The Cha Cha evolved from the Mambo in the middle of the 20th century. It is said that an English dance instructor, Pierre Margolie, brought the Cha Cha home after seeing the dance during a trip to Cuba in 1952. After that, he began to teach it as its own separate set of movements.
When to Dance the Cha Cha
Most often danced to Latin Pop or Rock music, the Cha Cha is usually danced with a partner. It is a fast, rhythmic dance and it is perfect for special events, weddings, and ballroom-type settings.
- The dance was originally called the Cha-Cha-Cha.
- Many people believe that the Cha Cha also has roots in Swing dance, with its triple step and break influenced by the Lindy Hop.
- The Cha Cha made its way to the United States in 1954 and was America’s most popular dance by 1959.