Cha Cha Dance

Back to Dance Index   Cha Cha Dance History Originally known as the Cha-Cha-Cha. Became popular about 1954. 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. Cha Cha Fast Facts: The Cha Cha is a cheeky, lively and flirtatious dance. It has a catch-me-if-you-can atmosphere, and is light and bubbly. It has a distinctive syncopation where 5 steps are danced to four beats hence the 'One, two, cha cha cha' description. The dance is originally from Cuba. Distinctive moves: Triple steps (Chassez) and rock steps are the basic components of the Cha Cha. Since the Cha Cha is derived from the Rumba and Mambo dances, Cuban Motion is an important aspect of this dance as well as maintaining quick compact steps. Cuban Motion describes the hip motion resulting from the alternate bending and straightening of the knees. The dancers should synchronize movements, working in parallel with each other. The New Yorker is a characteristic move, where a dancer steps across their partner and checks to change direction.