Cha Cha Cha - Spot Turn

Another basic movement of the Cha Cha is the Spot Turn. This step allows either one partner or both to turn away from their partner over two beats and then return to them for the cha cha chasse. I will be explaining the step as if both partners are doing it simultaneously and will give a suggested set of steps in the notes following the body of the post which can be used to practice all the Cha Cha steps mentioned so far.

Think of this step as a New York with a full turn. Basically, it begins as a New York does, but instead of turning back to face your partner via the shortest route possible, you are actually going to (in the same amount of time) turn away from them and meet them face to face back on the other side.


Leaders'/Men's Footwork


Beginning with your weight on your Right foot, bring your Left foot forward and through to the side wall on Count 2. (Exactly the same movement as in your New Yorker.) Make sure that you leave your Right foot connected to the floor for the rest of the turn.

Continue moving your shoulders to the Right, with your weight on your Left foot and face away from your partner,turning all the way to face the wall that was originally to your Left.

On Count 3, step forward onto your Right foot (which has remained where it was throughout this movement)
and swivel the further 90 degrees to face your partner as you bring your Left foot around with no weight.

Cha Cha Chasse to the Left (Counts 4-and-1)

Reverse by bringing your Right foot through to face the wall to your Left. (Just like in your New Yorkers.) Leaving your Left foot where it is, continue to turn your shoulders to the Left - away from your partner -
until you face the wall that was originally to your Right. Step forward on Count 3 onto your Left foot
and swivel the last 90 degrees to face your partner again.

Cha Cha Chasse to the Right (Counts 4-and-1)

Followers'/Lady's Footwork


Start with your weight on your Left foot, bring your Right foot forward and through to the side wall on Count 2. (Exactly the same movement as in your New Yorker.) Make sure that you leave your Left foot connected to the floor for the rest of the turn.

Continue moving your shoulders to the Left, with your weight on your Right foot, and face away from your partner; turning all the way to face the wall that was originally to your Right. All of this turn needs to be competed in one count!

On Count 3, step forward onto your Left foot (which has not moved while you have been turning on the other foot)
and swivel the further 90 degrees to face your partner as you bring your Right foot around with no weight.

Cha Cha Chasse to your Right (Counts 4-and-1)


Reverse by bringing your Left foot through to face the wall to your Right. (Again, just like in your New Yorkers.) Leaving your Right foot where it is, continue to turn your shoulders to the Right - away from your partner - until you face the wall that was originally to your Left. Step forward on Count 3 onto your Right foot
and swivel the last 90 degrees to face your partner again.

Cha Cha Chasse to the Left (Counts 4-and-1)

Notes for both Leader and Follower:

- Remember that you are making the first movement the same as the New Yorker. Your feet stay exactly where they are while you turn and then you meet your partner on the other side after having turned away from them.

Suggested Sequence:

2 full basic movements (both a forward and back movement = 1 basic)
3 New Yorkers
1 Spot Turn

or

1 full basic movement
4 New Yorkers
2 Spot Turns

or a variation that you feel you want to try!