Cha Cha Cha

Cha Cha Cha

The Cha Cha Cha is a Latin-American dance with 4-beat-count, originally from Cuba. The dance is a further development of mambo and was introduced by bandleader Enrique Jorrin in 1953. It is considered to have gotten it's name after the pattern of the steps: 2 slow steps followed by 3 quick steps (go-go-cha-cha-cha). The dance came to USA through Mexico and from there on to Europe, where it became very popular.

Cha Cha Cha music sample

Fast Facts:

• The Cha Cha is a cheeky, lively and flirtatious dance. It has a catch-me-if-you-can atmosphere, and is light and bubbly.
• It has a distinctive syncopation where 5 steps are danced to four beats hence the 'One, two, cha cha cha' description.
• The dance is originally from Cuba.

Distinctive moves:

• Triple steps (chassez) and rock steps are the basic components of the Cha Cha. Since the Cha Cha is derived from the Rumba and Mambo dances, Cuban Motion is an important aspect of this dance as well as maintaining quick compact steps. Cuban Motion describes the hip motion resulting from the alternate bending and straightening of the knees.
• The dancers should synchronize movements, working in parallel with each other.
• The New Yorker is a characteristic move, where a dancer steps across their partner and checks to change direction.