Edward Cha Cha – Bronze
3-12-2025

Edward Cha Cha – Bronze, 3-12-2025

Latin ChaCha – Bronze Syllabus, Mar 12, 2025

  1.   Close Basic Movement to Fan
  2.   Hockey Stick to Chasse R
  3.   New York (2) R/L
  4.   Spot Turn R
  5.   Hand to Hand (2) R/L
  6.   Spot Turn L
  7.   Timestep (2) L/R
  8.   Under Arm Turning Left
  9.   Shoulder to Shoulder L/R
  10.   Under Arm Turning Right

Teaching basic Cha Cha techniques:

Teaching ChaCha follower’s dance steps:    

  1. Close Basic Movement to Fan (2 3 4&1, 2 3 4&1)
  2. Hockey Stick to Chasse R (2 3 4&1)

Group practice for the whole set with Cha Cha music:

Give the following Prompt to ChatGPT: 

 

“Please elaborate the following dance of Latin ChaCha  Bronze Syllabus, teaching leader and follower step by step, give tips on technique, rhythm, or styling for these steps.

1.    Close Basic Movement to Fan

2.    Hockey Stick to Chasse R

3.    New York (2) R/L

4.    Spot Turn R

5.    Hand to Hand (2) R/L

6.    Spot Turn L

7.    Timestep (2) L/R

8.    Under Arm Turning Left

9.    Shoulder to Shoulder L/R

10.   Under Arm Turning Right”

Here’s a detailed explanation of the ChaCha Bronze Syllabus steps for both the leader and follower with technique, rhythm and styling:

1. Close Basic Movement to Fan

  • Leader:
    • Step 1: LF forward
    • Step 2: RF side
    • Step 3: LF closes to RF
    • Step 4-5: RF back, LF side (open the follower into Fan position)
  • Follower:
    • Step 1: RF back
    • Step 2: LF side
    • Step 3: RF closes to LF
    • Step 4-5: LF forward, RF side (turn to Fan position)
  • Technique: Ensure the leader steps forward with clear pressure through the LF ball, and the follower should maintain a strong core when turning to Fan.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Step) – 3 (Step) – 4&1 (ChaChaCha)
  • Styling: The follower should extend the right arm gracefully when opening into Fan position to enhance the visual impact.

2. Hockey Stick to Chasse R

  • Leader:
    • Start in Fan position
    • Step 1: LF forward
    • Step 2: RF side
    • Step 3: LF closes to RF
    • Step 4-5: RF side, LF closes (chassé to the right)
  • Follower:
    • Start in Fan position
    • Step 1: RF forward (turning towards leader)
    • Step 2: LF forward
    • Step 3: RF forward in line
    • Step 4-5: LF side, RF closes (chassé to the right)
  • Technique: Leader must guide the follower’s path with a clear lead on count 2-3. Followers should maintain a strong frame and stay in line with the leader before turning.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Step) – 3 (Step) – 4&1 (Chassé)
  • Styling: The follower can add a slight flick of the wrist on the final chasse for elegance.

3. New York (2) R/L

  • Leader:
    • Step 1: LF forward in an open position
    • Step 2: RF replace back
    • Step 3: LF side
    • Repeat on opposite foot
  • Follower:
    • Step 1: RF forward in an open position
    • Step 2: LF replace back
    • Step 3: RF side
    • Repeat on opposite foot
  • Technique: Both partners should step through the ball of the foot with clear hip rotation. Maintain eye contact with your partner while opening to the side.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Step) – 3 (Step) – 4&1 (ChaChaCha)
  • Styling: Add a strong arm extension in the open position for dramatic effect.

4. Spot Turn R

  • Leader:
    • Step 1: LF forward
    • Step 2: RF replace back
    • Step 3: LF side
    • Rotate body to allow the follower’s turn
  • Follower:
    • Step 1: RF forward turning right
    • Step 2: LF replace back
    • Step 3: RF side
  • Technique: Followers should initiate the turn by stepping forward with weight on the inside edge of the RF. Leaders should avoid pushing; instead, use a slight pressure release.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Step) – 3 (Step) – 4&1 (ChaChaCha)
  • Styling: Followers can add a head whip for sharper styling.

5. Hand to Hand (2) R/L

  • Leader:
    • Step 1: LF backward (with body rotation)
    • Step 2: RF replace forward
    • Step 3: LF side
    • Repeat on opposite foot
  • Follower:
    • Step 1: RF backward (with body rotation)
    • Step 2: LF replace forward
    • Step 3: RF side
    • Repeat on opposite foot
  • Technique: Maintain body rotation toward the hand-to-hand direction while keeping your frame compact.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Step) – 3 (Step) – 4&1 (ChaChaCha)
  • Styling: Both partners should use a defined arm line — keep the free arm elegantly extended away from the body.

6. Spot Turn L

  • Leader:
    • Step 1: RF forward
    • Step 2: LF replace back
    • Step 3: RF side
  • Follower:
    • Step 1: LF forward turning left
    • Step 2: RF replace back
    • Step 3: LF side
  • Technique: The follower’s turn should be sharp yet controlled; keep your core engaged for balance. Leaders should guide the turn with subtle pressure on the follower’s hand.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Step) – 3 (Step) – 4&1 (ChaChaCha)
  • Styling: Add a strong hip action on the chasse for added flair.

7. Timestep (2) L/R

  • Leader:
    • Step 1: LF side (weight change)
    • Step 2: RF replace
    • Step 3: LF close
    • Repeat on opposite foot
  • Follower:
    • Step 1: RF side (weight change)
    • Step 2: LF replace
    • Step 3: RF close
    • Repeat on opposite foot
  • Technique: Focus on clear weight transfers from one foot to the other. Both partners should maintain a stable upper body.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Rock) – 3 (Replace) – 4&1 (ChaChaCha)
  • Styling: Add sharp hip actions to create rhythmic accents.

8. Under Arm Turning Left

  • Leader:
    • Step 1: LF forward
    • Step 2: RF replace back
    • Step 3: LF side
    • Guide follower with L hand over her head
  • Follower:
    • Step 1: RF forward turning left
    • Step 2: LF replace back
    • Step 3: RF side
  • Technique: Leaders should lead this turn by raising the left arm smoothly but decisively. Followers should pivot under the arm with precision.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Step) – 3 (Step) – 4&1 (ChaChaCha)
  • Styling: Followers can add a graceful arm sweep as they complete the turn for added elegance.

9. Shoulder to Shoulder L/R

  • Leader:
    • Step 1: LF forward to partner’s right side
    • Step 2: RF replace back
    • Step 3: LF side
    • Repeat on the other side
  • Follower:
    • Step 1: RF forward to partner’s left side
    • Step 2: LF replace back
    • Step 3: RF side
    • Repeat on the other side
  • Technique: Focus on strong hip action and ensure steps are well-defined. Leaders should offer a clear directional lead.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Step) – 3 (Step) – 4&1 (ChaChaCha)
  • Styling: Add a sharp pause or playful head turn during the step to emphasize contrast in rhythm.

10. Under Arm Turning Right

  • Leader:
    • Step 1: RF forward
    • Step 2: LF replace back
    • Step 3: RF side
    • Guide follower with R hand over her head
  • Follower:
    • Step 1: LF forward turning right
    • Step 2: RF replace back
    • Step 3: LF side
  • Technique: Leaders should guide with a gentle lift of the right arm. Followers must keep their steps small and controlled for balance.
  • Rhythm: 2 (Step) – 3 (Step) – 4&1 (ChaChaCha)
  • Styling: Followers can finish the turn with an accentuated hip action for a polished look.

DanceSport music – Latin Cha Cha

Non Stop Instrumental – Dancing music

Prompt: "How can I improve my technique for these moves?"

Improving your technique in Cha Cha involves refining footwork, posture, timing, and connection with your partner. Here are some tips for the moves in your syllabus:

  1. Basic Technique: Always keep your knees slightly flexed and your core engaged. The Cha Cha uses compact steps, so avoid overextending.

  2. Rhythm and Timing: Cha Cha has a 4/4 rhythm with a syncopated “2, 3, 4&1” count. Practice slow and steady at first to internalize the beat.

  3. Close Basic Movement to Fan: Focus on maintaining a strong frame and clear hand leads while transitioning to the fan position.

  4. Hockey Stick to Chasse R: For the follower, keep your steps in a linear path, and ensure the chasse is sharp and precise.

  5. New York (R/L): Emphasize rotation through the spine while keeping your upper body lifted. Make the opening step strong and confident.

  6. Spot Turns (R/L): Pivot on the ball of your foot and keep your weight controlled. Use your arms to balance and add flair.

  7. Hand to Hand (R/L): Ensure clear transitions between partners, maintaining tension in the connected hand for precision.

  8. Timestep (L/R): Focus on the rhythm and use this as an opportunity to show off your foot speed and control.

  9. Under Arm Turning Left/Right: For the follower, aim for graceful, seamless turns. Leaders should offer a clear and supportive hand lead.

  10. Shoulder to Shoulder (L/R): Keep your alignment square with your partner and strive for matching energy in each step.

Most importantly, practice with intention—focus on one aspect, like timing or posture, per practice session to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Recording yourself while dancing can also help you identify areas to improve.

And remember, Cha Cha is a cheeky, playful dance! Don’t forget to bring out its lively personality in your moves. How do you feel about trying out these tips?

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