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Cha-Cha Basics: Time Step, Basic and a Simple Routine

Cha-Cha Basics: Time Step, Basic and a Simple Routine — video by Egils Smagris Play · 5:00

Video by Egils Smagris on YouTube · Open on YouTube

Latvian ballroom champion and teacher Egils Smagris and his partner teach the cha-cha time step, how to count 4-and-1, 2, 3, the basic with rock steps and the hold, then a simple routine with checks, a spot turn and an underarm turn. Short and clear for first-timers.

  • 5 min
  • Beginner
  • Low impact (no jumping)
  • No equipment
  • Latin

Good forDancing for fun

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Step by step 6

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  1. Time step: chassé side, close, side, then two closes on the spot, to each side. 0:12
  2. Counting: the chassé is 4-and-1 and the closes are 2, 3, so you start on 4. 0:54
  3. Basic: replace the two closes with a small rock step, forward and back. 1:37
  4. Hold: a low double hold or a closed hold, then dance the basic together. 2:15
  5. Routine: closed basics, checks a quarter turn each way, a spot turn and the lady's underarm turn. 2:57
  6. Run-through: dance the whole routine again, with each figure and its counts named on screen. 4:10

The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.

Form cues from the coach

  • The chassé is side, close, side, counted 4-and-1
  • Rock steps go on 2 and 3, so the dance starts on count 4
  • On a check, turn a quarter, step forward and replace

What it works

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Joints it uses light on the joints

  • Hips movesrock steps and Latin hip action
  • Knees moveschassés, rock steps, pivots and turns
  • Ankles & feet movesquick chassés, rocks on the balls

A guide to the joints this video’s moves load, from what the coach does — not medical advice. Some ache is normal; stop if a joint hurts sharply. How joints are rated

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Video by Egils Smagris; the summary, steps, cues, body areas and joint notes are Notbroken’s, written from what the coach actually does in the video and checked a second time. Warm up first, take the easier options until a move feels easy, and stop if you feel sharp pain, chest pain or dizziness. General instruction, not advice for your body. About & safety