Cha Cha Dance Classes Jupiter FL | Palm Beach County

The Cha Cha emerged from Cuban roots and was popularized in the 1950’s in the United States with music by such artists as Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez. Originally it was known as a slowed-down mambo or “the triple mambo”, because of the three quick steps added to the basic movements. It gained instant popularity due to its simplicity. In time it evolved into a separate dance, and although it was originally known as the Cha-Cha-Cha, the name was shortened over time. Its name is derived from the distinct syncopation of the fourth beat in the music. Cha Cha gathers its rhythm and style from influences of the Mambo, Rumba, and indirectly, the Lindy.

Cha cha can be danced to almost any music with a good beat, from traditional Latin rhythms to club music, from country to pop. It’s popularity can be heard in the music of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Bruno Mars, etc.. Its versatility, combined with its distinct character, makes the dance fun for people of all ages.

In traditional American Rhythm style, the hip movement is achieved through the alternate bending and straightening action of the knees, though in modern competitive dancing, the technique is  very similar to the International Latin style. Cha Cha is danced compactly, with the feet usually no more than shoulder width apart.

In the International Latin style, the standing leg is almost always straight. The free leg will bend, allowing the hips to settle into the direction of the standing leg. As a step is taken, the free leg will straighten the instant before it receives weight. It should then remain straight until it is completely free of weight again.