Cha cha dance

1. CHA-CHA DANCE O R
CHA-CHA-CHA

2. WHAT IS
CHA-CHA DANCE?

3. WHAT IS CHA-CHA-CHA?
• A fast ballroom dance of Latin America origin similar to mambo that follows a
rythimic pattern based upon a three step movement.
• A fast rythimic ballroom dance of Latin American origin with a basic pattern of
three steps and shuttle.
• Is a true latin dance and originated in Cuba where it evolved in danzon,an older
form of Cuban dance. It became popular in US in early 50’s.
• Latin-American ballroom dance with small steps and swaying hip movements

4. WHAT IS CHA-CHA-CHA?
• Is an offshort of the mambo that became popular in 1954. The music for
international cha-cha is energetic and with a steady beat.In general, steps are kept
compact and the dance in danced generally without any rise and fall.

5. HISTORY OF CHA-CHA
DANCE

6. HISTORY OF CHA-CHA-CHA
ORIGINATED: CUBA
GENRE:BALLROOM DANCE
YEAR:1951
It is danced to the music of same name introduced by Cuban composer and violinist
Enrique Jourin in the Early‘s 1950’s

7. CHARACTERISTICS OF CHA-CHA
• Cha Cha is a lively, fun, cheeky and playful dance. It is a non-progressive dance
that emphasizes Cuban motion, distinguished by the chasses (cha-cha-cha)
typically danced during the 4&1 counts of the music. Cuban motion in Cha Cha is
more staccato than Rumba to reflect the music with emphasis on count 1.
• It is characterized by fast movement,quick spins,strong hip movement,sharp
actions and staccato.A lively,playful and groovy social dance.

8. STYLES OF CHA-CHA DANCE

9. STYLE OF CHA-CHA DANCE
• Hip movements,lending and straightening of the knees give the cha-cha the classic Cuban motion.
• In traditional American Rhythm style, Latin hip movement is achieved through the alternate
bending and straightening action of the knees, though in modern competitive dancing, the
technique is virtually identical to the "international Latin" style.
• In the international Latin style, the weighted leg is almost always straight. The free leg will bend,
allowing the hips to naturally settle into the direction of the weighted leg. As a step is taken, a free
leg will straighten the instant before it receives weight. It should then remain straight until it is
completely free of weight again.

10. WHY IS CUBAN HIP ACTION IMPORTANT IN CHA-CHA
DANCE?
• Cuban motion is proper hip movement. It is what the body does naturally when
you need to shift weight from one leg to the other and maintain balance and
control. Correct Cuban Motion is essential to maintain balance, keep timing, and
improve your leading and following ability.
• This hip action is called Latin or Cuban motion. It is very important to understand
the musical timing of Cha Cha to dance it correctly. If you don't, it will always have
a "frantic feeling" and fast Cha Cha's will be very difficult to dance.

11. BENEFITS OF CHA-CHA DANCING

12. BENEFITS OF CHA-CHA DANCING
• It is a great cardio workout that also tones your legs, glutes, and core
• Looking to meet new people and make new friends? Dance classes are a great way
to do that!
• Dancing as been shown to relieve stress and even improve your brain health
• Your self-esteem and confidence are sure to get a boost from dance lessons

13. BENEFITS OF CHA-CHA DANCING
• improved condition of your heart and lungs
• increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
• increased aerobic fitness
• improved muscle tone and strength
• weight management
• stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis

14. BENEFITS OF CHA-CHA DANCING
• better coordination, agility and flexibility
• improved balance and spatial awareness
• increased physical confidence
• improved mental functioning
• improved general and psychological wellbeing
• greater self-confidence and self-esteem
• better social skills.

15. HOW CAN SOCIAL DANCING LIKE CHA-CHA CAN
IMPROVE YOU POSTURE AND LIFESTYLE?
• Social dancing such as cha-cha leads to muscle strength bild-up because the art of
having causes the muscles of a dancer to resist their own body weight using swift
moves,raises,twists and turns will help you gain more muscle strength in your
arms,legs and heart.

16. CHA-CHA TIME SIGNATURE
• The time signature is written as 4/4, implying that the basic unit of the music is a
sequence of four beats. However, the four-beat measures associate into pairs, and
it is often practical to think the music as a sequence of eight-beat measure-pairs.
This makes especial sense in dance, since the basic movement takes eight beats.
• The tempo is 30 to 34 bars per minute, or 120 to 132 beats per minute. The
characteristic feature of cha cha-cha music is the division of the last quarter of a
measure with a tick at the middle of the time interval. In letters, the rhythm is
1234&1234&1... The extra tick & is halfway between 4 and the following 1.

17. BASIC SIDE
STEPS FOR
MEN

18. BASIC SIDE STEPS 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

19. BASIC SIDE
STEPS FOR
WOMEN

20. BASIC SIDE STEPS 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

21. Video links on how to Dance CHA-CHA:
• https://youtu.be/QjcWXpvA5e8
• https://youtu.be/9IbUH1X3hlQ