Cha Cha

 Certain seedpods on the West Indies and a certain bell in Haiti are called cha-cha (dancelovers.com). However, it is not sure if the name of the dance originates from these two items. It can happen that the name is onomatopoeic and only resembles the three quick steps done to two beats (about.com).

In the 1930s the Cuban orchestra “American” slowed down the music of the Mambo, dancers started to do a triple step on the slow count, and that is how “Triple Mambo” or Cha Cha was born. “The Cha Cha was introduced to the United States in 1954, and by 1959 Americans were "gaga over Cha Cha", with dance studios reporting it to be their most popular dance” (dacelovers.com). 

It is quite funny that Mambo was slowed down because people complained about it being too fast, and as a result, an even more energetic dance was formed. Because Cha Cha roots from Mambo it has many similar steps to it. What differentiates Cha Cha is that the slow steps of Mambo are replaced by three fast steps. 

          Examine how stiff and straight the upper bodies of the dancers are. When the shoulders do a little circle it is completely deliberate, after which they occupy their original position and freeze again. In the meantime, the legs and hips move completely separated from the upper body as they were gone crazy and uncontrollable. I would like to emphasize again, as I have already done so in earlier posts, the essence to most dances is to be accurate in moves and to always end every step not letting the movements blur together.

          Please take my next words as a kind-hearted advice: be patient with yourself and your partner. Doing the Cha Cha requires concentration and practice for all dancers because of the simultaneous movements of the leg, arm, hip, and shoulders. First, you should start real slow and then, if you feel comfortable with your performance, you can speed it up gradually. 

Whatever you do, just start dancing and don’t give up!