The cha-cha is a Latin rhythm. It is characterized by the rhythm signature counted one, two, three and four. One, two, three and four. Or, one, two, cha-cha-cha. One, two, cha-cha-cha. The dancers feel the rhythm in the music. Some dancers count the steps out loud for better timing. Each foot is placed down or "takes weight," as the dancer counts one, two, cha-cha-cha.
Modern ballroom dances include aspects of western rhythms that are counted at four beats per measure. The four beats are broken down into a syncopated rhythm that is counted out by the dancer as he places his feet. One and two, three and four. One and two, three and four. The two-step uses some modern music like the cha-cha, but is still classified as a ballroom dance.
The rumba has been called "a vertical expression of a horizontal desire." The rumba is a sensuous, slow dance that is one of the more difficult aspects of dance to learn because of an obvious emotional connection that must be made with the partner. The signature rhythm is counted one, one, two. One, one, two, or quick, quick, slow, quick, quick, slow. The first two steps are quick, but the last step lingers. Most of the movement in a rumba is from the waist up, as the dancers use the slight rolling of the hips to properly execute the dance.
The waltz is the traditional ballroom dance. It is the oldest of all the ballroom dances and most commonly recognized. The waltz has three beats per measure and is characterized by spinning, dancing or moving backwards all in a smooth flowing movement. The signature waltz timing is one, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. The waltz can be fast or slow, but the recognized aspect of waltzing should always be smooth. One step should always flow into the next, even when the dancers are moving backwards. The waltz is considered the prettiest dance to watch.