Category Cha-cha
Cha Cha originated in Cuba Many references to a
and evolved from a slow
version of Mambo called
“Triple Mambo” or Mambo
with guiro rhythm. This
musical rhythm inspired
dancers to dance a hip
syncopation to the forward and
back breaks of a mambo which
late evolved to a triple step
Nature and
background of
the dance
The rhythmic step pattern for
cha-cha combines a break step
(two weight changes in two
counts to execute a change of
direction that propels the body
in a new direction on each
Rhythm and step) with a triple step (three
Counting weight changes in two counts)
that is executed twice for a
total of eight counts.
The Cha Cha Basic Movement
Movements and consists of 10 steps, which are
style a combination of alternating
rock steps and chasses danced
Waltz
he history of tango can be
sliding or gliding dance
style date back to the 16th
century in Europe. The
Waltz has continued to
develop throughout the
20th century. The Waltz
was born as an Austro-
German folk dance known
as the Landler, which was
characterized by the
rotating movements of
partners dancing together.
Some trace its roots to
Bavaria, the Viennese
suburbs, and the Austrian
alpine regions. By the early
1600s, the dance has
morphed into a Hapsburg
court dance. Later the
music of Johann Strauss
helped to popularize the
Waltz. There were
different types of Waltz
through the years; now in
modern ballroom dance,
the quicker version is
referred to as the Vienesse
Waltz while slower
versions are simply known
of the Waltz.
Waltz music is written in
3/4 time, and waltz music
is recognized by listening
for the three-beat-per-
measure rhythm pattern.
The music and the step
timing may be counted
1,2,3; 1,2,3. The first beat
of each measure is
accented and this
corresponds to the
aggressive driving step that
is taken on count one.
The Waltz is a smooth
dance that travels around
the line of dance.
Characterized by its "rise
Tango
traced all the way back to
18th century Argentina where
a mix of influences brought
by European immigrants,
South American natives and
dances of former African
slaves in their candombe
ceremonies brought the rise of
the new type of partner
dance that was practiced
almost exclusively by poor
and lower class. The
popularity of this dance grew
at a steady pace, especially in
the lower-class districts of the
cities such as Buenos Aires
and Montevideo (Uruguay). It
is important to mention that
several types of tango dance
existed then, with only one of
them managing to find wide
popularity outside of the
lower class (in a dance that is
today referred as tango criollo
or authentic tango).
What are the rhythm and
counting of tango dance?
Tango – S,S,Q,Q,S
In Standard Tango, the steps
are counted in groups of 4
beats, and in Smooth, the 8
count system is used. For
Smooth Tango, all of our
steps are 8 counts long,
S,S,Q,Q,S. This means that
not all Tango songs are
suitable for Ballroom Tango.
Tango is danced to a
repetitive style of music, with
the count of the music being
either 16 or 32 beats. While
in closed or open facing
position, to the rhythm of
2,3,4&1. Each rock step is
danced on counts 2,3, each
chasse on counts 4&1.
The rock steps of a Cha Cha
Basic Movement alternate
forward and backward, the left
foot taking the forward rock,
the right foot taking the back
rock.
The chasses can be danced
sideways (side-together-side),
or as a "Compact Chasse" in
place by shifting weight from
foot to foot with feet together
(together-together-together).
and fall" action, the Waltz
includes a step, slide, and
step in 3/4
time. Dancers should move
their shoulders smoothly,
parallel with the floor
instead of up and down,
and they must strive to
lengthen each step. On the
first beat of the music, a
step is taken forward on the
heel, then onto the ball of
the foot with a gradual rise
to the toes, continuing on
to the second and third
beats of the music. At the
end of the third beat, the
heel is lowered to the floor
to the starting position.
dancing the tango, the woman
is typically held in the crook
of the man’s arm. She holds
her head back and rests her
right hand on the man's lower
hip, and the man must allow
the woman to rest in this
position while leading her
around the floor in a curving
pattern. Tango dancers must
strive to make a strong
connection with the music as
well as their audience in order
for it to be successful.