A short overview of Cha Cha Cha:

A lively and rhythmical dance, the strong hip action and accented beat on 1 gives this dance a regular style. The many different chasse actions add to the style and character of this dance. Creating a half close chasse action and a hip movement travelling in the same direction plus the inclusion of a Latin Cross helps to complete a classic and authentic appearance.

Music is one of the reasons that dancing comes alive. Without an appreciation of music, this dance does not have a happy, playful style.

Time Signature:

The two numbers placed at the beginning of a piece of music that look like a fraction¹.

The time signature for Cha Cha Cha is 4/4.

The top number shows that there are four beats in every bar of music.

The lower number is the musical value, in this case the musical term for the value is a crotchet.

Rhythm – Accented Beats:

In every bar of music one or more beats are accented², this gives good rhythm³.

The accented beat or beats are an important part of all dance music. Because the same accent or accents are in every bar of music, it helps to give the music its character.

When dancing, you should interpret the accented beat by giving your foot placement more impact⁴.

The accented beat in Cha Cha Cha is beat 1.

• Both knees straighten on the accented beat and the hips fully transfer to the supporting leg, these actions are accented movements.

Tempo:

Tempo is the speed at which a piece of music is played.

It is calculated by bars per minute. The greater the number of beats or bars per minute, the faster a piece of music is played.

The correct tempo for Cha Cha Cha is 28 to 30 bars per minute.

Teaching Tip: 

• To be able to create good dancing, especially at a beginner level, the music can be played slower.

Beat Values:

Every step danced to music has its own beat value. A beat value is the time it takes for each note to be played, in dance we use that to give our dancing numbered timings.

• For every single count the timing is: 1 beat (beat 2,  3 & 1)
• For every split single count or & count the timing is: 1/2 beat (4 &)

Therefore for Close Basic:

Timing: 2 3 4 & 1   2 3 4 & 1

The beat values will be: 1.  1.  1/2.  1/2.  1.  1.  1.  1/2.  1/2.  1.

Rhythmical Body and Foot Interpretation:

The walk action, poise and weight distribution⁵ are the same as in Rumba, except for some Backward Walks.

• Because of the speed of the music, to ensure that the heel lowers to the floor on the last Backward Walk and the weight is recovered forward at the correct time, the count will be 2 & a (beat value 1/2. 1/4. 1/4). This will give the weight settlement a set timing⁶ on the last 1/4 beat of count 2. You then transfer weight forward on count 3.

Examples of where this timing applies:

Step 1 for the lady and step 6 for the man of Close Basic.

Steps 1, 6, 11 of Hand to Hand for the man and lady.

Step 1 of Alemana from Open Position with Left to Right Hand Hold for the lady.

The same rhythm count and action is used on a Checked Forward Walk. 

¹ Fraction – A mathematical term where one number is placed on top of another.

² Accented – A beat or beats of music that has a strong sound, this regular accent gives the music its rhythm.

³ Rhythm – The regular accented beat or beats in a bar of music.

⁴ Impact – Dancing a step or steps using a slightly stronger foot action.

⁵ Distribution – The way in which your weight is balanced.

⁶ Set timing – Often dancers do not lower the heel on the last Backward Walk but stay on the ball of the foot; set timing gives them exact time to settle the weight into the heel.