A Historical Overview Of Cha Cha
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.
Like many Latin-American dances, Cha Cha originates from Cuba. It was developed in the middle of 1950′s by Enrique Jorrin, famous Cuban composer and violinist.
Cha Cha is a form of Mambo and was called a triple mambo when it was first created. This is because it uses a triple-step (a chass), a three quick steps (cha cha cha), instead of one as is mambo. This form of Mambo quickly became popular on its own and soon evolved into what we 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 is danced to a music written in 4/4 time – four beats per measure. There are two slow steps followed by three quick steps – all together five steps to four beats of music. The rhythm is one, two, cha, cha, cha or step, step, cha-cha-cha.
Although Cha Cha is most often danced to a music with a Latin sound and feel, it can be danced to any music with a good beat and written in 4/4 time. From pop and rock to country, funk, and even hip hop.
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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