The Cha-Cha Dance
Here is an excerpt covering the cha-cha (or cha-cha-cha) style of ballroom dance, which has Cuban origins, including its tempo, style, and steps. The passage is from a book all about ballroom dance called "The Art of Ballroom Dance." Check it out.
Title: The Art of Ballroom Dance
Author: Dennis J. Fallon, Sue Ann Kuchenmeister
Excerpt:
Title: The Art of Ballroom Dance
Author: Dennis J. Fallon, Sue Ann Kuchenmeister
Excerpt:
The Cha-Cha
A Latin American influence in music and dance became evident during the 1940s when Havana, Cuba, was a popular resort spot for Americans. Musicians who played in the nightclubs developed the Mambo rhythm out of a combination of American Jazz and the Cuban Rumba. A dance was created to fit this Mambo, but because it had an offbeat rhythm, it was danced mostly by those familiar with intricate Afro-Cuban music.
The Cha-Cha evolved from a Mambo figure which consisted of two slow steps followed by three quick changes of weight. These three quick steps gave the dance its frequently used name, Cha-Cha-Cha. This syncopated rhythm replaced the offbeat rhythm of the Mambo, making it easier for the ballroom dancer to adjust to the Latin American tempo and style of dancing.
The Cha-Cha evolved from a Mambo figure which consisted of two slow steps followed by three quick changes of weight. These three quick steps gave the dance its frequently used name, Cha-Cha-Cha. This syncopated rhythm replaced the offbeat rhythm of the Mambo, making it easier for the ballroom dancer to adjust to the Latin American tempo and style of dancing.
Tempo
A moderate tempo between 128 to 140 beats per minute is comfortable for dancing the Cha-Cha. The unique style of the Cha-Cha tends to lose its quality with any faster tempo.
Rhythm
Music for the Cha-Cha is written in 4/4 time with the third beat split into two eighth notes
...
...
Steps
The steps included for the Cha-Cha are:
Beginner's Section: Cha-Cha Basic, Crossover, Half Chase, Side Rock, Alternate Cross, Full Chase, Kick
Advanced Section: Traveling Touch, Back Break, Roll In-Roll Out, Double Crossover, Full Turn, Crossover Turn
Beginner's Section: Cha-Cha Basic, Crossover, Half Chase, Side Rock, Alternate Cross, Full Chase, Kick
Advanced Section: Traveling Touch, Back Break, Roll In-Roll Out, Double Crossover, Full Turn, Crossover Turn
Styling
Much of the Cha-Cha's styling is similar to that of the Rumba and Mambo. Cuban dances are smooth and the feet do all the work with minimum upper body movement. Each step is small and close to the floor while the knees and pelvis are kept relaxed. Dancers should keep their weight on the insides of their feet with their knees forward.
Because the majority of the movement is created from the waist down, the arms and hands are free to express the natural body rhythm felt by each dancer. However, the arms are always kept slightly flexed to maintain the stylish appearance of the Cha-Cha.
This dance remains somewhat stationary and is danced most frequently in a Free Position, allowing dancers maximum freedom of movement and creativity. The Cha-Cha is danced also in Closed and Link Positions and moves with a diagonal, in-place, or traveling floor pattern.
Because the majority of the movement is created from the waist down, the arms and hands are free to express the natural body rhythm felt by each dancer. However, the arms are always kept slightly flexed to maintain the stylish appearance of the Cha-Cha.
This dance remains somewhat stationary and is danced most frequently in a Free Position, allowing dancers maximum freedom of movement and creativity. The Cha-Cha is danced also in Closed and Link Positions and moves with a diagonal, in-place, or traveling floor pattern.
Teaching the Cha-Cha
With all dancers facing the same direction and using the same footwork, begin marking time in place. Check that everyone is making five changes of weight per measure so that the next figure can begin with the opposite footwork. Dancers may be clapping or verbally counting the rhythm as it is practiced. After the dancers are thoroughly familiar with the rhythm, add music until the footwork and rhythm are coordinated. Be certain to choose music with a distinct rhythm. As new positions and steps are taught, always begin by having the students practice them individually, all facing in the same direction.
Remind dancers that there should be a feeling of resistance as they shift their body weight forward and backward.
- from "The Art of Ballroom Dance," by Dennis J. Fallon, Sue Ann Kuchenmeister
Remind dancers that there should be a feeling of resistance as they shift their body weight forward and backward.
- from "The Art of Ballroom Dance," by Dennis J. Fallon, Sue Ann Kuchenmeister