Alberta's Competitive
Dancers Association

The Cha Cha is a very passionate Latin Dance which can be danced to Country, Ballroom, and Top 40 Music with artists such as Santana, Marc Anthony, and Jennifer Lopez.

The Cha Cha is a spot dance which means it does not progress around the floor but stays in one area.  The count for this dance is 1,2,3,4& using either Latin or Cuban motion depending in which discipline it is being danced.

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: 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. When weight is released from a foot, the heel should release first, allowing the toe to maintain contact with the floor.

Hip movement: In American Rhythm style, Latin Hip movement is achieved through the alternate bending and straightening action of the knees. In International Latin style, the weighted leg should be 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.

Take a lesson.

The Music

• Brooks & Dunn - Ain't Nothing Bout You
• Kenny Chesney - When The Sun Goes Down
• Gary Allan - Smoke Rings In The Dark
• Alan Jackson - Margaritavillev
• Santana - Why Don't You and I
• Santana - Smooth
• Jennifer Lopez - Let's Get Loud
• Marc Anthony - I Need To Know