The cha-cha combines quick footwork (usually triple steps and rock steps) with dramatic hip and arm movements. Overall, it’s an upbeat dance that oozes confidence and flare. A great cha-cha dance is full of fun and pizazz!
Created in Cuba during the middle of the 20th century by composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin, the cha-cha (formerly, the ‘cha-cha-cha’) contains elements of mambo and swing dance and is usually performed alongside Latin music.
Genre:
Latin
Tempo:
Written in 4/4 time. Should be played at a tempo of 30-32 measures per minute.
The Benefits of Cha-Cha
Improve Your Body Image: dancers move their entire body while performing the cha-cha and this helps them to learn how to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Increase Hand-Eye Coordination: while dancing the cha-cha, partners must learn to occasionally maintain eye contact. This greatly improves one’s of sense coordination.
Show Off Your Self-Expression: like any dance, the cha-cha places emphasis on dancers’ self-expression. In other words, the more you cha-cha, the more you’ll feel comfortable expressing yourself through movement!
