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Background
Cha Cha is an offshoot of the Mambo. In the slow
Mambo tempo, there was a distinct sound in the music that people began
dancing to, calling the step the "Triple" Mambo. Eventually it
evolved into a separate dance, known today as the Cha Cha. The dance
consists of three quick steps (triple step or cha cha cha) and two slower
steps on the one beat and two beat.
Technical specifics
| Meter: |
4/4 |
| Tempo: |
128 beats
per minute |
| Basic
Rhythm: |
2, 3, 4&1, 2, 3, 4&1
(accent on count 1)
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| Music
Style: |
Medium-tempo Latin
music
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Listen to
sample music
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View the
dance position
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Movement fundamentals
Footwork:
Steps in all directions should be taken first with the ball of the foot in
contact with the floor, and then with the heel lowering when the weight is
fully transferred. When weight is released from a foot, the heel should
release first, allowing the toe to maintain contact with the floor.
Hip Movement: Latin Hip movement is achieved through the alternate
bending and straightening action of the knees. In the International Latin
style, the weighted leg should be 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.
Click
HERE for the steps of the
Cha Cha.
»
Link
to more advanced Cha Cha steps
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