Cha Cha Cha Basic and Advanced Routine with Cross Basics

The short answer: this lesson gives you two Cha Cha Cha routines, danced in full with the figure names on screen. The basic routine uses beginner figures: Cha Cha Chas backward and forward, the Alemana Turn, Cross Basics, Time Steps, a "Challenge Step" and a New York and Spot Turn. The advanced routine adds a Lady Spiral development on the Cross Basic and a Split Cuban Break in Open PP, and uses Guapacha timing on the Cross Basics and Time Steps.

What is in this Cha Cha Cha lesson?

Two routines in one video, each danced in full with the figures named on screen. The basic routine starts at 0:58 and the advanced routine at 3:30. The advanced routine follows the same path as the basic, with a few additions and a change of timing, so it's a natural next step once the basic feels comfortable.

What is the "Challenge Step" in this routine?

The man dances a Spot Turn while the lady dances a right foot Time Step. Then you swap: the man dances a right foot Time Step while the lady dances the Spot Turn. It's in both routines.

What steps are in the basic Cha Cha Cha routine?

1. 3 Cha Cha Chas backward
2. 3 Cha Cha Chas forward
3. Alemana Turn
4. 2 Cross Basics
5. 2 Time Steps
6. "Challenge Step": man Spot Turn with lady RF Time Step, then man RF Time Step with lady Spot Turn.
7. New York and Spot Turn

What steps are in the advanced Cha Cha Cha routine?

1. 3 Cha Cha Chas backward
2. 3 Cha Cha Chas forward
3. Alemana Turn
4. Cross Basic: with Guapacha timing.
5. Cross Basic with a development: a Lady Spiral, with Guapacha timing.
6. 2 Time Steps: with Guapacha timing.
7. "Challenge Step"
8. Split Cuban Break: in Open PP.
9. New York and Spot Turn

Common mistakes

• Jumping into the advanced routine before the basic routine feels comfortable. The advanced version builds on the basic, so learn the basic first.
• Forgetting the change of timing. In the advanced routine the Cross Basics and Time Steps use Guapacha timing.
• Mixing up who does what in the "Challenge Step". The man starts with the Spot Turn while the lady dances the Time Step.

Try this in your next practice

Watch the basic routine one section at a time and walk each figure slowly, using the names on screen. When you can dance it all the way through, move on to the advanced routine and add the Lady Spiral, the Split Cuban Break and the Guapacha timing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the basic and advanced routine?

The advanced routine adds a Lady Spiral development on the Cross Basic and a Split Cuban Break in Open PP, and uses Guapacha timing on the Cross Basics and Time Steps.

Is the basic routine good for beginners?

Yes. It uses beginner Cha Cha Cha figures like the Alemana Turn, Cross Basics, Time Steps and Spot Turns.

How fast is Cha Cha Cha music?

WDSF competition rules set Cha Cha Cha at 30 to 32 bars a minute.

Is this the same as your other Cha Cha Cha routine?

No. My other Cha Cha Cha basic and advanced routine uses different figures, with Cuban Breaks, a Ronde and a Hockey Stick ending.

Related lessons

• Cha Cha Cha basic and advanced routine with Hockey Stick
• How to dance Cha Cha Cha forward and backward locks
• Cha Cha Cha Cuban Break with Double Take
• Advanced Cha Cha Cha demonstration

Vaughan Liddicoat is a 4 time World Professional 10 Dance representative for Australia, an accredited coach and the founder of Ballroom Mastery. He has a passion for dance and wants to help you become the best dancer you can be and have an amazing time doing it.