CHA-CHA DANCE, ITS

CHARACTERISTICS AND
STEPS
Kimberly T. Prado
BSEd - English 1 / Block 1
What Is the Cha-Cha?
• The cha-cha is a kind of Latin American dance of Cuban
origin. The cha-cha-cha, as it’s sometimes called, is danced to
the musical genre of the same name. The cha-cha dance
grew out of several dance styles, including danzón, Cuban
son, and mambo. The dance is known for its quick steps, with
the name “cha-cha” evoking the sound of dance steps
shuffling on the floors of nightclubs, dance studios, and other
venues where dancers practice this famous dance.
3 CHARACTERISTICS OF
CHA-CHA
The cha-cha has several qualities that make it easily
recognizable:
1. Playfulness: The cha-cha is a playful, lively dance. The movement
reflects this playfulness: five steps span the four beats of a cha-cha
measure. The music can be counted as “one, two, cha-cha-cha,” where
the “cha-cha-cha” pairs with beats three and four.

2. Emphasis on the first beat: A strong downbeat—accenting the start

of each musical measure—is a defining characteristic of the cha-cha
that also keeps the music easy to move to and interpret. Expressed in a
simple 4/4 time signature, cha-cha music and dance maintain a steady
beat, more staccato than rumba, to create consistent rhythm.
3. Hip action: While the footwork for the cha-cha can be relatively
simple, a lot of the flair lies in the dancers’ hip movements. The
bending and straightening of the knees during the simple back and
forth footwork accentuates the hips, giving bounce and rhythm that
pairs nicely with cha-cha music. Torsos remain still, further emphasizing
hip movement.
HOW TO DANCE THE CHA-
CHA
Quick intro
Cha cha is widely recognizable by its catchy
rhythm – one, two, cha, cha, cha. It's easy to learn
and fun to dance.
Basic steps
• Cha cha music is composed in 4/4 time (four beats to a bar of music).
For each bar of music there are 2 slow and 3 quick steps, which may
be counted as – one, two, cha, cha, cha or step, step, step, quick step,
quick step. The footwork is simple and mostly focuses on just shifting
weight from one foot to another.

• Remember, five steps are taken to four beats of music. Also don't
forget that the movements tend to be somewhat flirtatious. This is
definitely a party dance!
Instructions & Diagrams:
• Partners face each other. Gentleman starts with
the left foot, lady starts with the right foot. Basic
ballroom hold.
Basic Side Step for Men 1. Sidestep to the left with your left
foot
2. Step backward & left with your
right foot
3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
4.Sidestep to the right with your right
foot
5. Move your left foot to your right
foot
6. Sidestep to the right with your
right foot
7. Step forward & right with your left
foot
8. Right foot in place, weight shifts to
it
9. Sidestep to the left with your left
foot
10. Move your right foot to your left
foot
Basic Side Step for Women 1. Sidestep to the right with your
right foot
2. Step forward & right with your
left foot
3. Right foot in place, weight shifts
to it
4. Sidestep to the left with your left
foot
5. Move your right foot to your left
foot
6. Sidestep to the right with your
left foot
7. Step backward & left with your
right foot
8. Left foot in place, weight shifts to
it
9. Sidestep to the right with your
right foot
10. Move your left foot to your right
foot
THANK YOU!