How to Dance the Cha-Cha

The cha-cha is a popular ballroom dance that consists of stepping forward and back and shifting your weight from one foot to the other in a 3-count rhythm. The basic steps take little time to master, but you can spend a lifetime adding your own twists and flares. These instructions are written for the lead partner, but simply reverse them to follow.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand with your legs slightly apart on the ballroom floor. Hold your partner's right hand in your left and place your right hand on her left shoulder blade. Keep your arms strong and maintain eye contact with your dancing partner.

2. Rock forward with your left foot. Leave your right foot where it is but raise it slightly off of the ground.

3. Put your weight back onto your right foot and move your left foot to the side.

4. Do a triple step to your left side. Put your left foot down on the first count, bring your feet together on the second, and step to the left again on the third.

5. Repeat Step 2, but start with your right foot this time and leave your left foot in place, raised slightly off the ground.

6. Shift forward on your left foot and move your right foot to the right side.

7. Repeat the triple step on your right side.