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How To Cha-Cha

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Even if you've got two left feet, you'll look like a dance champ when you master this simple, sassy take on salsa.
Added January 5, 2009

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You Will Need

A dance partner
Patience
The ability to laugh at yourself

Step 1.
Assume the position

Label yourselves Partner A and Partner B. A should face B with his left arm up at a 45-degree angle, and his right hand in the middle of B’s back. B should face A with her right arm held up against A’s left, and her left hand resting on A’s right arm.
Traditionally, A’s steps are performed by a man, and B’s steps are performed by a woman.
Step 2.
Learn the count

The cha-cha has its own rhythm. Before putting your moves into action, you must learn the beat. The count is 1, 2, 3, cha-cha, 1, 2, 3, cha-cha. This can also be counted as 1, 2, 3, 4-and, 1, 2, 3, 4-and.
Step 3.
Act like mirrors

A and B’s steps will always mirror each other, so if you get lost, watch what your partner is doing and pretend you’re looking at your reflection.
Step 4.
Step on 1

On the “1” count, A’s right foot and B’s left foot step to the side.
Step 5.
Rock-step on 2

On the “2” count, A rock-steps forward with the left foot, and B rock-steps back with the right foot.
To do a rock-step, simply step and shift your weight onto that foot. Then, without moving your foot, shift your weight back to your original foot.
Step 6.
Shift on 3

On the “3” count, A shifts his weight to the right foot, and B shifts her weight to the left foot.
Step 7.
Change on 4 and 1

On the “4 and 1” count, A steps to the side and executes a quick left-right-left change of feet. B steps to the side and executes a quick right-left-right change of feet.
“Four and 1” can be counted as “cha-cha-1.”
Step 8.
Rock-step on 2

On the next “2” count, A rock-steps backward with the right foot, and B rock-steps forward with the left foot.
Step 9.
Shift on 3

On the “3” count, A shifts his weight to the left foot, and B shifts her weight to the right foot.
Step 10.
Change on 4 and 1

On the “4 and 1” count, A steps to the side and executes a quick right-left-right change of feet. B steps to the side and executes a quick left-right-left change of feet.
Step 11.
Use those hips

Once you’ve practiced this sequence to the music and you feel a little more comfortable, have fun with it. Add a little extra hip action, and throw in some sass.
The cha-cha, which became wildly popular in the 1950s, is a slowed-down cousin of the mambo.