LATIN STYLE: CHA CHA

This versatile dance is perfect for many contemporary pop tunes, some classic rock ‘n roll, and various Latin rhythms. Along with Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata, Cha Cha is very popular at Latin dance clubs and definitely a dance every good social dancer should know.

It takes its name from the characteristic “cha cha cha” shuffle step in the middle of each pattern. Many patterns are shared with Salsa, Mambo, Swing, and Rumba, but Cha Cha is more rhythmically complex. The music is in 4/4, but the patterns are usually 8 or more beats. Although some mistakenly learn the Cha Cha with a break step on 1, the correct way to dance the Cha Cha is to start the break step on the 2nd beat. Therefore, the dance is counted: 2 3 4&5 6 7 8&1–where the 4&5 and 8&1 is the Cha Cha Cha. Cha Cha is an excellent dance for developing footwork and timing. It is a ballroom dance as well as a street dance, therefore it can take on different stylings. Our curriculum includes what we believe are the best elements and patterns from both to create an exciting and useful social dance.