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Basic Sequence: Cha Cha Cha: Part 6

The first basic sequence.

Please Note: This is a sequel to General: Elixir

The basic sequence needs to be practised until one is able to recognise the individual figures as having individual distinct identities. When this happens you would be able to move as you like, with the mood, the need of the situation and instance.

2 & 3 (Also called as the Three Cha Cha Chas): (Also refer Fig: Directions)
Note: 1. The Chasse is a set of three steps that all move in the same direction of the first step. 2. Also the leading step always remains in the lead position.

1. This is a Chasse of three steps with the three counts “2, &, 3”, which is done in place of the usual Rock Step, in the direction of the preceding Chasse, and the succeeding Chasse also progresses in the direction of the preceding Chasse. The Chasse for the counts “2, &, 3” is performed by stepping forward and across.

2. Dance a Forward Basic. This figure ends on the count 1 with feet apart and weight on the Left foot, facing and being square to the direction “B”, and the movement being in the direction “A” for the Chasse. Turn very slightly and move the Right foot forward and across the Left foot and moving in the direction of direction “A”, for the count 2. For the next count of &, move the Left foot towards and behind the Right foot and take weight on the Left foot. For the next count of 3, move the Right foot a little further to in the direction of the direction “A”. Next part is the Chasse starting with the Left foot, moving in the direction “A”, and also simultaneously turn to face and come square to the direction “B”.

3. Stand with the feet apart with the body weight on the Right foot, and facing and being square to the direction “B”. Turn very slightly (about 45 degrees or less) to the right on the Right foot. Move the Left foot forward and across the Right foot in the direction “C” and step on it for the count 2. For the next count &, take weight on the Right foot, which is moved close and behind the Left foot. For then next count 3, move the Left foot slightly to the side in the direction “C” and take the weight on to it, thus the Right foot is just off the floor. (Note here that all the steps for the count “2, &. 3” move in the direction “C”. Next part is the Chasse for the counts “Cha, Cha, 1”, beginning with the Right foot and in the direction “C”.

4. Practice this figure once after dancing the Basic twice, followed by New York, Spot Turn and Hand to Hand. This sequence should help in getting the practice for this figure, which is better known as the Three Cha Cha Chas, when starting on the Right and the Left foot.

Note: Dancing the various figures in the particular sequence given should give a better idea of the flow in this dance.

Continued...