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Chachacha Dance Steps

The chachacha belongs to the family of Cuban dances that includes the mambo and the rumba. The name "chachacha" comes from the split on the fourth beat of the music. To fully bring out the magic of the chachacha you must remember that this dance is highly dramatic to the point of being flamboyant. The best dancers will reveal to spectators a sense of pure joy and delight when they do the chachacha.
  1. Space

    • Many ballroom dances from the Cuban style of music make use of the entire dance floor, but this is one place where the chachacha differs. You will not move freely around the entire dance floor, but instead will occupy only a small portion of the space from beginning to end. As a result, the chachacha does not require melodramatic gestures or large strides. At the same time, however, be ready to make room for other dancers who are not aware of this element.

    Small Steps

    • Especially when beginning to learn the chachacha, it is important to learn to take small steps. This dance can appear to move at a much faster rate than other dances. The best way to adjust to this faster pace is to learn to take smaller steps. Hold each other closer and you can do this much more naturally.

    Beginning Move

    • The chachacha begins on the second beat with the man moving forward onto his left foot. The toes should be turned out just slightly, while the right foot remains in place. The woman moves backward onto her right foot while leaving the left foot in place. On the third beat, the man should move his weight back onto his right foot while the left foot remains in place. The woman should move her weight forward to her left foot while the right foot remains in place.

    Leaning

    • To create some stylish lines while doing the chachacha, it is advisable to lean in toward your partner. Not only does this create a more sophisticated style in your dancing, but it also enables the partners to enhance their dancing by playing off each other. By leaning forward you can create dramatic movements as you do spot turns, zig-zags and hockystick moves. What you should never do during the chachacha, however, is to actually lean onto your partner. Get in close enough to work it, but resist the temptation to put any pressure on your partner as it may knock him off-balance.

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