How to Do a Crossover in Cha-Cha Dancing

The crossover in cha-cha dancing is a combination of the basic and sideways cha-cha. Dancers move forward and rock back, then do the three-step sideways to create the crossover motion. Mastering the crossover allows cha-cha dancers to move around the floor.

Instructions

1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Hold your partner so your right arm is bent at the elbow and your hand supports your partner's left hand. Your left hand should be on your partner's right shoulder blade.

2. Step forward with your right foot and rock back.

3. Place your right foot to the right and bring your left foot to meet your right foot. Step out again with your right foot. This crossover motion creates the traditional cha-cha-cha movement the dance is known for.

4. Move back with your left foot and rock forward.

5. Shift to the left with your left foot and bring your right foot to meet your left. Move out again to the left on the left foot to finish the triple-step crossover.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice dancing the cha-cha crossover in front of a mirror so that you can critique yourself.