Cha Cha Dance

Cha-cha-cha - The cha-cha-cha- like, salsa is a Latin American form of dancing that owes most of it to the Cuban origins. On the heels of salsa cha-cha-cha also takes its origin from the cha-cha-cha music that was founded by composer Enrique Jorrin. Like all the dance forms cha-cha-cha too developed into three forms depending on the influences it had from diverse civilizations. The three forms of this dance are named as follows, ballroom cha-cha-cha, street cha-cha-cha and in Cuba count ‘two-three-cha-cha-cha’.

History of cha-cha-cha

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the dance form cha-cha-cha became popular in the year1954 and is very often known as cha-cha in the modern world. Cha-cha-cha owes its birth to the dance form mambo, in fact it won’t be wrong to call cha-cha as an offshoot of mambo. There was a clear and individual sound in the tempo of mambo that caught the musical ear of the people and they started dancing to it. People started dancing on this distinct and individual tune and this dance came to be known as the ‘triple’ mambo. Very soon it started gaining popularity and developed an identity of its own now known as cha-cha. Cha-cha-cha would have remained obsolete had it not been for a British teacher, Pierre Leville who is credited to have introduced this popular dance form to the world.

Cha-cha-cha first claim to popularity

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Cha-cha-cha first rose in the popularity charts in the year 1956. This year was infact known as the cha-cha-cha boom. Guajira, a product of triple Mambo via Danzon predates all the "social" versions. The Guajira rhythm is still used as the basis by Cubans and Puerto Ricans, who are of the belief, that the other versions were anglicized to suit the American market. As is usual with the more authentic forms of dance, a very limited variety of steps are used. It can still be seen danced in many South Florida night clubs.

Cha Cha is either danced to authentic Latin music, or more contemporary Latin Pop or Latin Rock. The music for the ballroom Cha-cha-cha is energetic and with a steady beat. The "Latin" cha-cha-cha is slower, more sensual and may involve complicated rhythms. "Cowboy" Cha-Cha-Cha is danced basically to any "four to the floor" music; in addition there are a number of C/W novelty dances with the names that include "cha-cha-cha".

Footwork: In general, 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; however, some steps require that the heel remain lifted from the floor. When weight is released from a foot, the heel should release from the floor first, allowing the toe to maintain contact with the floor.

Hip movement: In traditional American Rhythm style, Latin hip movement is achieved through the alternate bending and straightening action of the knees, though in modern competitive dancing, the technique is virtually identical to the International Latin style. In the International Latin style, the weighted leg is almost always 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.

Learn cha-cha-cha through videos and DVDs

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Most of the dances that have their origin in the Latin America seem to be quite difficult. It is true that the Latin American dances have a very distinct grace, poise, and tempo that are very individual. They can be singled out from a gamut of dances. However, experts have always maintained that contrary to popular belief Latin American dances are not as difficult to learn as they apparently seem to be. The same is also true of cha-cha. This dance form can even be learned with the help of the videos and the DVDs. There are a plenty of learn to dance DVDs and videos that teach cha-cha-cha. These DVDs and videos are even accessible to those who live in areas where cha-cha dancing is not taught but they have a passion for it nevertheless. For the people who are keen on losing weight and have a passion for dance, the online videos are a go grabber. They are just the perfect choice for the people who are short on time and can’t afford to devote extra time on dancing and exercising. Thus the online videos serve a two in one purpose and the best part is that there are quite a few dance videos to choose from, according to your priorities and the strength of your wallet. Among all the dance forms, the Latin American dances win hands down as far as far as online order is concerned. Many feel online dancing is not possible. Well, there are a number of assumptions to it. Most of the people who go for the online dance videos do not aspire to be professional dancers. It is absolutely a twist of fate if in case these people end up as professional and good dancers.