How to Cha-Cha

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Even if you've got two left feet, you'll look like a dance champ when you master this simple, sassy take on salsa.

Step 1: Assume the position
Label yourselves Partner A and Partner B. A should face B with his left arm up at a 45-degree angle, and his right hand in the middle of B's back. B should face A with her right arm held up against A's left, and her left hand resting on A's right arm.

Tip
Traditionally, A's steps are performed by a man, and B's steps are performed by a woman.

Step 2: Learn the count
The cha-cha has its own rhythm. Before putting your moves into action, you must learn the beat. The count is 1, 2, 3, cha-cha, 1, 2, 3, cha-cha. This can also be counted as 1, 2, 3, 4-and, 1, 2, 3, 4-and.

Step 3: Act like mirrors
A and B's steps will always mirror each other, so if you get lost, watch what your partner is doing and pretend you're looking at your reflection.

Step 4: Step on 1
On the "1" count, A's right foot and B's left foot step to the side.

Step 5: Rock-step on 2
On the "2" count, A rock-steps forward with the left foot, and B rock-steps back with the right foot.

Tip
To do a rock-step, simply step and shift your weight onto that foot. Then, without moving your foot, shift your weight back to your original foot.

Step 6: Shift on 3
On the "3" count, A shifts his weight to the right foot, and B shifts her weight to the left foot.

Step 7: Change on 4 and 1
On the "4 and 1" count, A steps to the side and executes a quick left-right-left change of feet. B steps to the side and executes a quick right-left-right change of feet.

Tip
"Four and 1" can be counted as "cha-cha-1."

Step 8: Rock-step on 2
On the next "2" count, A rock-steps backward with the right foot, and B rock-steps forward with the left foot.

Step 9: Shift on 3
On the "3" count, A shifts his weight to the left foot, and B shifts her weight to the right foot.

Step 10: Change on 4 and 1
On the "4 and 1" count, A steps to the side and executes a quick right-left-right change of feet. B steps to the side and executes a quick left-right-left change of feet.

Step 11: Use those hips
Once you've practiced this sequence to the music and you feel a little more comfortable, have fun with it. Add a little extra hip action, and throw in some sass.

Did You Know?
The cha-cha, which became wildly popular in the 1950s, is a slowed-down cousin of the mambo.