Salsa and Cha Cha allow people experience dancing in different ways. As you begin learning these dance styles, try not to compare them but rather enjoy them as beautiful, unique dances. In this article, I will cover the main differences between Cha Cha and Salsa dance.
What is the difference between Salsa and Cha Cha? The difference between Salsa and Cha Cha is in the basic steps. Salsa has three beats and pause and 3 beats and pause; whereas, Cha Cha has three quick steps followed by 2 slow steps. Cha Cha is unique by its three chasses (cha-cha-cha).
Cha-Cha and Salsa dance were two Latin dance styles I was introduced to a few years ago when I started learning to dance.
Both dances are fun, energetic, sensual, and beneficial to learn but are different in so many ways.
What Is Cha Cha dance?
Cha cha is a Latin dance style and originates from Cuba. Cha Cha was influenced by Cuban Mambo and became popular in the US and other parts of the World in the 1950s.
Cha Cha is energetic, playful, and fun dance style that will put a smile on your face and will have your heart pumping.
This dance style emphasizes Cuban motions but distinguishes by the chasses (aka cha-cha-cha), which is danced to 4/1 count of the music.
Cha cha got its name from an English dance teacher Pierre Lavelle in 1952 when he saw dancers in Cuba dancing triple steps to slow mambo and rumba music.
Actually, the correct name of this dance is cha-cha-cha because each cha-cha signifies half-beat, so the name of the dance mimics the sound of the feet as they chase across the floor. However, it is catchy saying cha cha rather than cha cha cha.
Cha Cha is counted in 4/4 times, but you will need to take five steps. The count is done with three slow steps and then followed by two quick steps—for example, 1-2-3, cha-cha.
Slow steps should take the entire beat, and quick steps should take half a beat.
What Are Basic Steps in Cha Cha Dance?
The quickest and easiest way to learn Cha Cha is to start with the basic steps and master them.
Latin dance Cha cha style has to be danced on 2 timing; however, Salsa can be danced on 1 and 2. The reason behind this is the rhythm of the music. Cha-cha sound of the music happens on the 4 and 5, and on 8 and 1 count of the music. To match these beats, you need to break on the 2 and 6.
Cha Cha is not an intimate dance style like Salsa because there is lots of room between partners. A man’s left hand will extend out to the left while the woman’s right hand will meet it. The man’s right hand will be placed below a woman’s left shoulder blade, while the woman’s left hand will be above and rest on the man’s right shoulder blade.
Here is an excellent example of Cha Cha dance for beginners:
Is Cha Cha Hard To Learn?
Cha Cha is an excellent dance to learn if you are a beginner because it is relatively easy to learn dancing. The footwork is relatively simple. The main focus is on shifting from one foot to another.
As I mentioned earlier, the five steps of Cha Cha are taken to four beats of music. Cha Cha’s movements are very flirtatious and seductive, so this would be an excellent dance for you if you like to party. 🙂
Can You Dance Cha Cha Alone?
Although Cha Cha is a partner dance style, it can be practiced solo. So when the opportunity arises to dance with someone else, you will be ready to cha cha!
The basic steps can be easily practiced alone. Here is an example of solo Cha Cha dance steps.
Characteristics Of Salsa Dance
Salsa dance is mainly partnered dance but can be danced solo too. Salsa is an energetic, fun, and sensual dance style that is extremely popular across the World.
Salsa is a Latin dance that originated in the 1960s and combines Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican dances. It was mainly developed by Dominicans and Puerto Ricans in New York between the ’60s and ’70s.
Salsa dance social events are mainly held in nightclubs, Latin coffee places, bars, restaurants, ballrooms, or outside during summer. Any larger city or town probably has organized Salsa social events here and then. Your best bet would be to search on the Internet or social media for Latin dance events in your area.
I found out about Salsa lessons I currently attend through an acquaintance at my gym. Simply mention to people you are interested to learn Salsa dance, and I am sure some people could direct you in the right direction.
Professional Salsa dancers dance at speeds between 150 bpm and 250 bpm. However, beginner dancers, such as myself, dance at a much slower pace, and there is really no requirement or need to dance that fast. The most important for beginner Salsa dancers is to learn proper steps, moves, and dance techniques. The speed comes last on the priority list.
The Salsa music is phrased in counts of 8. All of the steps you will be learning will fit into an 8 count. However, 2 of the counts are pauses. You will dance on counts 1,2,3, then pause of 4, and continue to dance on 5,6,7 and pause on 8.
A great thing about Salsa dance is that it will continue to change and grow as people add new techniques, steps, and individual styles that others will love, too.
There are 6 Salsa dance styles:
- Afro-Latino Salsa Style
- Columbian or Cali Salsa Style
- Cuban Or Casino Salsa Style
- Miami Salsa Style
- La Salsa Style
- New York Salsa Style
Here is an excellent example of Salsa dance steps for beginners:
Final Words
Cha Cha and Salsa are fantastic Latin dance styles but different in so many ways. Both dance styles are widely danced across the World, so you will not regret whichever dance style you decide to learn. Hot, exotic, sensual, energetic are only a few words that describe Cha Cha and Salsa.
