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Table of Contents
Cha Cha Cha — Figure Descriptions
Basic Movements - Closed, Open, In Place
CLOSE BASIC MOVEMENT
Start: LF fwd T turned out (Close Opp.; Normal Hold)
Finish: RF to side (Close Opp.; Normal Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 1-5 or 6 - 10 only may be used.
NOTE - Couple Position: May be danced in Open Opposing position with any appropriate hold.
NOTE - Quantity of turn: Up to ½ turn to L can be made
Overview - Closed Basic
| Starting Position | Closed Position |
|---|---|
| Turn | Man and Lady turn ¼ (or up to ½) left |
| Footwork | Ball flat throughout |
| Lead | Weight changes throughout |
| Hold | Normal hold |
| Ending Position | Closed Position |
| Duration | Ten steps over 2 bars |
Leader - Closed Basic
| Step | Foot Position | Turn | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LF forward | Begin ⅛ L | 2 |
| 2 | Replace weight to RF | 3 | |
| 3 - 5 | LF side and slightly back to chasse LRL | End ⅛ L | 4 & 1 |
| 6 | RF back | Begin ⅛ L | 2 |
| 7 | Replace weight to LF | 3 | |
| 8 - 10 | RF side to chasse RLR | End ⅛ L | 4 & 1 |
Follower - Closed Basic
| Step | Foot Position | Turn | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RF back | Begin ⅛ L | 2 |
| 2 | Replace weight to LF | 3 | |
| 3 - 5 | RF side to chasse RLR | End ⅛ L | 4 & 1 |
| 6 | LF forward | Begin ⅛ L | 2 |
| 7 | Replace weight to RF | 3 | |
| 8 - 10 | LF side and slightly back to chasse LRL | End ⅛ L | 4 & 1 |
OPEN BASIC MOVEMENT
Start: LF fwd T turned out (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
Finish: RF fwd (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 1-3 or 4-6 only may be used.
NOTE - Couple Position: May be danced in Close Opposing Position
NOTE - General Action/ Timing/Hold: Steps 3-5 may be replaced with 3 Cha Cha Locksteps bwd( 4&1 2&3 4&1) and steps 8 - 10 may be replaced by 3 Cha Cha Locksteps fwd (4&1 2&3 4&1). The hold may change from RH to RH on the first Lockstep to LH to LH on the second Lockstep and back to RH to RH or any other appropriate hold depending on the following figure.
Overview - Open Basic
| Starting Position | Open or Closed Position |
|---|---|
| Turn | No turn |
| Footwork | Ball flat throughout |
| Lead | Weight changes throughout |
| Hold | Normal hold, L to R hand hold or without hold |
| Ending Position | Open or Closed Position |
| Duration | Ten steps over 2 bars |
| Foot Position | Similar to the Closed Basic with the following exceptions: Man dances the first chasse backward and the second chasse forward Lady dances the first chasse forward and the second chasse backward |
Spot Turns – to Right, to Left
SPOT TURN TO R
Start: LF fwd and slightly across the body (L Side Same; Release Hold)
Finish: LF to side (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
** Spot Turn Right **
Overview - Spot Turn Right
| Starting Position | Closed, Open, Promenade and Open Counter Promenade Position |
|---|---|
| Turn | Man one complete turn right Lady one complete turn left |
| Footwork | Ball flat throughout |
| Duration | Five steps over 1 bar |
| Foot Position | Two forward walks and a chasse circling to the left or right and ended to side |
| Note | Spot Turn may be danced solo by Man or Lady. May also be danced as a solo turn where one foot remains on a spot around which the circle is made. |
Leader
| Step | Foot Position | Lead/Hold | Turn | Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LF forward | If using hold, increase tone in arm, turn with body then release hold | ¼ R | 2 |
| 2 | Keeping RF in place, replace weight to RF | ½ R | 3 | |
| 3 - 5 | LF side to chasse LRL | Take required hold at end of 5 | ¼ R | 4 & 1 |
Follower
| Step | Foot Position | Turn | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RF forward | ¼ L | 2 |
| 2 | Keeping LF in place, replace weight to LF | ½ L | 3 |
| 3 - 5 | RF side to chasse RLR | ¼ L | 4 & 1 |
SPOT TURN TO L
Start: RF fwd and slightly across the body (R Side Same; Release Hold)
Finish: RF to side (Open Opp.; RH to LH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General Action: Steps 3-5 may be replaced by a Cha Cha Lockstep fwd (Man) and Cha Cha Lockstep bwd (Lady).
Underarm Turns - to Right, to Left
UNDERARM TURN TURNING R
Start: RF bwd (L Diag. R Angle; Lady turns under Man’s LH)
Finish: RF to side (Close Opp.; Normal Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General Action: Steps 3-5 may be replaced by a Cha Cha Lockstep fwd (Man) and Cha Cha Lockstep bwd (Lady)
UNDERARM TURN TURNING L
Start: LF fwd T turned out (L Diag. Same; Lady turns under Man’s LH)
Finish: LF to side (Close Opp.; Normal Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
Switch Turns – to Right, to Left
New York – to Left Side Position, to Right Side Position
NEW YORK TO L
Start: RF fwd and across body, T turned out (R Side Same; RH to LH)
Finish: RF to side (Open Opp.; RH to LH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - Timing: Guapacha Timing may be used
NOTE - General Action: Cha Cha Chasse to side may be replaced by a Three Step Turn for Man and Lady, or Lady only. It may also be replaced by a Ronde Chasse.
NEW YORK TO R
Start: LF fwd and across body, T turned out (L Side Same; LH to RH)
Finish: LF to side (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - Timing: Guapacha Timing may be used.
NOTE - General Action: Cha Cha Chasse to side may be replaced by a Three Step Turn for Man and Lady, or Lady only. It may also be replaced by a Ronde Chasse.
Hand to Hand–to Left Side Position, to Right Side Position
HAND TO HAND TO L
Start: LF bwd (R Side Same; RH to LH)
Finish: LF to side (Open Opp.; RH to LH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
HAND TO HAND TO R
Start: RF bwd (L Side Same; LH to RH)
Finish: RF to side (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
Fan
Start: RF bwd (L Diag. R Angle; RH releases Hold)
Finish: RF to side (fan L Angle; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - Timing: Guapacha Timing may be used.
NOTE - General Action/Couple Position: May end in Open Opp. Pos. Man turns ¼ to L at the end of step 2 and dances a Cha Cha Lock fwd or three Cha Cha Locks fwd ( lady as chart or 3 Cha Cha Locks bwd) or a Cha Cha Chasse to side( Lady Cha Cha Chasse to side) The figure may be used as a Foot Change- in this case Lady will dance a Spiral Cross on step 7 and follow with Cha Cha Chasse to side to end in L Side Same Position. Man will replace steps 8-10 with side Rock (RF, LF) timed 4 1 and release hold at the end
Hockey Stick
Start: LF fwd T turned out (Fan L Angle; LH to RH)
Finish: RF fwd (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General Action: Ronde Chasse may be replaced by Slip Close Chasse. Steps 8-10 may be replaced by 3 Cha Cha Locks fwd for Man, bwd for Lady
Alemana
Start: LF fwd, T turned out (Fan L Angle; LH to RH)
Finish: RF fwd and slightly across the body (R Diag. Opp.; Normal Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&.1 //
NOTE_ General: Steps 6-10 only may be used.
NOTE - General Action: Man’s step 6 may be danced as a Bwd Walk and step 7 as a Side Walk.
NOTE -General Action/Couple Position: Steps 8 -10 may be replaced by a side Chasse for Man and Lady danced in Close Opp. or Open Opp. Position.
Three Cha Cha Cha’s
THREE CHA CHA CHAS TO R
Start: RF to side (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
Finish: RF to side (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 4&1 2&3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Three Cha Cha Chas to R may replace steps 3-5 of Hand to Hand to R, New York to L, Spot Turn to L, Underarm Turn to R, Time Step. Steps 4 -9 only may be danced.
THREE CHA CHA CHAS TO L
Start: LF to side (Open Opp.; RH to LH)
Finish: LF to side (Open Opp.; RH to LH)
//Timing: 4&1 2&3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Three Cha Cha Chas to L may replace steps 3-5 of Hand to Hand to L, New York to R, Spot Turn to R, Underarm Turn to L and steps 8-10 of Time Step. Steps 4 -9 only may be danced.
Natural Top
Start: RF crossed behind LF, T turned out (Close Opp.; Normal Hold)
Finish: RF fwd and slightly across the body (R Side Opp.; Normal Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 1-10 or 11-15 only may be used.
NOTE - General Action/Couple Position: Steps 13-15 may be replaced by a side Chasse for Man and Lady danced in Close Opp. or Open Opp. Position.
Natural Opening Out Movement
Shoulder to Shoulder – to Right Side, to Left Side
Start: LF fwd OP, T turned out (L Diag. Opp.; w/o Hold)
Finish: RF to side (Open Opp.; w/o Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 1-5 or 6-10 only may be used. Man may dance Lady’s steps and vice versa.
NOTE - Timing: Guapacha Timing may be used.
Time Steps
Start: RF closed to LF (Close Opp.; w/o Hold hold)
Finish: LF to side (Close Opp.; w/o Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4 &1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 1-5 or 6 - 10 only may be used. When all steps are danced in place it is known as BASIC IN PLACE. When steps 3 -5 are replaced with a Merengue Chasse bwd an steps 8 -10 with a Merengue Chasse fwd for both partners it is known as THERE AND BACK
NOTE -Couple Position: May be danced in Open Opposing Position or Extended Open Opp. Pos.
NOTE - Timing, Foot Placement: When the Time Step is danced using the Guapacha Timing, the foot placement of steps 1 and 6 will be crossed behind in Latin Cross Position.
Cross Basic
Start: LF fwd, T turned out (Close Opp.; Normal Hold)
Finish: RF to side (Close Opp.; Normal Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 6-10 only may be used.
NOTE - General Action: Steps 3-5 for Man may be replaced by a bwd Lockstep.
NOTE - Timing: Guapacha timing may be used.
Hip Twists – Closed, Open, Advanced
CLOSE HIP TWIST
Start: LF fwd T turned out (Close Opp.; Normal Hold)
Finish: RF to side (Fan L Angle; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 1-5 or 6-10 only may be used.
NOTE - General Action: Steps 8-10 may be replaced by a Cha Cha Lock fwd or three Cha Cha Locks fwd (Man) and a Cha Cha Lock bwd or three Cha Cha Locks bwd (Lady). When steps 1-5 only are used Lady may dance a Cha Cha Chasse on steps 3-5 turning L to end in Close Opp. Pos.
NOTE - Lead/ Hold/ Shaping: It may be danced with RH to RH Hold, changing to LH to RH hold on step 7.
NOTE - General Action/ Couple Position: The figure may be used as a Foot Change- in this case Lady will dance a Spiral Cross on step 7 and follow with Cha Cha Chasse to side to end in L Side Same Position. Man will replace steps 8-10 with Rock to side (RF, LF) timed 4 1 and release hold at the end.
OPEN HIP TWIST
Start: LF fwd, T turned out (Open Opp. LH to RH)
Finish: RF to side (Fan L Angle; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 1-5 or 6 -10 only may be used.
NOTE -Couple Position: May be danced in Open Opposing position
NOTE - Timing: Guapacha Timing may be used.
NOTE - General Action/ Couple Position: The figure may be used as a Foot Change- in this case Lady will dance a Spiral Cross on step 7 and follow with Cha Cha Chasse to side to end in L Side Same Position. Man will replace steps 8-10 with a side Rock (RF, LF) timed 4 1 and release hold at the end.
Aida
Start: RF bwd (L Side Same; LH to RH)
Finish: RF to side (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General Action/ Timing: Alternative Ending- after step 5 Man turns ¼ to L (Lady ¼ to R) to end in Open Opp. Pos. and they both dance a Rock Action and Compact Chasse timed 2 3 4&1. The Lady may replace the last step of the preceding Chasse with a Spiral Cross and then follow with steps 6-10 of Open Hip Twist and then continue as chart.
Spiral
Cuban Break - Left Foot, Right Foot, Split
CUBAN BREAKS TO R
Start: LF fwd and across body, T turned out (L Side Same; LH to RH)
Finish: LF to side (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2& 3& 4&1 //
NOTE - Couple Position: Possible amalgamations • Steps 1-2 in L Side Same, Steps 3-4 in Open Opp., Steps 5-6 in R Side Same, Step 7 in Open Opp. • Steps 1-7 in L Side Same • Steps 1-7 in Open Opp. • Steps 1-6 in L Side Same, Step 7 in Open Opp. • Cuban Breaks to R danced in Open Opp. Pos. without turn followed by two taps with RF crossed behind LF w/o weight and Cha Cha Chasse to R. Lady dances steps 1-5 of Open Basic followed by Cuban Breaks to L in Open Opp. Pos. Lady may also dance man’s steps on the opposite foot.
CUBAN BREAKS TO L
Start: RF fwd and across body, T turned out (R Side Same; RH to LH)
Finish: RF to side (Open Opp.; RH to LH)
//Timing: 2& 3& 4&1 //
NOTE - Couple Position: Possible amalgamations • Steps 1-2 in R Side Same, Steps 3-4 in Open Opp., Steps 5-6 in L Side Same, Step 7 in Open Opp. • Steps 1-7 in R Side Same • Steps 1-7 in Open Opp. • Steps 1-6 in R Side Same, Step 7 in Open Opp.
SPLIT CUBAN BREAK TO R
Start: LF fwd and across body, T turned out (L Side Same; LH to RH)
Finish: LF to side (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2&3 (or 4&1) //
NOTE - General: Split Cuban Break to R is always followed by a Split Cuban Break to L.
NOTE - Timing: The first Split Cuban Break is always danced on 2&3 and the following on 4&1.
NOTE -Couple Position: possible amalgamations • Steps 1-2 in L Side Same, Step 3 in Open Opposing • Steps 1-3 in L Side Same • Steps 1-3 in Open Opposing
SPLIT CUBAN BREAK TO L
Start: RF fwd and across body, T turned out(R Side Same; RH to LH)
Finish: RF to side (Open Opp.; RH to LH)
//Timing: 2&3 (or 4&1) //
NOTE -General: Split Cuban Break to L is always followed by a Split Cuban Break to R.
NOTE - Timing: The first Split Cuban Break is always danced on 2&3 and the following on 4&1.
NOTE -Couple Position: possible amalgamations • Steps 1-2 in R Side Same, Step 3 in Open Opposing • Steps 1-3 in R Side Same • Steps 1-3 in Open Opposing
Sweetheart
Start: LF fwd, T turned out (Open Opp.; RH to RH)
Finish: RF to side and slightly fwd (Close Opp.; Normal Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - Timing: Guapacha timing may be used
NOTE - General: Steps 6 - 15 may be omitted.
NOTE - General Action/ Timing/ Couple Position: At the end of step 15 as the Lady ends in R Diag. Same Position the Man may take a Shadow Hold and continue with an alternative ending as follows: Both dance a Checked Bwd Walk (Man RF, Lady LF), Wt Transfer in Place, Running Chasse Fwd, Checked Fwd Walk, Wt Transfer in Place, Running Chasse Bwd. Man follows with steps 6-10 of Close Basic to end in Fan L Angle Position, releasing hold on step 7 and taking LH to RH Hold at the end of step 10. Lady follows with Checked Back Walk, Wt Transfer in Place with a Swivel (¼ turn to R) and a Bwd Lockstep to end in Fan L Angle.
Curl
Start: LF fwd.,T turned Out (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
Finish: RF to side (Fan L Angle; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 1-5 or 6-10 only may be used.
NOTE -General Action/Quantity of Turn/Couple Position: Man may turn ¼ to L on steps 7 and dance a Fwd Cha Cha Lockstep or 3 Cha Cha Locksteps fwd ( Lady as chart or 3 Cha Cha Locksteps bwd.) or a Cha Cha Chasse to side ( Lady replaces a bwd Lock with a Side Chasse)
NOTE - General Action/ Couple Position: The figure may be used as a Foot Change- in this case Lady will dance a Spiral Cross on step 6 and follow with Cha Cha Chasse to side to end in L Side Same Position. Man will replace steps 8-10 with Rock to side (RF LF) timed 4 1 and release hold at the end.
Hip Twist Spiral
CLOSE HIP TWIST SPIRAL
Start: LF fwd, T turned out (Back R Diag. Same; Normal Hold)
Finish: RF to side (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps -6-10 only may be used.
NOTE - General Action/ Couple Position: It may end in Fan L Angle Position. Lady overturns Spiral Cross and her Three Step Turn Should finish LF bwd and Man will dance a Hip Twist Chasse to end in Fan L Angle or a fwd Lockstep to end in Open Opposing Position. The figure may be used as a Foot Change-in this case Lady will overturn the Spiral Cross on step 6 and follow with three step turn to end in L Side Same Position. Man will not turn on step 5 and replace steps 8-10 with Rock to side (RF, LF) timed 4 1 releasing the hold at the end.
OPEN HIP TWIST SPIRAL
Start: LF fwd, T turned out (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
Finish: Weight on RF (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 6-10 only may be used.
NOTE - General Action/ Couple Position: It may end in Fan L Angle Position. Lady overturns Spiral Cross and her Three Step Turn Should finish LF bwd and Man will dance a Hip Twist Chasse to end in Fan L Angle or a fwd Lockstep to end in Open Opposing Position. The figure may be used as a Foot Change- in this case Lady will overturn the Spiral Cross on step 6 and follow with three step turn to end in L Side Same Position. Man will not turn on step 5 and replace steps 8-10 with Rock to side (RF LF) timed 4 1 releasing the hold at the end.
Turkish Towel
Start: LF fwd, T turned Out (Open Opp.; RH to RH)
Finish: RF fwd (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&.1 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&.1 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&.1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - Timing: Guapacha timing may be used
NOTE - General: Steps 11- 20 may be omitted.
NOTE - General Action: Steps 28-30 may be replaced by 3 fwd Locksteps (Man), 3 bwd Locksteps (Lady)
Foot Changes
Reverse Top
Opening Out from Reverse Top
Rope Spinning
Start: LF to side (R Back Diag L Angle.; RH to LH)
Finish: LF fwd (R Diag. Opp.; Normal Hold)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE -General Action/Couple Position: Steps 8-10 may be replaced with a Cha Cha Chasse to side for Man and Lady danced in Open Opp. or Close Opp. Position. On the last step of the preceding figure the Lady will dance a Spiral Cross to end in R Diag. L Angle Position.
Follow My Leader
Start: LF fwd (Open Opp.; w/o Hold)
Finish: RF fwd (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 (&)2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Man may replace steps 1-2 with steps 16-17.
NOTE - General Action: Lady’s steps 18-26 may be replaced by Three Cha Cha Locks Bwd.
NOTE - General/Couple Position: Steps 1-10 may be used as a Foot Change from Open Opposing to L Side Same Position. Man and Lady will turn ¼ to R at the end of step 7 and finish with a Cha Cha Chasse LRL. Steps 16-20 may also be used as a Foot Change from L Side Same to open Opposing Position, preceded by a Spot Turn to L that ends with a Fwd Lockstep in Back Open Same Position.
Side Step to Left, to Right
There and Back
Chase
Syncopated Open Hip Twist
(WDSF only)
Start: LF fwd, T turned out (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
Finish: RF to side (Fan L Angle; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Steps 6-10 only may be used.
NOTE -General Action/Quantity of Turn/Couple Position: Man may turn ¼ to L on steps 7-9 to end in Open Opposing Position. The Lady will replace step 9 with a Side walk.
NOTE - General Action/ Couple Position: The figure may be used as a Foot Change- in this case Lady will dance a Spiral Cross on step 6 and follow with Cha Cha Chasse to side to end in L Side Same Position. Man will replace steps 8-10 with Rock to side (RF LF) timed 4 1 and release hold at the end.
Continuous Overturned Lock
(WDSF only)
Start: LF fwd (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
Finish: RF fwd (Close Same; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 (&)3& 4&1 //
NOTE -General Action/Couple Position: Lady may replace step 3 with a Forward Walk Turning to end in Open Opp. Position.
Swivels
(WDSF only)
Start: RF in place (L Diag.R Angle; Normal Hold)
Finish: RF to side (Fan L Angle; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 //
NOTE - Foot Placement: start with feet apart and weight on LF (normally after a Ronde Chasse)
NOTE -Couple Position/ Quantity of Turn/General Action: It may end in Open Opp. Position. Man turns ¼ to L on steps 3-5, Lady replaces step 5 with a side Walk.
Walks & Whisks
(WDSF only)
Start: LF fwd (L side Same; w/o Hold)
Finish: LF to side and slightly fwd (Open Opp.; LH to RH)
//Timing: 2 3 4&1 2&3 4&1 //
NOTE - General: Man may dance Lady’s steps and vice versa. Steps 6-11 only may be danced.
NOTE - General Action: Steps 3-5 may be replaced by a Cha Cha Lock Fwd, steps 6-11 may be replaced by Time Step Chasses.