The Cha-Cha Dance – One of the Most Popular Forms of Latin Dancing
While there are various forms of Latin dancing one of the most notable is that of the Cha-Cha dance. This form of dancing is easy to perform and simple to learn.
The Cha-Cha dance started out in the 1950s by Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing founder Pierre Lavelle. When he went to Cuba to learn about Latin dancing he used a triple step form of stepping instead of the slow form. This helped to create the Cha-Cha-Cha, which is more known as the Cha-Cha.
The footwork that is used in this type of dance is simple. In all directions steps are taken at first with the ball of the foot contacting the floor. The heel of the foot will lower when weight is completely transferred to it. As the weight gets released the heel will move up first so that the toe will be able to stay in contact with the floor.
The hips have their own specific movement in this form of dancing too. The leg that has the weight placed on it should be straight. The other leg will need to bend so that the hips will be able to move into the direction that the leg with the weight on it is pointing to. For each step the leg will straighten when it gets weight placed on it. The main goal here is to work to keep weights proper so that the hips will have to appropriate movements.
Depending on the style of dancing the single and triple steps will work in a different form. In informal styles of Cha-Cha dancing two single steps and then two triple steps followed by two more single steps will be used. For the more formal ballroom style of Latin dancing used there are two single steps and then a triple step.
The style of music that can be used for this form of Latin dancing can be varied. For instance, traditional Latin music can be used in most cases. However, other forms of Latin music can be used as well. This includes contemporary Latin rock or pop music.
The last part of this dance is that there are different moves that are used for the Cha-Cha dance depending on the skill level that one has. These come in the Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Silver and Gold moves. The Pre-Bronze works for those who are new to the world of Cha-Cha dancing. As one goes along there are other methods that are used that are more complicated.
The Cha-Cha dance is an exciting and enjoyable dance. It is one of the most popular forms of Latin dancing. In fact, with various different options and forms of music that can be used, as well as the ease of keeping appropriate hip movements and footwork, it is one that is simple to do and learn.
