How to Do a Basic Hip Twist Chase in Cha Cha

There are 7 types of chasse actions in the International Latin Cha Cha. These basic components make up the character and patterning of the dance, and are necessary to performing the dance. The hip twist chasse is 1 of 7 of these chasses.

Things You'll Need

• Shoes for Latin dancing
• Music

Instructions

1. Begin with left foot forward and right foot free and pointed behind you. Your position should be with full body weight over your left foot and your right foot should be pointed on the inside edge of the foot so that a straight line appears when looking from the side. Posture should be upright and hip joint aligned with shoulder and knee joints, with no collapsing in either direction.

2. Using the left hip in a rolling, circular fashion towards the left, allow the right foot to pass under your body and, once it has passed your left foot, begin transferring weight onto it by taking a step forward. Your right leg should be completely straight as before you transfer your weight. Ending position is now with full weight onto the right foot and left foot pointed back.

3. Utilizing a short contraction in your right abdominal muscles (specifically obliques and lower abdomen adjacent to the right hip), bring your left foot in under your body. The resulting effect is a quick collecting of the feet, accompanied by a slight raising off of the heels. Ending position should be on both balls of the feet, where weight is oriented predominantly over the left foot.

4. Now with an available and contracted left leg, utilize the ball of the foot to push yourself towards the right and land on your right foot. You may flatten the foot as your weight fully absorbs into it.

Tips & Warnings

• Generally, chasses are done on the "4 and 1" beats, so to give yourself time, start counting and mentally preparing on the "2" and "3" beats.

• If still difficult to begin, try utilizing a back break on beats "2" and "3" to give you something to do as a start.

• Always practice slowly and incrementally increase the speed before attempting this at full pace.

Resources

• National Dance Council of America
• United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association