Incepted in Cuba, the Cha-Cha was initially known as the Cha-Cha-Cha. It gained popularity in the 1950s and was born from two other dances: the Danzon and the Mambo. While working with the charanga group Orquesta America in Cuba, it was performed at dance halls in Havana.
Esteemed violinist and composer Enrique Jorrin noticed most of the crowds associated the Danzon-Mambo rhythm to a slower Mambo movement and thus had hardship adopting the syncopated rhythms. He then composed music that focused on the first downbeat, such that the rhythm became less syncopated. This caused the dancers to develop a triple step, creating a 'cha-cha-cha' sound with their shoes (hence the original name). An easy dance to learn, the Cha-Cha is a must in every dance student’s program.
Students at Arthur Murray Dance Centers were some of the first to adopt this dance in the 1950s and continue to participate in the upbeat, energetic dance today. The Cha-Cha’s fun and playful style is a complement to the other dances students are learning.
The lively tempo of the dance encourages participants to cut loose and let personalities shine. The Cha-Cha adds fun to dancing through its syncopated steps and many open movements — you and your partner will be able to feel the upbeat Latin rhythms.
If you are looking to liven up a party or a night out, this is the dance for you. The spirited Cha-Cha is danced at weddings, salsa clubs, cruises and plenty of Caribbean vacation spots. Stop in and ask one of our professionally trained instructors for your first Cha-Cha lesson.
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