CHA CHA. The Cha-Cha adds fun to your dancing through it's syncopated steps and many open movements. When you can dance many interesting combinations with ease, you and your partner will be able to feel the pulsating latin rhythms which make this dance so fascinating. The energetic rhythm of the Cha-Cha encourages you to cut loose and let your personality show.
HISTORY. One of the most popular Latin dances in the U.S., the Cha Cha began as a variation of the Mambo called triple Mambo. It was so easy and so much fun, it became the rage of the early 1950's. It's infections on-two, one-two-three, rhythm demands that sitters become dancers. Everybody can learn the Cha Cha.
MUSIC. Cha Cha music is written in 4/4 time and may be played over a wide range of tempos. Often in Cha Cha music, a rhythmical link can be heard between each measure resulting in an overall rhythm of 1, 2, 3, 4 & repeated over and over.
CHARACTERISTICS. Triple steps (Chasse) and rock steps are the basic components of the Cha Cha. Since the Cha Cha is derived from the Rumba and Mambo, Cuban Motion is an important aspect of this dance.
Cha Cha songs and artists include:
· Oye Como Va - Tito Puente
· Black Magic Woman - Santana
· Bang Bang - David Sanborn
· Jezabel - Ricky Martin
Go BACK
TEACHING ELEMENTS.
· Cha Cha Breaks--Concentrate on combinations and variations
· Appearance in Shine Positions--Open leads, self expression, arms, and hands
· Quick Footwork (syncopations)--Build staccato footwork & syncopated movement
· Cha Cha Turns--Develop momentum control, weight off heels
· Variety (Interrelation)--Add variety by adapting patterns from related dances.
· Amalgamations--Stress importance of combinations
· Compare/Contrast--Rumba, Mambo, Salsa, Swing
TEACHING ELEMENTS (CONTINUED).