Cha Cha Cha, anyone?

[MacMoto]

I love cha cha cha! Most salsa DJs in our area throw in a cha cha cha or two in their sets, but problem is finding a leader to dance it with before the song is over... It's harder to find a willing partner to dance cha cha with than merengue! Is it the same in your area? What do you think about cha cha being played at salsa venues?

[etchuck]

Well, I'm a ballroom person, so of course, I'd love doing cha-chas whenever they are played (even during swing dances). Wish they'd play a rumba every once in a while to slow down my heart rate.

Of course, at most salsa dances I've attended, there's a leader shortage anyway. I've already complained about social mixer dances where even with a leader shortage, I wind up without a partner. I haven't been back to that salsa dance since January.

But when a cha-cha comes on, guess what... not that many of the salseros will take the floor. So I and my partner (whoever that may be) will go through a nice 4-minute cha-cha. As one of a few people that can cha-cha there (and I guess I do a decent job), it's sorta my turn to look good dancing.

I guess for me, the problem is figuring out which follower actually can do cha-chas outside of the ballroomers that I know at a salsa party. I'm hesitant to ask anyone else outside that group because I don't know if the follower can understand my leading, and that you get to move a bit more with me in cha-cha... though I guess compared to salsa, you won't spin as much.

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

Here on average they throw in 1 cha cha cha per night. When this happens the floor gets less busy, but you still have around 30-40% of the salseros dancing to it. Most salseros only know the simple moves and do them with a "salsero style". Some even do salsa moves to it (I personally prefer the dance specific moves). You do however see some salseros/as dancing it quite well (those from a ballroom background).

[salsachinita]

I would love to dance a Cha Cha Cha, if there is a lead for me.

The trouble is, most people assume it's a Cha Cha (ballroom style), when it's a Son Montuno or Guajira instead.......

There are also lots of different ways to interpret/lead a Cha Cha dance depending on the leads' experience/preference. I am still trying to follow all of these different leads......some came natually to me, others don't.

........but I will dance, regardless......!

[youngsta]

Oh MAN I love cha cha cha!! Grab me any old day :D

[Vince A]

Love it, love, love it! Now if I can only get those hips to work in Salsa as well as they do in Cha Cha!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[borikensalsero]

I used to hate cha chas. My instructor always making made me cha cha in class. She thought I was rather unbelievable at cha chas not to like them. I hated it! I hated the slow slow dragging beat of cha chas... that is until I acquired its taste and descoverd afro-cuban cha chas. Each night girls would ask me to cha cha, acording to a few if my salsa lead was so smooth my cha chas had to be spectacular. I kindly used to turn down all cha cha offers early on. But now that it has gotten into my soul, and I can't get enough of them, I want to dance them all. Here in NY City 3 or 4 cha chas will be played any given night, and like in other areas there is less than half the people willing to dance it. Personally, the ballroom style cha cha doesn’t float my fancy. Too stiff and too calculated for my taste.

As in musically, I tend to like the more afro-cuban cha chas as opposed to the regular cha cha tunes that became mainstream in america. Afro-cuban cha chas have a healthy doze of percussion, "Regular/American-Mainstrem" cha chas don't. Afro Cuban cha chas never appealed to American public, and when bands found out that “percussion less” cha chas captured the American public, the Cherry Red Pink blossoms of the world were born. They are rather laid back and all that drives them is the cha cha cha… In my opinion missing the element that gives the soul a heavy doze of wakening brought upon by percussion, even though they are still really good songs.

These days when a cha cha goes on, I go on fire! I tend to grab the more advance salseras though. For I let go of my partner a lot to play the matting game. Seasoned salseras won’t shy away from the game and they go off on a flirtations escapade with me, as opposed to intermediate/beginners who seek my hand in attempts not to lose the beat or freeze when the heavy gets going. To a cha cha, unlike general thought stresses, we can actually son montuno, or son, to vary and add spice to the dance. It adds an entirely new dimension. When the percussion gets going, the guaguanco starts, cha chas to me are about sensual love with bits of spice here and there to elevate the sensual feeling in the air. The briskness and sharpness offered in ballroom style, to me that is, throws the smooth out the window, unless the percussion is present a slow cha cha doesn’t call for a sharp here, sharp there pin point precision on the 3 nor 7. Many a time there just isn’t enough of a call for speed/sharpness/briskness in a “percussion-less” steady beat song that dictates such sudden spins, leads, nor movement. It is kind of like making love yet the couple breaks that lovemaking mood with strong sudden moves, which are more reminiscent of a lustful sexual encounter, inevitably braking and possibly changing the mood. We can vary and it is good to vary, but not so at the expense of breaking what the music wants. We changed the setting of the session not because it was called for but because we wanted to. A closeness that at times needs a physical distance to fruit our eyesight in what is soon to come our way can never be altered by that which we are taught but rather by that which we feel passed technique and reason.

It is easy to confuse guajiras like Guantanamera, son montunos like lavoe’s Ausencia, and even Buena Vista Social Club son’s as cha chas. However, even when we cha cha, we need to look like we cha cha… But crapola how do we look like we son, son montuno, or guajira if we can’t dance it. :cry: HELP

[Ray]

i did 12 years of (latin/ballroom) and yes.. both cha cha ways i like..

both have his own specialty ;)

[Genesius Redux]

This is a hot topic with me right now!

I don't think that the precision and sharpness of "ballroom-style" Cha Cha needs to interfere with its smoothness. Smooth comes from how grounded you are or how comfortable you are with the Latin motion--the precision of the dance actually seems traceable to its roots in mambo/salsa, as opposed to ballroom-style rumba, which really seems to have changed the feel of the dance (at least from what I can gather from descriptions of Afro-Cuban rumba I've found).

But all the same Cha Cha is the dance I'm least comfortable with, and that's partly because it's so much about, "Hey look at me!" about how to show off in front of your partner. It's really the only dance that makes me completely self-conscious.

I've talked about it with my teacher, and right now I'm trying to focus on techniques rather than the "feel" or "story" of the dance. But that kind of flirtation is just hard for me to pull off. :oops:

[vey]

Love it, but still find it difficult....

It's funny - I've been told that just a couple of years ago the dance floor used to be almost empty here during cha-chas and now it's almost as packed as during salsas -~80% of people dancing and I hear at least 4-5 songs during the night (or at least during 2-3 hours that I'm out)!

[borikensalsero]

I don't think that the precision and sharpness of "ballroom-style" Cha Cha needs to interfere with its smoothness. Smooth comes from how grounded you are or how comfortable you are with the Latin motion--the precision of the dance actually seems traceable to its roots in mambo/salsa, as opposed to ballroom-style rumba, which really seems to have changed the feel of the dance (at least from what I can gather from descriptions of Afro-Cuban rumba I've found).



To me smoothness in a dance has to be in relation to the music as opposed to technique in the dance itself. When I look at a ballroom couple doing cha cha, the briskness and smoothness of their movements goes along the lines of a Ferrari displaying how fast it can go from 0 to 60 time and time again. Smooth, impeccable, brisk, awe to look at, but the same characteristics that make it look awing, make it look somewhat out of place depending on the song. Where as the cha cha rarely goes to 30 MPH, a Ferrari displaying how sharp it can move at those very speeds, because of its quickness will look out of place, too fast, too quick, too brisk to fit the speed of the music, IMHO that is.

Ballroom couples are smooth and without the music they look way smooth and sharp, but the addition of the music makes them look rough around the beats of the music. For how the technique of the moves calls for at times really doesn’t match the demands of the music. It is like watching a NY City Style dancer dance to slow salsa, they are sharp as heck, smooth as can be, yet they forget that sharp or brisk movements match the setting of the song.

Cha Cha, mambo/salsa were really never brisk/sharp dances, that was added on later in the history of the dance, in street dance when the hustle like mambo style took root. Even the CBL properly done in today’s standards looks rough in a cha cha. For that very same “push” on the back of the lady on the 2 overpowers the smoothness of the music. As opposed to the old school way of taking the girl with you when you open on the one, which makes the couple look a lot smoother and in synch with the music. There is no disjunction of the couple which leads to a much more seemingly physical connection and doesn’t break the music into beats.

[Genesius Redux]

Ah, the limitations of dance e-talk! Nearly impossible to talk about style without looking at the same thing.

In any event, smooth, sharp, rough, precise--Cha Cha remains the dance that I have the most anxiety about, mostly because of the way it tends to objectify the dancer. But I'll just have to get over it. :roll:

[borikensalsero]

In any event, smooth, sharp, rough, precise--Cha Cha remains the dance that I have the most anxiety about, mostly because of the way it tends to objectify the dancer. But I'll just have to get over it. :roll:

Have you tried the, naked in the bathroom in front of the mirror approach? :mrgreen:

[Genesius Redux]

In any event, smooth, sharp, rough, precise--Cha Cha remains the dance that I have the most anxiety about, mostly because of the way it tends to objectify the dancer. But I'll just have to get over it. :roll:

Have you tried the, naked in the bathroom in front of the mirror approach? :mrgreen:

Many times, Boriken! In fact, that may be at the heart of my problem! :lol:

[Sagitta]

Love it. Not many people know it, and then there is the difference between ballroom and street cha cha.

[ShyDancer]

Love it, love it, love it :D

I can never resist an invitation to Cha Cha (Ballroom style),
I dont dance in clubs yet... I stick to the "safe" social ballroom nights :lol:

[etchuck]

Followup on previous post...

Of course, people at some of the dances that I play music for (college clubs), they'll do cha-chas to songs that are also good WCS songs. *

So I am hoping one day, at a salsa dance I can at least do a little WCS. Just show those salsero/as I can hip grind and look damn cool too. :)

* Specifically, "Strokin" by Clarence Carter... at the Intercontinental Collegiate when I went, this song was played as a cha-cha(-cha), but I have also played this as a WCS. Similarly "The Game of Love" by Santana results in the ballroomers doing cha-cha and the clubbers doing WCS.

Analogous: the swingers do fast swing or balboa to "Sing Sing Sing" while the ballroomers do quickstep or jive. I think you all understand.

[danceguy]

I happen to love Cha-cha-cha, but along what was discussed earlier in this thread, I learned my Cha-cha in ballroom class. I got somewhat good at it and thought I was pretty hot stuff until I saw people doing it in Salsa clubs...yikes did I feel like a total dork! :shock: :oops: :shock:

Since then I haven't done much of it and I usually sit out because I still tend to revert to my Ballroom days...which doesn't quite fly in a club setting. I've picked up a few steps and its on my list to get good at this year.

However, it used to be that I only did Salsa, and would sit out any Merengue, Cha-Cha or Bachata. Last night, as soon as a Bachata came on (the only one in about 2 hours) I paced around until I found a lady that would dance it with me...sitting out for one of those is no longer an option! (hopefully i did ya proud Youngsta!)

Merengue is another I want to learn...if its being played, I want to dance it! :P

But to get back on topic, Cha-Cha is a beautiful dance...once my skill with it gets up I will be dancing it a lot more. ;)

SG

[Spitfire]

Will take the two of em' together anytime; rock on! :mrgreen:

[redhead]

Love cha cha! They don't play enough cha chas at my favorite clubs though... I just hate it when guys invite you to dance cha cha but have no idea how to do it! :evil: Can't even enjoy the music, and it's so rude to walk away...

[Sagitta]

Love cha cha! They don't play enough cha chas at my favorite clubs though... I just hate it when guys invite you to dance cha cha but have no idea how to do it! :evil: Can't even enjoy the music, and it's so rude to walk away... Okay, but we got to learn somehow. I know a little and learn more by dancing. You don't dance with me, I don't learn, one less leader. Is this why there aren't too many people who dance cha cha. This is the way that I learnt bachata, merengue....and there are some people now whom I know love those two dances and we'll look for each other when these come on. I've even taught people who don't have any idea how to do these dances.

[youngsta]

However, it used to be that I only did Salsa, and would sit out any Merengue, Cha-Cha or Bachata. Last night, as soon as a Bachata came on (the only one in about 2 hours) I paced around until I found a lady that would dance it with me...sitting out for one of those is no longer an option! (hopefully i did ya proud Youngsta!)

Yes young Miagi!! :lol:

[MacMoto]

I just hate it when guys invite you to dance cha cha but have no idea how to do it! :evil: Can't even enjoy the music, and it's so rude to walk away...
I sooooo feel for you... Had that experience just the other week. They played Oye Como Va (which I love), this guy asked me to dance, and he started doing a weird "fancy salsa moves on merengue 1-2 step" thing off beat. :evil: Oh the pain!

[ShyDancer]

I happen to love Cha-cha-cha, but along what was discussed earlier in this thread, I learned my Cha-cha in ballroom class. I got somewhat good at it and thought I was pretty hot stuff until I saw people doing it in Salsa clubs...yikes did I feel like a total dork! :shock: :oops: :shock:

Since then I haven't done much of it and I usually sit out because I still tend to revert to my Ballroom days...which doesn't quite fly in a club setting. I've picked up a few steps and its on my list to get good at this year.



What is the difference between Ballroom and Club Cha Cha?
Im so interested in the differences now!

[DanceMentor]

I really like chacha, and I almost always dance it at ballroom functions, but sometimes I feel kinda weird doing by ballroom version. And when I try to do the "club chacha" I feel like I'm holding back. So I guess I'm a little confused how to answer...

[salsachinita]

What is the difference between Ballroom and Club Cha Cha?
Im so interested in the differences now!

:oops: I am far from qualified to answer this, but my 2 cents:

Depending one the dance background of the leaders, I've experienced being lead in so many different ways. Most people with at least a little ballroom background will do a 'toned down' (subtler & smoother) ballroom version (dance either on 1 or 2, depending on the leaders). Many Latinos omit the 'cha-cha-cha', instead, they 'glide' & do a slow salsa within the music. They generally dance on 1.

I've also danced cha cha cha as a slow merengue :shock: . Way cool 8) .

Then there is son montuno, which gets mistaken for cha cha cha all the time (Boriken can explain the difference better :wink: ). It should be danced on 2, like a slow salsa.

There is also the point brought up by my friend Martin, in his "An Explanation of Latin Rhythms" under 'articles'. Check it out. He basically says that it's 'cha-cha-cha-step-step' rather than 'step-step-cha-cha-cha'.

With so many different interpretations, many dancers at the clubs shy away from cha cha cha because they are never sure if the lead/follow will be as effortless as salsa.

[SDsalsaguy]

Just got in from a great night of salsa and I'm a bit wiped, so this is the best I can come up with at the moment. I hope it makes some sense... (if not, let me know and I'll try again in the morning).

OK, to go beyond what's already been said, the cha-cha-cha in club salsa is typically an even dispersion of the three steps across the two beats of music. Ballroom cha cha, by contrast, accents the 1, by dancing the cha cha on the half beats of 4 and &, thereby leaving an entire beat for the step on 1. This timing difference alone gives the dance a rather different look and feel as, instead of three evenly paced and spaced steps (each using roughly 2/3 of a beat) in club cha, ballroom cha cha steps are "little-little-'big'" as befits its 1/2, 1/2, 1/1 (typically referenced as half-half-whole timing).

As far as the break step, club cha may break on either 1 or 2 while ballroom cha *always* breaks on 2.

Aside from timing considerations, I'd say that the next biggest difference seems to be in leg action. In club cha cha there is no requirement for leg straightening while ballroom cha cha demands such leg action. American style will have you arrive on a flexed leg and straighten it while International style will call for arriving on a straightened leg... either one, however, mandates the use of a straight leg while club style cha cha has no such foundation. And, in a similar vein, the forward and backward chasses are often of a very different nature. Ballroom cha cha will require either a 3rd position foot placement for beginners or, for more advanced dancers, a full lock step wherein the legs move in and out of the Latin cross position. In club cha cha this motion typically exists only as a minor shuffle step.

Also keep in mind that ballroom cha cha is designed, especially the competitive variants, for volume. The idea is to be noticeable by audiences and judges 50 feet away! This is the exact opposite of club cha cha, which is predicated on tight floor spaces. This, probably more than anything else, gives rise to vastly different body carriage, actions, and movement. The same arm extension that epitomizes good ballroom extension is likely to decapitate someone in a club while the same grooving that draws oohs and ahhs in a club might be almost invisible across the ballroom floor.

[ShyDancer]

Thanks salsachinita & SD!

I understood your description perfectly SD :D

I had no idea about the timing difference..I assumed they would still use the 4&1 to cha cha cha on..quite difficult to get my ballroom mind around not dancing on those beats considering I have only recently learnt to react only to the music rather than counting it out to myself! :lol:

The bent legs is something I never would have considered. I didnt realise how trained I have become in the last 6 or so months until I read that and thought "but you have to step on straight!" :lol:


I kinda figured about the arm styling, Its hard enough to get in a few small ones at a social dance without slapping someone, I wouldnt even attempt it on a crowded culb floor!

Thanks again for satisfying my curiosity guys :D

[Pacion]

What are some of the differences Sagitta?

[Genesius Redux]

Okay--so what I'm getting mostly from Salsachinita and SDSalsa is that the chachacha step is paced more like a quarter note triplet rather than two eighths and a quarter note, and that the bent leg helps the side steps kind of glide, as opposed to the full Latin motion in the ballroom and the accent on 1. Or maybe it's more like the motion is continuous as in ballroom rumba? Anyway, I think I have the idea.

By the way, I thought Arthur Murray cha cha broke on 1. At least that's what I'd been told.

Certainly there's no room on a crowded floor for a lot of the wide open flash of ballroom cha cha. :lol:

But now I see what everyone means when they talk about the music and the style--and belatedly, now that I understand (I'm a little slow), I would agree. Ballroom cha cha is not appropriate with all types of music. But I guess that what I "hear" as a cha cha (read ballroom cha cha) is entirely appropriate to the syncopations of the style. And since ballroom cha cha is about as close as this white boy's ever gonna come to dancing anything that looks remotely like hip hop (unless some kind person adopts me as his little retarded hip-hop nephew and shows me some stuff), I've gotta say that I really like it.

But again, as has been said, most ballroom dancers tone down the cha cha when they're social dancing, getting a lot slinkier and sexier. I say this as the poor ballroom dancers have been maligned and excoriated by salsero and salsera, made into symbols of soulless drones or arrogant hogs in film after film, accused of being stiff and insensitive to musical nuance, overly formal, "patterned," and Lord knows what else!

Ya know, guys, ballroom dancers can adjust and listen too! :lol: Most of the really good ballroom dancers are really nice social dancers as well; the bad ones are stiff in competition and stiff on the social floor!

Cheers,

Genesius

[SDsalsaguy]

I had no idea about the timing difference..I assumed they would still use the 4&1 to cha cha cha on..quite difficult to get my ballroom mind around not dancing on those beats considering I have only recently learnt to react only to the music rather than counting it out to myself! :lol:
Well, the cha cha cha is still danced across the 4 & 1, just not differentiated as 4 (1/2 beat), & (1/2 beat), 1 (full beat). Adding to this, the foot action will differ as well. Club cha will tend to use the whole foot for the various chases, while ballroom cha has much more specific foot placements: b, b, b-f for sides; b, b-f, b-f for a back lock; and b-f, b, b-f for a forward lock... all of which is related to the leg actions.

The bent legs is something I never would have considered. I didnt realise how trained I have become in the last 6 or so months until I read that and thought "but you have to step on straight!" :lol:
LOL, well, you should certainly be proud of internalizing what you've been being taught! :lol:

As I'm sure you realize, however, there's nothing *musically* that says you have to straighten your legs...

GR--it sounds like you get it, but I'm a relative imbecile when it comes to music, so I'm just assuming that what you said is just a more intellingent and informed version of my simplistic 1/2, 2/3, and whole beat nomenclature.

As far as AM, they don't teach the break on 1. They do teach a prep-step on 1 which, I'm guessing, many beginers think of as the break (i.e. they're starting to move on 1 so they think must be breaking on 1).

Personally I prefer ballroom cha cha, but I think the lack of awareness to "reign it in" that many (most?) ballroom dancers exhibit when out in a salsa club is understandable cause for much ire.

Just my 2¢ of the morning...

[Sagitta]

What are some of the differences Sagitta?

SD explained it well. And others like Boriken also did such a great job....I don't think I have anything to add really...

When I see people doing club cha cha the sharp dramatic movements are gone and replaced with smoother fluidlike movements. Ballroom cha cha is in your face while club ch cha isn't. I would never describe ballroom cha cha as circular/rotational, but just like club salsa I could say that some people do circular / rotational club cha cha.

[SDsalsaguy]

I had no idea about the timing difference..I assumed they would still use the 4&1 to cha cha cha on..quite difficult to get my ballroom mind around not dancing on those beats considering I have only recently learnt to react only to the music rather than counting it out to myself! :lol:
Well, the cha cha cha is still danced across the 4 & 1, just not differentiated as 4 (1/2 beat), & (1/2 beat), 1 (full beat). Adding to this, the foot action will differ as well. Club cha will tend to use the whole foot for the various chases, while ballroom cha has much more specific foot placements: b, b, b-f for sides; b, b-f, b-f for a back lock; and b-f, b, b-f for a forward lock... all of which is related to the leg actions.
Oooops, I just realized I made a mistake! :oops:

What I've posted above is true... but only *IF* the club cha cha is using the 2 as the break step! Club cha cha can also be, and often is, danced breaking on the 1 -- as 1, 2, cha-cha-cha -- in which case the 1 and 2 are danced as whole beats with the cha-cha-cha typically danced across the 3&4 as 2/3 beat steps.

[Genesius Redux]

Adding to this, the foot action will differ as well. Club cha will tend to use the whole foot for the various chases, while ballroom cha has much more specific foot placements: b, b, b-f for sides; b, b-f, b-f for a back lock; and b-f, b, b-f for a forward lock... all of which is related to the leg actions.

I was actually taught to go b-f on all the chasse steps, but to stay on the ball in the rock steps. I didn't know about the footwork on the lock steps. I don't really think about the footwork on lock steps, and nobody has corrected me as yet. The reason I stay on the ball for the rock step is to keep the rock fluid.

As far as AM, they don't teach the break on 1. They do teach a prep-step on 1 which, I'm guessing, many beginers think of as the break (i.e. they're starting to move on 1 so they think must be breaking on 1).

I was originally trained in an Astaire studio, where they do the prep step; the person who was telling me about the break on the 1 originally said she had learned it in International--and then someone else told me no it was an Arthur Murray thing. Because I remember thinking at the time, "Oh, so that's a difference in Arthur Murray" and "how square to break on 1." But from your description of club cha cha, it sounds like breaking on 1 would be much cooler than in a ballroom context.

Personally I prefer ballroom cha cha, but I think the lack of awareness to "reign it in" that many (most?) ballroom dancers exhibit when out in a salsa club is understandable cause for much ire.

Just my 2¢ of the morning...

Definitely understandable, when somebody's lightning quick arm stylings take the form of a knife hand to your throat!

[ShyDancer]

By the way, I thought Arthur Murray cha cha broke on 1. At least that's what I'd been told.




I cant believe I know the answer to this one :lol: :lol:
Have you seen Dirty Dancing? In the scene where they are in the studio Baby is counting out the Cha Cha ... "2,3 Cha Cha Cha"and earlier in the movie Johnny tells her that he was trained at Arthur Murray :wink:



As far as AM, they don't teach the break on 1. They do teach a prep-step on 1 which, I'm guessing, many beginers think of as the break (i.e. they're starting to move on 1 so they think must be breaking on 1).

We call it a "rock" at my studio, without the "step" added its less confusing to a beginner :wink:


This has turned out to be a really interesteing thread!

[SDsalsaguy]

This has turned out to be a really interesteing thread!
Shhhh! Don't tell anyone.... :oops: :wink:

[Genesius Redux]

Okay, so then when in the ballroom world does cha cha break on 1? I'm not imagining this--someone was teaching cha cha with the break on 1; they did say it was Arthur Murray, although the person who first did it with me said it was International. It's possible that the people who were teaching it thought it was AM, because I don't think they'd had any real experience with the AM studios. And ShyDancer has a photographic memory for the dialogue of "Dirty Dancing," no less. And I think SDsalsa said he started in an AM studio?

So okay, it's not AM. But then what is it? Is it International?

Not that I care, because I hated breaking on 1, and everyone on the ship was taught to break on 1, which made dancing cha cha on the ship a completely horrendous experience.

:?

[Sagitta]

I actually listen for the cha cha and do cha cha cha, step, step...that's my poor sense of music making me do it. If it isn't kosher to start with cha cha I listen for that and start after it. Not too sure about this on-1 and on-2 bit. What I do has worked for me.\

I was supposedly taught on-2 in ballroom for both international and american and so don't think it is that.

[salsachinita]

.... and everyone on the ship was taught to break on 1, which made dancing cha cha on the ship a completely horrendous experience.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I heard the exact opposite view last night! A relative newbie (leaning from club classes) I've been kinda helping out complained that he had a REALLY bad cha cha cha experience with a ballroom girl, who danced on 2 (this poor guy didn't even realised it was a timing differece rather than HIS fault)....!

As for me, I'm putting in extra efforts these days to follow on2.....since I've pretty much done everything on1 for years (eventhough my first cha cha cha was taught in the ballroom context :oops: I had completely forgotten about what timing it was)!

[Genesius Redux]

When I make it to Melbourne, for you, Salsachinita, I will break on 1. :wink:

[Genesius Redux]

...And if you dance with me twice, I shall bake for you my lasagna. 8)

[Genesius Redux]

...For three times, I will bring a nice Shiraz. (Australian of course). :D

[salsachinita]

:oops: :lol: :lol:

Nononono.......plz lead me on 2...!

If I can follow you without stuffing up, I will cook :wink: !

*then we can dance on 1*

[Genesius Redux]

I always pay attention when a girl says no, and when she says yes. On 2 it shall be, and I shall beg of you also the very great honor of a bolero. And maybe we can cook together? :wink:

[ShyDancer]

And ShyDancer has a photographic memory for the dialogue of "Dirty Dancing," no less

:oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:

I watch that movie at least twice a week...have done since I was about 12 and fell madly in love with Patrick Swayze..My home is filled with memorabillia...even a wall clock :lol: :lol:


I actually listen for the cha cha and do cha cha cha, step, step...that's my poor sense of music making me do it. If it isn't kosher to start with cha cha I listen for that and start after it. Not too sure about this on-1 and on-2 bit. What I do has worked for me.\

I was supposedly taught on-2 in ballroom for both international and american and so don't think it is that.


I have seen this taught (used to teach Jive as well) in a studio to beginners. I agree it is much easier to do cha cha cha then start your step step because you dont have to break right into it, and you know the timing is there.
If Im practicing at home I will often just move straight into the cha cha cha. Out in the socials though I always use the rock step to count my 1 in. That helps when dancing with newer dancers too :)
I have become so accustomed to dancing on2 now that I can barely find the 1 anymore..thats why I struggle with ballroom salsa! Im always after that 2 :lol: :lol:

[Genesius Redux]

I watch that movie at least twice a week...have done since I was about 12 and fell madly in love with Patrick Swayze..My home is filled with memorabillia...even a wall clock :lol: :lol:



:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

You have a Patrick Swayze wall clock???????

Sugar, I ain't even gonna ask about the second, minute, and hour hands!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[ShyDancer]

I watch that movie at least twice a week...have done since I was about 12 and fell madly in love with Patrick Swayze..My home is filled with memorabillia...even a wall clock :lol: :lol:



:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

You have a Patrick Swayze wall clock???????

Sugar, I ain't even gonna ask about the second, minute, and hour hands!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Its a nice g rated clock GR!! :lol: Its hanging in my lounge, my Mama would skin me if it was a nughty one!
Has them standing together, in the pose that is used everywhere, Baby in th pink dress and Johnny behind her.
It says Have the time of your life on it :lol:

[SDsalsaguy]

It says Have the time of your life on it :lol:
24/7! :lol:

[Genesius Redux]

Well, good thing it's prominently displayed, and you haven't put it in a corner. :wink:

[pygmalion]

Um. Cha cha, anyone? :wink: :lol:

[Sagitta]

Um. Cha cha, anyone? :wink: :lol: I'm here. Do you have an internet cam. You dance and I dance, and we dance over the net! :wink: :)

Actually it is ballroom foxtrot and waltz for me today.

[Genesius Redux]

Um. Cha cha, anyone? :wink: :lol: I'm here. Do you have an internet cam. You dance and I dance, and we dance over the net! :wink: :)

What a pure and sweet use of the Webcam. Awwwwwwww. :wink:

[Danish Guy]

Um. Cha cha, anyone? :wink: :lol:

Sure, I could use some practise :oops:

(and a workshop or two) :oops: :roll:

[MacMoto]

Um. Cha cha, anyone? :wink: :lol:
Danced cha cha cha with Angel Ortiz. Wow, that was cool! 8)

[etchuck]

Um. Cha cha, anyone? :wink: :lol:

American or International? :)