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Learn About the
Cha Cha
An American Rhythm Dance(International Latin Dance)
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The Cha Cha
originated in the 1950's as an off shoot of the Mambo and became the
"Triple Mambo". It is thought to have originated in Cuba, and is
the most popular of all of the Latin-American dances. The Cha Cha
has a very distinctive melodic and staccato sound and has dominated
the top 40 and pop rhythms for the past 40 to 50 years. The music
rivals the popularity of the swing sounds. Every decade has it’s
own distinctive hits and most of those lend themselves to the Cha
Cha rhythm. It is danced in Discos or Night Clubs, Country Clubs,
Studios, as well as, one of the competitive dances in both the
American and International Styles.
The Cha Cha
is a strong and rhythmical dance, with tight hip actions and ribcage
isolations. The Cha Cha is a very playful dance with great
partnership and solo elements. One of the most popular and exciting
of the Latin or Rhythm styles of dance.
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Character:
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Fast, fun and
rhythmical, hip and rib action is essential.
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1. |
Danced in
One Spot |
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2. |
Cuban
Motion (hip action) |
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3. |
Strong use
of Rib-Cage action |
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4. |
Na-Ni-Go
action (Forward & Back) |
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5. |
Rocking
Actions, Chasses, Locking Steps |
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6. |
Solo
Movements emphasized, kicks, flicks, ripples, spins, etc. |
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Footwork: |
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Ball/Flat
throughout, toes turned out.
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*Note 1. On
side movements, the foot can roll from the inside edge to a flat
foot
*Note 2. And
on "Back" Rocking the heel may or may not lower depending on the
speed of the music. Also, when dancing Back Spot Turns (Natural
Tops) the right "hooking" should be placed with weight on ball of
foot only.
*Note 3.
When dancing forward or back "Chasses" or "Locks" the footwork is:
Forward - Ball/Flat, Ball, Ball/Flat
Backward - Ball, Ball/Flat, Ball/Flat |
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Tempo:
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47- 51
MPM
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Count: |
Cha Cha Rhythm:
1 2 3
4 & , 1 2 3 4 &
Count & Beat
Values:
1 2 3 4
&
slow slow
slow quick quick
side rock
step side
close
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There
are various additional counts that can also be used in advanced
variations.
Generally, the 1, 2, and 3 counts in the music are danced slowly
and held strongly. The 4, and & counts are quicker and
require a strong staccato action (splitting the 4 beat).
The 4 and the & get quick counts, which are 1/2 beats. The 1,
2, 3 are all quarter notes and get a whole beat each. |
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This content is intended as general information and should
not be used in lieu of an actual dance class to learn the
aforementioned dance. |
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