PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2

What is Cha Cha?

The Cha-Cha is a lively and fun dance that really gets you moving on the dance floor. Quite
similar to the Rumba and Mambo, Cha-Cha took the slower steps of both dance and added a
triple step. The Cha-Cha has become a must learn for beginning dance students. Throughout
the years gaining popularity due to its simplicity and energy.

The History of The Cha-Cha

The basics moves of the cha cha are very simple. The leader starts off with their left foot and
the follower starts with their right foot. During the next beat, the follower counts one or three
of the measures. At the same time, the leader would adjust their movement to the follower’s
location on the dance floor. The follower walks forward in the first two beats of each pattern
then steps three times at the end of the movement. This is known as the anchor step.

There are two versions of the origin of the name Cha Cha. The first gives credit to a Cuban
violinist named Enrique Jorrin. Jorrin coined the term “Cha Cha” to vocally mimic the shuffling
sound of the dancer’s shoes when it hits the dance floor.

Pierre Lavelle is credited as importing the Cha Cha to the continent of Europe. During the
1950’s Lavelle would travel to Cuba to observe and study the culture’s style of dance. He
noticed how the dancers added additional steps to the normal Rumba and Mambo dances.
When he returned home from Cuba, he began teaching this hybrid dance we all know now as
the Cha Cha.

The second version of the origin of the Cha Cha states that it hails from religious ritualistic
dances from the West Indies. Historical studies show that Voodoo band leaders used small
rattles created from Cha Cha plants to create a unique sound. The distinct rattle combined with
bells and drums were used as a metronome to measure time when dancing and singing.
KINDS OF STEPS IN CHA CHA

Starting with a Prep Step

1. Start with your feet together. Understanding the syncopated step (4 and 1) is key to
executing a good cha cha.Your feet should be together when you begin, with your left
foot popped up slightly so that you are balancing on the ball of your foot. Most of your
weight should be supported by your right foot.
2. Step out to the left. Keep your right foot in the same place, and step out to the left, just
past the width of your shoulders. As you step to the left, let your hips follow your foot.
Your left hip should be popped out slightly to the left side, just over your left foot.
3. Slide your right foot to meet your left and then back. Once your left foot is popped out,
lightly slide your right foot across the floor to meet your left foot. Then slide your right
foot behind you. As you slide your right foot back, lift your left foot up slightly.
4. Rock forward to your left foot. Once your right foot is in place behind you, rock forward
so that your weight shifts from your right foot to your left foot. Then bring your right
foot up to meet it. This is the main starting position for the cha cha.

Performing a Basic Cha Cha Step

1. Start with a triple step. Your feet should be together. Pop your right foot up slightly, but
keep the ball of your foot on the floor. Lower your right heel to the floor as your raise
your left foot up. Then lower your left heel to the floor and raise your right heel. Repeat
once more on the right side.

 The rhythm of this step is the "cha cha cha" that gives the dance its name. It should take
two beats of whatever song you're dancing to.
 You should end with your right heel on the floor and your left heel lifted off the floor
slightly, resting on the ball of your foot.
 This triple step is one of the most basic cha cha steps, so it’s important that you practice
it.
 2. Take a rock step forward with your left foot. Don’t take a huge step – your left foot
should only extend about a foot in front of you. As you step forward, your right heel
should come up off the floor as you rock onto the ball of your right foot.
 This step should happen on the third beat of the song.
 The rocking step should be pretty smooth. Both of your feet should always be partially
touching the floor as you transfer your weight from one foot to the other.

3. Perform a rock step from your right to left foot. Rock your right foot back so that your
heel is on the floor again. As you do this, bring your left foot back to meet your right
foot in the starting position.

1. This step should happen on the fourth beat of whatever song you're dancing to.

4. Repeat the triple step. Once you replace your left foot, repeat the triple step, beginning
with your left foot this time.

5. Rock step backward with your right foot. Extend your right leg back so that the ball of
your foot touches the floor. As your rock backward and your right heel takes your
weight, lift your left foot up so that the ball of your foot comes off the floor and your
heel stays in place. Then rock back onto your left foot and bring your right leg back to
starting position.

 It is good to learn cross body lead, basic ladies turn, and the basic step to get started

Trying a Side Basic Step

1. Start with a prep step. The side basic step starts with the same basic prep step as the
basic Cha Cha step. Stand with your feet together, then slide your left foot out to the
side, transferring your weight there. Slide your right foot toward your left and then
back, rocking back so it takes your weight, lifting your left foot in the process. Then rock
back forward, letting your left foot take your weight again.
 2. Step to the right. Instead of bringing your right foot back to meet your left foot and
returning to starting position, bring your right foot up to your left foot and then out to
the side. Your right foot should be just wider than shoulder width.

3. Slide your left foot to meet your right. Transfer the weight of your body to your right
foot, and lightly slide your left foot to meet your right. You should pop up your right foot
as your left meets it.

4. Step to the right again. Once your feet have returned to starting position, transfer the
weight of your body to your left foot and step out to the right again, taking the weight
of your body.

5. ake a rock step forward. With your right foot still out slightly, step diagonally with your
left foot, so your feet are closer than shoulder width apart but your left foot is in front of
your right. Place your left foot on the ground, rocking forward so your right heel lifts up.
Then rock back onto your right foot, returning your left foot to the starting position.

6. Repeat the side step on your left side. Bearing your weight on your right foot, step to
the left. Then lift your right foot off the ground so just the ball of your foot maintains
contact. Then slide your right foot to your left so they’re together, taking the weight on
your right foot. Then step to the left one more time.

7.
Take a rocking backstep. Transfer your weight to your left foot, and step back with your
right. Once your right heel hits the floor, lift your left foot slightly so only your heel
makes contact. As you move your right foot forward again, step out to the right and
repeat the side step.

Making Your Cha Cha Look Professional

1. Keep your hips moving. You may learn the dance for social or competitive purposes.
The motion in your hips is one of the most important components of the Cha Cha. Your
hips should move to follow your feet. Move your hips to the left as you pop your left
foot out. Roll them back and to the right to follow your foot back.

2. Keep your arms loose. If you’re dancing the Cha Cha alone, your arms will be loose
without a partner to hold onto. Feel free to keep moving them to the rhythm of the
music, following your hips as you move them match your feet.
3. Dress like a Cha Cha dancer. If you’re a woman, wear a skirt or dress that’s flowy
with a lot of movement. You can also wear a scarf around your hips to accentuate
their movement. Men can wear long pants with a high waist to accentuate the
length of their legs. Men and women should both wear dancing shoes.

DESCRIPTION AND IMAGES OF CHA CHA

The cha-cha is a vibrant, flamboyant and playful dance. The light and bubbly feel of the cha-
cha gives it a unique sense of fun. The cha-cha requires small steps and lots of hip motion
(Cuban motion), as it is danced in 4/4 time. The fourth beat is split into two, giving it the
characteristic rhythm of 2, 3, 4 and 1.
4.