Cha-Cha

Background

The name “Cha-Cha Cha” comes from the Cuba, where years ago the local musicians began chanting the syllable to compulsive triple rhythm. The Cha-Cha gathers its flavor, rhythm and charm from three primary sources. It is a derivation of the mambo, and therefore the rumba, and it is also a step child of the lindy, being danced to the same one-two–three triple step.

The Cha-Cha is a geographical half breed, springing up from Latin American roots in Cuba and flowering under North American influence. While closely identified with the mambo, the Cha-Cha has enough intrinsic individuality to be classified as a dance apart. Much has been said about the history of the Rumba and the mambo, while little has been written about the Cha-Cha. Although it has many factors of its own that make it a dance to be reckoned with.

The tempo is anywhere from slow and staccato to fast and lively. It is so much an “On The Beat” dance that you cant help but inject your own feelings into it. This facet, more than any other, makes the dance fun for people of all ages. It is a real “Let Yourself Go” type of dance.

Music and Tempo

The bronze Cha- Cha music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 30-32 measures per minute for examinations and competitions. The following timing is mandatory: 1,2,3,4 and 1,2,3,4.

Style and Characteristic

The Cha-Cha is a spot dance that does not move along the line of dance.

Steps are quite compact, with the feet usually no more than 12 inches apart. Cuban motion is used throughout the Cha-Cha, unless like the Rumba, it would interfere with the appearance or feeling. A slightly more staccato movement of the hips is characteristic of the Cha-Cha.

Cuban Motion (Latin Hip Movement)

Cuban motion is the authentic rolling lateral motion of the hips, which occurs as each step taken. Each step is started with the knee bent and end with the leg straight. The upper torso (rib cage) also plays a very important part in the application of Cuban motion. So each step is taken, the rib cage should be allowed to shift from side to side over the knee that is bent. Cuban motion is used as a means of expression to the music and should therefore reflect the various rhythmical characteristics of the Latin dances. It should be expressed in a very subtle and controlled and controlled manner.