TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Style:


International Latin

Meter:


4/4

Tempo:


128 beats per minute

Basic Rhythm:


2, 3, 4&1, 2, 3, 4&1 (accent on count 1)

Music Style:


Medium-tempo Latin music.

DESCRIPTION

Cha Cha is a rhythmical Latin dance which originated in the 1940's as a modified form of Mambo. It's fun, energetic, sexy and flirtatious, easily distinguished from other dances by its addictive "Step, Step, Cha Cha Cha" rhythm.

MOVEMENT

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.




DANCE POSITION

When dancing Latin, stand upright with weight held forward towards the balls of the feet. The basic Latin hold is compact, with partners standing slightly apart. The lady's right hand and man's left hand are joined in an upper-hand clasp at approximately the lady's eye level. The man's right hand is placed on the lady's shoulder blade, with the lady's left arm resting easily on his right. The resulting dance "fra

Cha Cha Syllabus

Below is a complete list of the patterns of the Cha Cha syllabus. You can view a video clip, or read the written description of the man's or lady's parts by clicking on the appropriate icon. If no icons appear next to a pattern, it does not yet have a description or breakdown.



BEGINNING BRONZE
1a. Closed Basic Movement
1b. Open Basic Movement
1c. Alternative Basic Movement
1d. Basic Movement In Place
2. New York
3a. Spot Turns
3b. Underarm Turns to R & L




INTERMEDIATE BRONZE
4. Shoulder to Shoulder
5. Hand to Hand
6a. Three Cha Chas
6b. Three Cha Chas to Left and Right Side Position
7. Side Steps
8. There and Back
9. Time Steps




FULL BRONZE
10. Fan
11. Alemana
12. Hockey Stick
13. Natural Top
14. Natural Opening Out Movement
15. Closed Hip Twist




SILVER
16. Open Hip Twist
17. Reverse Top
18. Opening Out from Reverse Top
19. Aida
20a. Spiral
20b. Curl
20c. Rope Spinning
21. Cross Basic
22. Cuban Breaks
23. Chase




GOLD
24. Advanced Hip Twist
25. Hip Twist Spiral
26. Turkish Towel
27. Sweetheart
28. Follow Mt Leader
29. Foot Chages

(Theo hue-dancesport.com)