Sunday, August 23, 2009

Historical Facts About Cha Cha

By Agatha Lahill

Although one of the youngest Latin dances, cha cha (or cha cha cha) is popular worldwide and loved by people of all walks of life. It's definitely a party dance - fun, fast, energetic, sexy, flirtatious, and simple to learn. It's also very versatile and can be easily danced to much of today's music. In this article we will take a look at some historical facts about cha cha.

Cha Cha, like so many other Latin dances, originates from Cuba. It was introduced to the world in 1953 by a prolific Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin.

Cha Cha was developed from Mambo and was originally known as a "triple mambo", because of a series of three quick steps (so called chass - cha cha cha), instead of the usual one step. Triple mambo quickly developed popularity an identity of its own and is known today as Cha Cha.

Where did the name Cha Cha came from? The name doesn't mean anything, it comes from the sound of the shoes of the dancers on the floor. Originally, it was called cha cha cha, because of the triple step, but now it's official name is Cha Cha.

Cha Cha music is written in 4/4 time (4 beats to a bar of music) and may be played in a variety of tempos. Five steps are danced to four beats - two slow steps and a triple step or chasse. It has a captivating rhythm that most people recognize - one, two, cha, cha, cha.

Although Cha Cha is most often danced to a music with a Latin sound and feel, it can be danced to any music with a good beat and written in 4/4 time. From pop and rock to country, funk, and even hip hop.

Today, Cha Cha is danced all over the world and is enjoyed by people of all music preferences. If you like energetic, flirtatious, fun and sexy dance, you will like Cha Cha.

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