Cha Cha

HISTORY

The dances that have become popular have, with few exceptions, derived their personal heritage from the influence of another dance. The One-Step influenced the Foxtrot, and so it goes. The Cha Cha follows this theory to an uncommon degree. It gathers its personality, character, rhythm, basis, and charm from two major dance sources. It is a derivation of the Mambo through its Latin music and it is also a stepchild of the Swing, as it is danced to its "1-2-3, step - step" rhythm.

The Cha Cha, like the Mambo, has two geographical points from which it sprang: Cuba and the U.S.A. Each country has used a slightly different styling and pattern form. Unlike the Merengue, which for years was staunchly claimed by both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, there is very little claiming done about the Cha Cha. Probably everyone is just happy doing the dance and letting the claims of origin fall where they may.

Much has been said about the Rumba and Mambo, but little has been written about the history of the Cha Cha. Possibly because it is so closely identified with the Mambo, although it has many factors of its own that make it a dance to be reckoned with. The tempo is slow and staccato, much like a sensational blues number. It is so much an "on the beat" dance that you can't help but inject your own feeling 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 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: 2, 3, 4, & 1 -- 2, 3, 4, &, 1

STYLE

The Cha Cha is a spot dance not moving along the Line of Dance (LOD). Steps are quite compact, with feet usually no more than 12 inches apart. Latin Hip Movement is used throughout the Cha Cha, unless otherwise indicated. A more staccato Hip Movement is characteristic of the Cha Cha.

LATIN HIP MOVEMENT

See description in the Rumba.