Cha Cha
Social Ballroom · Foundation
- Time signature
- 4/4
Social tempos vary widely; part of the skill is matching the size and style of movement to the music.
Origin
Cuba, 1950s — an evolution of Mambo and other Afro-Cuban styles, given its name and its distinctive ‘cha-cha-cha’ rhythm by composer and bandleader Enrique Jorrín.
Music
4/4 time — bright and syncopated, with a chassé on the ‘&’ count.
Character
Vibrant and playful — lively, flirtatious, and sharply rhythmic.
Figures
- 1
Basic Movement
- 2
Outside Partner Breaks
- 3
Open Break & Underarm Turn
- 4
Crossover Breaks
- 5
Crossbody Lead
Elsewhere in Social Ballroom
Want to learn the Cha Cha?
Every figure on this page is taught in the studio, one lesson at a time.