Edmund John M.

Balboa BSA-II

History of Cha Cha

Cha Cha originated in Cuba and evolved from a slow version of Mambo called “Triple
Mambo” or Mambo with guiro rhythm. This musical rhythm inspired dancers to dance a hip
syncopation to the forward and back breaks of a mambo which late evolved to a triple step.
Mambo evolved from a fusion of danzon, son and American jazz. Danzon has its origins
from Europe (chamber music) and African/Haitian drum rhythms. Enrique Jorrin, a Cuban
Violinist created the first cha cha song in 1948. He named it after the shuffling sound the
dancers shoes made when they dance to this type of music.
In 1952, an English dance teacher Pierre Lavelle visited Cuba and saw dancers dancing this
triple step to slow rumba and mambo music. On his return to Britain, he taught this as a
separate dance and it has since evolved to Ballroom Cha Cha.
Cha Cha was introduced to the US in 1954 which replaced mambo as the latest dance craze.
After its introduction to the US, the traditional violins and flutes were exchanged with big
band instruments such as trumpets, trombones and saxophones.

Basic Steps of Cha Cha

Cha cha music is composed in 4/4 time (four beats to a bar of music). For each bar of music
there are 2 slow and 3 quick steps, which may be counted as – one, two, cha, cha, cha or step,
step, step, quick step, quick step. The footwork is simple and mostly focuses on just shifting
weight from one foot to another.

Remember, five steps are taken to four beats of music. Also don't forget that the movements
tend to be somewhat flirtatious. This is definitely a party dance!
Basic Side Step for Men
1. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
2. Step backward & left with your right foot
3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
4. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
5. Move your left foot to your right foot
6. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
7. Step forward & right with your left foot
8. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it
9. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
10. Move your right foot to your left foot
Basic Side Step for Women
11. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
12. Step forward & right with your left foot
13. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it
14. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
15. Move your right foot to your left foot
16. Sidestep to the right with your left foot
17. Step backward & left with your right foot
18. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
19. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
20. Move your left foot to your right foot