Friday, August 21, 2009

Historical Facts About Cha Cha

By Agatha Lahill

Cha Cha is one of the most versatile Latin dances and definitely a party dance. It's flirtatious, energetic, rhythmic, fun, and what's important, easy to learn. It's popular throughout the world and enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. In this article we will take a peek into the history of cha cha.

Cha Cha, like so many other Latin dances, originates from Cuba. It was introduced to the world in 1953 by a prolific Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin.

Cha Cha is an offshoot of Mambo and was originally known as a triple Mambo. This is because of the three quick steps (cha cha cha), known as the "chasse", that are taken to two beats of music. This version of Mambo quickly started gaining popularity and soon evolved into a separate dance now known as Cha Cha.

What does Cha Cha means? It doesn't mean anything in particular, it's an imitation of the sound that the shoes of the dancers made on the floor. The original name Cha Cha Cha suggests the three steps. The official name today is only Cha Cha.

Cha Cha consist of two slow steps, followed by a previously mentioned chasse or triple step. Everyone knows the catchy rhythm - one, two, cha, cha,cha. Music is written in 4/4 time. Five steps are taken to each bar of music - 2 slow steps and 3 quick steps.

Cha Cha can be danced to most Latin music and also to pop, rock, and other music genres. As long as the music is in 4/4 time and has a strong beat, it's OK with Cha Cha.

Cha Cha achieved worldwide popularity in pretty short time. Being adaptable to many music genres it truly is a dance of today.

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