Cha Cha Cha - 3 Cha Cha's

This step is the first Cha Cha step that we have which is going to travel. Most of the Latin dances are more stationary but have elements within them that allow you to move or change direction.

Starting on a "4-and-1" count, it requires something to fill the "2,3" preceding it - be that a rock step as in the basic, a spot turn, or any such movement. Other than that, this step is very much what its name would suggest!

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

The first of the three chasses is as normal. A Side Chasse (side, together, side) leading with the right foot first. (Count 4-and-1)

The second is a Forward Chasse or a Lock Step in which you turn your body to face the direction you are moving. (Which is the same direction as when you were moving sideways, but now you are facing the side wall instead of just travelling towards it.) Step forward onto your Left foot, close your Right foot behind it - toes pointed away from each other and fitting your knees into each other, and then step forward again with your Left foot. (Count 2-and-3)

And then do one more regular Side Chasse. (Count 4-and-1)

To get you moving back in the other direction, do a spot turn; stepping forward onto your Left foot and turning away from your partner. (Count 2, 3)

Then repeat the three chasses moving back in the other direction. The first being a Side Chasse - Left, Right, Left. ( Count 4-and-1)

Then a Lock Step or Forward Chasse - Forward on your Right foot, cross your Left foot behind the right (toes facing outwards, knees together), and then forward again with your Right foot. (Count 2-and-3)

And one more Side Chasse (Count 4-and-1), before another spot turn which brings you back to the beginning. (Count 2, 3)

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

The first of the three chasses is as normal. A Side Chasse (side, together, side) leading with the Left foot first. (Count 4-and-1)

The second is a Forward Chasse or a Lock Step in which you turn your body to face the direction you are moving. (Which is the same direction as when you were moving sideways, but now you are facing the side wall instead of just travelling towards it.) Step forward onto your Right foot, close your Left foot behind it - toes pointed away from each other and fitting your knees into each other, and then step forward again with your Rightt foot. (Count 2-and-3)

And then do one more regular Side Chasse. (Count 4-and-1)

To get you moving back in the other direction, do a spot turn; stepping forward onto your Right foot and turning away from your partner. (Count 2, 3)

Then repeat the three chasses moving back in the other direction. The first being a Side Chasse - Right, Left, Right. ( Count 4-and-1)

Then a Lock Step or Forward Chasse - Forward on your Left foot, cross your Right foot behind the right (toes facing outwards, knees together), and then forward again with your Left foot.(Count 2-and-3)

And one more Side Chasse (Count 4-and-1), before another spot turn which brings you back to the beginning. (Count 2, 3)

Notes For Both the Leader and the Follower:

- This step moves in one directionover the three chasses even though your body position changes from facing your partner, to facing the side wall, and back to facing your partner.

- It can be followed with a side chasse and stepping forward for the leader (backwards for the follower) - essentially a Basic Movement - or any other step but beginning on the chasse portion of the step.