Partner Cha-Cha: Basic, Chassé and New Yorker
In pairs, students learn the cha-cha: the basic with the "two, three, cha-cha-cha" chassé, the side basic, and the New Yorker, an open side break. It builds rhythmic precision, partner coordination, and posture.
How to play
- Listen to a cha-cha and count "two, three, cha-cha-cha," clapping the triple. Solo, practice the forward and back basic with the chassé for 4 minutes.
- Teach the side basic (chassé to one side and the other) and alternate it with the basic every two bars for 3 minutes.
- In pairs and closed hold, dance the basic together: the leader moves forward while the follower moves back. Practice for 5 minutes, switching roles halfway.
- Teach the New Yorker: letting go of one hand, partners open to one side shoulder to shoulder, come back with a chassé, and open to the other side. Practice for 5 minutes.
- Every 2 minutes, the outer circle moves up one partner and pairs dance the combo: two basics, two side basics, and two New Yorkers (5 minutes).
- Wrap-up: each pair invents a final pose and hits it on the last phrase of the song (3 minutes).
Rules
- Dance the "cha-cha-cha" triple with small steps, without dragging your feet.
- In closed hold, keep your back tall and arms firm without leaning on your partner.
- Change partners on the signal, and no one gets left out.
- Keep about 5 feet from nearby pairs.
Variations
Easier
Dance only the basic and side basic, solo while facing a partner.
Standard
Combine the basic, side basic, and New Yorker in closed and open hold.
Harder
Add an underarm turn for the follower after the New Yorker.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the pair dances with the wheelchair marking the triple using small wheel pushes and arm movements.
- Hearing impairment: the rhythm is passed through the partner's hand pressure plus a visual cue from the teacher.
- Advanced level: ask for free arm styling and have the student help pairs that get off the beat.
Learning goals
- Perform the cha-cha triple with rhythmic precision.
- Coordinate the basic, side basic, and New Yorker with a partner.
- Maintain good posture while partner dancing.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music
- speakers: 1
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is putting the triple on the one: counting "two, three" before each phrase helps. Pick classic cha-chas with a clearly audible guiro.
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