How to Start Cha-Cha Dancing

Cha-cha dancing is a popular Latin dance form that has become a staple at many night clubs. Learning how to cha-cha is a bit more difficult than it might appear. Following are some basic and easy steps to help the beginner start cha-cha dancing and become hip to this stylish and expressive form of dance and impress everyone with sultry Latin moves.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin by trying to find a ballroom dance studio or Latin dancing studio in your area from which you can take cha-cha lessons. Try to find one that focuses on teaching beginners so you do not feel pressured by the progression of the class.

2. Watch talented cha-cha dancers perform the dance and take note of the minimal way in which they move their feet. Take note of their upright posture and the composure that is maintained throughout the dance.

3. Think of the basic movement of cha-cha dancing as slow, slow, quick, quick-slow. This can help internalize the basic rhythm behind the dance. Slide the foot to a close on the fourth beat to create the characteristic "cha-cha" sound from which the dance derives its name.

4. Know the basic movements for a cha-cha dancing: the back basic and forward basic. Find songs that have a cha-cha beat. Surf Latin music stations, or visit Latin clubs for a good sampling of appropriate cha-cha music.

5. Have fun with the movements, and find a partner that is willing to work on the pacing at a level that is comfortable to you. Ask an instructor to dance with you frequently to become accustomed to dancing the cha-cha with an experienced dancer.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that in cha-cha dancing, a move is defined as a sequence of eight steps.
• Start with slower music to integrate the feeling of the dance before working up to high energy songs.