How to Dance the Cha Cha Cha

Ballroom dancing has been enjoyed for many years and because of its entertainment value competitions have become a serious business. It has even gained notoriety in movies and theater. The Cha-Cha-Cha would fall into the American Rhythm category under the American Style Competition bracket. In the world of partnered dancing the male is required to lead. With subtle and gentle signals the male will push and pull his partner along the dance floor. The female will respond to these signals and not anticipate where the male leads her.

To begin the man will have his feet together with his weight on his right foot. Take a step to the left, shoulder width apart, with the left foot and count 1. Step back with the right foot and count 2. Replace the weight forward on the left foot and count 3. Then bring the right foot forward to its original spot and count 4. To finish off the first half of the Cha-Cha-Cha slide the left foot next to the right foot and place all your weight on it counting this movement as 'and'.

The next half begins with the right foot. Since your weight is on the left foot step to the right on your right foot, shoulder width apart, and count 5. Step forward on the left foot and count 6. Replace the weight back on the right foot and count 7. Then bring the left foot back to its original spot and count 8. To finish off the second half of the Cha-Cha-Cha slide the right foot next to the left foot and place all your weight on it counting this movement as 'and'.

Counts 2, 3 and 6, 7 are rocking steps. To practice you can place the right foot back behind the left foot about 12 inches apart and rock forward and back replacing the weight to each foot. For 2, 3 the right foot is 2 and the left foot is 3. For 6, 7 the left foot is 6 and right foot is 7.

The female steps will simply be mirrored to the males. If the male starts on his left foot the female will start on her right foot. If the male steps back on his right foot the female will step forward on her left foot. The basic dance frame will be as follows: the female will place her left hand on his right shoulder gently pushing away. Her right arm will rest lightly but firmly in his left hand approximately shoulder height. The man's right hand comes around her body and rest on her left shoulder blade.

The 4/4 count in the Cha-Cha can be found in many modern contemporary songs. Because of this it is easy enough to do the Cha-Cha-Cha to songs like Hey, Soul Sister by Train, Morning After Dark by Timbaland and Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield.