cha can be easy and fun. Please contact
one of our Southern California Studios to schedule your first lesson
today!! Click on any of the following locations to send us an email:
Beverly Hills,
Pasadena, Santa
Barbara, Sherman
Oaks, Thousand
Oaks, Upland, Ventura,
Westlake Village,
or Woodland Hills. Return to Dances We Teach
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