Even if someone has never danced before in their life, everyone knows the famous "One, Two, CHA-CHA-CHA!". In fact, it was known as the Cha Cha Cha when it was introduced to Americans around the 1950s. From Bobby Rydell to David Nash's "Cha Cha Like Charo" (referring to the Latin bombshell known for being brazenly Latin), everyone knows some form of this popular dance.
From the time it was introduced until now, the Cha Cha remains an in-style dance that is also a favorite at weddings. With its easy basic pattern, one can go and use as much or as little of the dance floor as they like. Originally called the Triple Mambo, the Cha Cha quickly evolved into something very distinct.
Havana, Cuba was one of the hottest hot spots to go in the 1940s. Sky Masterson takes Miss Sarah Brown to Cuba to impress her and win a bet in the Broadway musical, Guys and Dolls. Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway visited Cuba and the experience influenced their writings. Havana was an extremely popular resort for the rich and famous who could get there. The most famous American dance bands as well as many outstanding Latin orchestras native to Cuba played in the city's casinos. It was here that the Mambo was born, and the Cha Cha Cha was an offshoot of that dance.
The Cha Cha was originally one of the Mambo moves, where two slow steps were followed by three quick steps, changing weight on each step. This figure from the Mambo became the basic step of the Cha Cha. Given its close association with the Rumba and Mambo, it should be no surprise that the Cha Cha is very similar in style. The feet remain close to the floor as in most Latin dances. The hips move free freely, although the upper body is usually erect and the dancers glide across the floor at approximately 126 beats per minute in 4/4 time.
In 1952, an English dance teacher named Pierre Lavelle traveled to Cuba, and brought his version back to the British Isles. The famous American dance instructor Arthur Murray thought it would be easier to learn if he simplified the dance to a 1, 2, 3, Cha Cha rhythm. Although this amounted to pretty much the same thing, the Cha Cha slowed down somewhat and became a bit more mechanical for Murray's students. To this day, the Cha Cha has remained one of the most popular dances in competitions and dance halls. Less sensual than the Mambo and less erotic than the Bolero, it is just plain fun to dance. In the words of the immortal Sam Cooke, "Everybody loves the Cha Cha Cha!"
From the time it was introduced until now, the Cha Cha remains an in-style dance that is also a favorite at weddings. With its easy basic pattern, one can go and use as much or as little of the dance floor as they like. Originally called the Triple Mambo, the Cha Cha quickly evolved into something very distinct.
Havana, Cuba was one of the hottest hot spots to go in the 1940s. Sky Masterson takes Miss Sarah Brown to Cuba to impress her and win a bet in the Broadway musical, Guys and Dolls. Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway visited Cuba and the experience influenced their writings. Havana was an extremely popular resort for the rich and famous who could get there. The most famous American dance bands as well as many outstanding Latin orchestras native to Cuba played in the city's casinos. It was here that the Mambo was born, and the Cha Cha Cha was an offshoot of that dance.
The Cha Cha was originally one of the Mambo moves, where two slow steps were followed by three quick steps, changing weight on each step. This figure from the Mambo became the basic step of the Cha Cha. Given its close association with the Rumba and Mambo, it should be no surprise that the Cha Cha is very similar in style. The feet remain close to the floor as in most Latin dances. The hips move free freely, although the upper body is usually erect and the dancers glide across the floor at approximately 126 beats per minute in 4/4 time.
In 1952, an English dance teacher named Pierre Lavelle traveled to Cuba, and brought his version back to the British Isles. The famous American dance instructor Arthur Murray thought it would be easier to learn if he simplified the dance to a 1, 2, 3, Cha Cha rhythm. Although this amounted to pretty much the same thing, the Cha Cha slowed down somewhat and became a bit more mechanical for Murray's students. To this day, the Cha Cha has remained one of the most popular dances in competitions and dance halls. Less sensual than the Mambo and less erotic than the Bolero, it is just plain fun to dance. In the words of the immortal Sam Cooke, "Everybody loves the Cha Cha Cha!"
About the Author:
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin are innovators in ballroom dance. As world dance champions and choreographers for many movies, broadway, and TV shows, Tony and Melanie have won over 100 dance championship titles. If you are interested in learning more about Tony and Melanie and dance classes in NYC please visit their website.
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