The Cha-Cha is a lively and fun dance that really gets you moving on the dance floor. Quite similar to the Rumba and Mambo, Cha-Cha took the slower steps of both dance and added a triple step. The Cha-Cha has become a must learn for beginning dance students. Throughout the years gaining popularity due to its simplicity and energy.
The History of The Cha-Cha
First introduced to the United States in 1954, the popular dance was at one time referred to as Cha Cha Cha. By 1959, the dance movement gained so much popularity that it eventually replaced the Mambo as the most popular dance. By this time the name has been reduced to the famillar Cha Cha. By far the biggest reason of the cha cha explosion is its versatility. Allowing dancers to create their own hybrid dances.
The basics moves of the cha cha are very simple. The leader starts off with their left foot and the follower starts with their right foot. During the next beat, the follower counts one or three of the measures. At the same time, the leader would adjust their movement to the follower’s location on the dance floor. The follower walks forward in the first two beats of each pattern then steps three times at the end of the movement. This is known as the anchor step.
There are two versions of the origin of the name Cha Cha. The first gives credit to a Cuban violinist named Enrique Jorrin. Jorrin coined the term “Cha Cha” to vocally mimic the shuffling sound of the dancer’s shoes when it hits the dance floor.
Pierre Lavelle is credited as importing the Cha Cha to the continent of Europe. During the 1950’s Lavelle would travel to Cuba to observe and study the culture’s style of dance. He noticed how the dancers added additional steps to the normal Rumba and Mambo dances. When he returned home from Cuba, he began teaching this hybrid dance we all know now as the Cha Cha.
The second version of the origin of the Cha Cha states that it hails from religious ritualistic dances from the West Indies. Historical studies show that Voodoo band leaders used small rattles created from Cha Cha plants to create a unique sound. The distinct rattle combined with bells and drums were used as a metronome to measure time when dancing and singing.
Different Styles of Cha Cha Dance
When dancing the Cha Cha there are two distinct styles being performed, International and American Rhythm. The international style is mostly used competitive dancing and is more advanced. It is recommended that a dancer should learn the American rhythm style before trying to master the international. Both styles share similar characteristics such as:
- Steps are small, most movements coming from hips and pelvic area
- Danced to a steady 4/4 beat
- usually dance to some form of Latin style music
No matter the style of Cha Cha you choose the basic dance steps remain the same:
- With your left foot forward, slide and shift your weight to the left foot. While keeping the right foot still in its place.
- Now shift weight onto your right foot
- Place weight back to the left foot, slide left
Learn The Cha Cha at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham!
The Cha Cha is still considered one of the most popular dances at dance competitions and couples ask to learn the dance for weddings. It is a fun dance to learn that will bring you memories for a lifetime. Take the first step in your journey to a new world of dance. Schedule your lesson or class today by calling (919) 489-4313 or filling out the contact form below.
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FAQs
The Cha Cha dance originated in Cuba and grew out of the Cuban Triple Mambo. During a visit to Cuba in the early 1950s, an English dance teacher named Pierre Lavelle saw dancers performing this triple step to slow rumba and mambo music.
What is the history of Fred Astaire Dance Studio? ›
The company was co-founded by Astaire along with Charles and Chester Casanave in 1947. Astaire divested his interest in the chain in 1966, while agreeing the continued use of his name by the franchise. The studios became franchised in 1950; currently there are no corporate owned studios.
How many Fred Astaire dance studios are there in the United States? ›
FIRST STUDIO: The very first Fred Astaire Dance Studios® location was on Park Avenue in midtown Manhattan, NYC – and Fred Astaire himself was an occasional dance instructor! NETWORK SIZE: Today, our franchise network includes over 180 dance studio locations across the United States and around the world.
What are some fun facts about the cha-cha dance? ›
The Cha Cha was originally one of the figures within the Mambo where three quicker steps followed two slower steps and weight was changed on each step. This Mambo pattern became the basic step for the Cha Cha. In 1954 Cha-Cha burst into America and instantly took the place of Mambo.
What is the common injury when you dance Cha Cha? ›
Some common dance injuries are: Hip injuries: snapping hip syndrome, hip impingement, labral tears, hip flexor tendonitis, hip bursitis and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Foot and ankle injuries: Achilles tendonitis, trigger toe and ankle impingement. Knee injuries: patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Where does the male right hand go when dancing with a lady? ›
The man's right hand rests on the woman's back, cradling her left shoulder blade. The woman's left arm rests on top of the man's right arm, and her left hand rests gently on his right shoulder (figure 5.29).
At what age did Fred Astaire stop dancing? ›
Fred stopped dancing in nineteen seventy. He was more than seventy years old at the time. He said a dancer could not continue dancing forever. He said he did not want to disappoint anyone, even himself.
Who taught Fred Astaire to dance? ›
Astaire's older sister Adele was an instinctive dancer and singer early in her childhood. Johanna planned a brother-and-sister act, common in vaudeville at the time, for her two children. Although Fred refused dance lessons at first, he easily mimicked his older sister's steps and learned piano, accordion and clarinet.
What race was Fred Astaire? ›
Astaire was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Johanna “Ann” and Frederic “Fritz” Austerlitz. Astaire's mother was born in the United States to Lutheran German immigrants from East Prussia and Alsace, while Astaire's father was born in Linz, Austria, to Jewish parents who had converted to Catholicism.
Who is the CEO of Fred Astaire Dance Studio? ›
Luann Pulliam - Owner/director - Fred Astaire dance studios | LinkedIn.
He was typically paired up with Ginger Rogers, but, when he was asked about it, he secretly confessed that his favorite dance partner just happened to be Rita Hayworth.
Did Gene Kelly ever dance with Fred Astaire? ›
Gene and Fred danced together twice in their careers, once in 1945 in the movie Ziegfeld Follies and then again in the 1976 movie That's Entertainment II. Fred announced his retirement in 1946 and the media declared it was because he could not compete with Kelly. Fred retired, but not because of Kelly.
What does the Cha Cha dance name mean? ›
The name of the dance is an onomatopoeia derived from the shuffling sound of the dancers' feet when they dance two consecutive quick steps that characterize the dance. Cha-cha-cha. Dance competition in Austria. Genre. Latin dance.
Who made the Cha Cha popular? ›
Origins in Cuba: The Cha-Cha originated in Cuba in the 1940s. It was developed from the Mambo, a dance that was popular at that time. Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin is credited with creating the dance.
What is Cha Cha brief history? ›
The roots of Cha Cha can be traced back to Cuba, where it evolved from the Mambo and Danzón dances in the late 1940s. Cuban musician Enrique Jorrín is credited with the creation of the Cha Cha, as he developed a new style of music that incorporated a steady rhythm, making it easier for dancers to follow.
Is the cha-cha dance a dance of African origin? ›
The cha cha cha is a truly international style, with roots in Africa, the West Indies, Cuba, the US and England. The origin of the name is arguably the West Indies and the religious ritual dances, which involved music, singing and movement.
What is the cha-cha issue? ›
Constitutional reform in the Philippines, also known as charter change (colloquially cha-cha), refers to the political and legal processes needed to amend the current 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.
Why is learning cha-cha-cha important? ›
The Benefits of Cha-Cha
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!
Who created the first music for cha-cha-cha? ›
The creation of cha-cha-chá has been traditionally attributed to Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrín, who began his career playing for the charanga band Orquesta América.
