Cha Cha Cha - Hockey Stick

This move begins from the Fan position. Ladies, you are basically retracing the steps from the Open Hip Twist into Fan. Guys,whilst leading your lady and assisting her movements, you are also going to be adding in your more complex chasses. Make sure your leads are definitive and timed at the right moments.


Leaders'/Men's Footwork


As usual, most of your footwork with this step is based around the basic, however we are throwing in complex chasses now rather than the more simple compact chasse that you would be used to. Start this movement in Fan position, standing with your feet apart and on a slight diagonal towards your partner. You are going to do one basic movement stepping forward on your Left foot (Count 2), replacing the weight on your Right (Count 3), and then a Slip Chasse on the 4, and,1 count. (In a Slip Chasse, place your foot - in this case your Left - behind you with part weight, slightly slide your Right foot backwards and then replace the Left foot beside the Right.) You should do all this and accomplish a small amount of turn to get you back to facing a wall instead of a diagonal by the end. As you do this you need to bring your Left hand (the one that is in contact with your partner) forward and in towards your body to make your partner move forwards and by the end of this set of steps you should have your hand drawn across your face, the back of your hand towards your forehead and there should be a window created with your and your partner's arms so that you can see each other.


As you move into the next set of steps, you need to move your hand over your partner's head so that your hand is resting with hers on or near her Left shoulder. You then have another basic movement, stepping backwards this time onto your Right foot on Count 2, transferring the weight forward again onto your Left on Count 3, and then using a lock step chasse forward (following your partner) with your Right foot on Count 4, and, 1.


Followers'/Lady's Footwork


You have a bit of a tricky set of steps to describe, so hopefully with the combination of the words here and the drawn steps, you will get the idea. I have numbered the steps in your diagram rather than labelled the counts as i thought that would be less confusing. So please don't do the rhythm based on the numbers on the diagram!

You are standing in fan with your Right foot extended diagonally towards your partner and weight on your Left. On count 2, bring your Right foot in to your Left foot, put the ball of your foot on the floor (your Right knee should be bent and crossed slightly in front of your left) and change weight so that you end up with your Right foot flat on the floor with a straight leg and your Left foot is now on the ball of the foot with the knee slightly bent and crossed. All of that is on count 2!

Then you have a walk forward towards your partner on your Left foot on count 3 and a lock step forward leading with your Right foot on Counts 4, and, 1. Your partner should lead you straight forward directly in front of him and bring your arm up in front of you so that there is a window between you and your partner when you reach the end of this set of steps. You are facing the wall to his Right.


He will then lead your arm over your head so that your Right hand is holding his and resting on or close to your Left shoulder. With your next two steps (Counts 2, 3 - Left, Right), you actually make a total of a 90 degree turn (some variations are closer to 45 - depends on preference and following steps) and walk away from your partner. At the end of the second step (on count 3) you are wound in your own arm and can only get out of it by unwinding - bringing your Left shoulder back and around - turning on your Right foot before you then step back onto your Left foot for a lock step on Counts 4, and, 1.


Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:


- When you get more comfortable with the steps, you can make the leads sharper and slightly delayed - especially the final turn on count 3. But that requires both partners to be secure in their steps and paying close attention to the leads.

Cha Cha Cha - Open Hip Twist into Fan

Much like the Hip Twist and Fan in Rumba, this step follows the same patterns but in a Cha Cha rhythm. This is a very standard step and one which sets the slightly more experienced student from the absolute beginner.


Leaders'/Men's Footwork


There are a couple of different options for you guys with this step. I am going to start giving you some of the different types of chasse that you can and should be starting to use by this point. If you ever feel a little overwhelmed, go back to a basic simple chasse (three steps in place) until you have the rest of the movement and feel confident to try the complex chasses again.

Starting in open position (one hand hold), with your weight on your Right foot, you will step forward onto your Left foot on count 2. Bring your weight back onto your Right foot on count 3. Here is the first of our complex chasses - a Slip Chasse. Touch your Left foot back behind you with part weight, slip your Right foot slightly towards your back foot (similar to the movement you would have used in your samba walks), and then place your Left foot beside your Right foot (4, and, 1). Try not to take your body weight back over the foot placed behind you - keep it over your Right foot and make sure you still keep a solid connection with your follower to allow her to turn in her Hip Twist.


Now, take your follower into Fan Position by leading her to move forward (your Left) as you step back onto your Right foot (Count 2), replace the weight on your Left foot on count 3 (start thinking about angling your body slightly to the diagonal towards your partner), and then we have our next complex chasse - a Hip Twist Chasse. (Though there are many styling options here, I am going to explain the easiest version.) Cross your Right foot forwards and across your body - hips and lower body turning more than your shoulders (Count 4), uncross your feet placing your Left foot beside your Right (Count 'and'), Step to the side onto your Right foot facing the diagonal (Count 1). You and your partner should now be in Fan position.


Followers'/Lady's Footwork


Starting in open position (one hand hold), with your weight on your Left foot, step back onto your Right foot (like in the basic) on count 2 and then replace your weight to the Left foot on count 3. Your partner should lead you to do a lock chasse forward using your Right foot, coming towards him as he stays in the same place (4, and, 1). The lead arm therefore becomes a lot more compact. Dont allow your elbow to get behind your body at any point. As you come forward there will no longer be room for you to travel and this will cause you to pivot on your Right leg (just after you count and step "1") and finish facing the wall that was to your right. You should still have connection with your partner through your Right arm, but it is also wrapped in front of your body at this point.


You then have two steps forward (Left, Right) before you cant really go any further whilst still holding on to your partner! So at the end of the second step (on Count 3) you will unwind with half a turn on your Right leg. Step backwards into a lock step with your Left foot (4, and, 1). Ending in Fan position.


Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:


- The final pivot for the Follower must not be rushed into and also needs to be distinctly created by the Leader. In order to make this transition the most effective, both parties, need to be very aware of their arm placement and the connection between them.

- As the Follower has quite a few steps in this sequence which lead away from the Leader, it is important that both people are aware of how far they are getting away from each other and that the joined arms are not overstretched.

Cha Cha Cha - Style

The Cha Cha - as I am sure you know - is a fun and flirty dance that has energy and personality throughout. As one of the dances that is usually taught first, it holds a lot of the techniques necessary for many of the other Latin dances as well.

It is necessary throughout this dance to keep your toes connected to the floor and allow all your steps to work through your feet. There are NO heel steps! (I often say that you should imagine a £50 note under your toes - and if you lift your feet off the ground ... you lose it!)

Another important characteristic is the hip movement. What most people don't realise is that the hip movement that you can see when watching performers or competitors stems from a completely natural movement that occurs when you have one heel on the floor and one not. Of course, it can he heightened and exaggerated and at times pushed beyond what would be needed on a social floor, but a relaxed easy hip movement is completely achievable.

If you stand with your feet together and simply bend one knee and remove that heel from the floor, you should find that your weight moves slightly over your supporting leg to help you balance. The easiest way to do THAT is to sit into your hip. If you then just switch your weight onto the other side and change bent knees/lifted heels, you will have already started a natural hip movement.

What I am trying to say is that your hip movement comes every time that you put your heel down during the dance - which for Cha Cha, is all the time! Just think about letting your hip push slightly out every time you put your heel down on each foot and you will quickly find a natural amount of hip movement will infuse your dancing.

Cha Cha Cha - Underarm Turn

Today we are going to look at both an Underarm Turn to the Left and and Underarm Turn to the Right. They vary only in the direction that the lady is turning.

This step can be used in one direction or in both, whichever fits in with your sequence of steps.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

You have it easy, gents... your footwork is the Basic Movement! (So no diagrams for you today!)

All you need to do to initiate the turn is raise your Left arm on your Cha Cha Cha (Chasse) to the Left. Then, as you take your back step, your partner will turn underneath the raised arm and face you again for the Chasse to the Right. To turn her the other direction, as you are Chasse-ing, raise the left hand again and bring it across your body between you. This will ensure that your partner turns the right direction. Take the forward step of your Basic as she turns and you will both join back together for the Chasse.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Although the guys have it easy in terms of footwork, you dont have it too much harder, ladies! You have already done a spot turn. Well, and underarm turn is basically a spot turn while holding on to your partner.

During half of a basic movement (when you are stepping back), as you Chasse to the Right, your partner will lift his Left/your Right hand.

Step forward with your Left foot, exactly like in the spot turn,

leave your Right foot where it is, turn away from your partner and return your weight to your Right foot. (Counts 2, 3)

Complete the movement with the Cha Cha Chasse to the Left facing your partner. (Counts 4-and-1)

If he then takes your right hand and leads it across your body on that chasse, he is leading you into the turn on the other side. Step forward onto your Right foot,

turn away from your partner but leaving your feel where they are and replace the weight onto your Left foot, ready to Chasse to the Right.


Notes for both the Leader and Follower:

- Leaders, don not think that you need to turn your lady with your left arm... allow her to turn herself! It will save a lot of sore arms and shoulders. Your arm/hand is simply there to guide her.

- Followers, do not grip your partner's hand while you are turning. You will end up hurting one or both of you! Your hands should be lightly resting in each others... which allows for an easy turn.

- Do not forget the timing of your own footwork. Just because you are doing different things with your feet, you should not get distracted or put off by this difference. Get your own footwork so that you dont have to worry about it while you are leading or taking direction.

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.

Cha Cha Cha - Hand to Hand

Another step this week that you have already seen somewhere else! This one, if you remember, is very similar to one of the Rumba steps (which crossover fairly regularly) but this time, you are going to do a cha cha chasse instead of just transfer your weight on the 4-and-1.


Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Instead of stepping forward on your Left foot on the Count of 2, as you did in the Basic Movement, you re now going to step backwards on your Left foot - opening up to face the wall that was to your Left.

On count 3, replace the weight on your Right foot and turn back to face your partner. (Your Left foot will 'track' underneath you - lightly move over the floor after a step onto the other foot to collect under your body ready to take the next step.)
Cha Cha Chasse on Counts 4-1 onto your Left foot.


Reverse by stepping backwards onto your Right foot on Count 2. (You should now be holding your partner's Right hand in your Left at waist height.)

Transfer your weight back on to your Left foot and turn back to face your partner on Count 3.

On Counts 4-1, cha cha chasse with your Right foot.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Start by stepping backwards onto your Right foot on Count 2. (You should now be facing the wall that was to your Right when you started the movement.)

Transfer your weight back on to your Left foot and turn back to face your partner on Count 3 - tracking your foot underneath you.

On Counts 4-1, Cha Cha Chasse with your Right foot.

Step backwards on your Left foot - opening up to face the wall that was to your Left - on Count 2.

On count 3, replace the weight on your Right foot and turn back to face your partner.

Cha Cha Chasse on Counts 4-1 onto your Left foot.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- make sure you are holding the inside hand and stepping back with your outside foot when doing this step. Face your partner on the Cha Cha Chasses.

- Put Your Heels DOWN!!! Especially when stepping backwards, make sure you completely transfer the weight onto that foot and simply leave the other foot extended out in front of you ready to take the weight back when you move forward. Putting your heels down will also facilitate your latin hip movement.

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!