The Cha-Cha or Triple Mambo is basically a triple rhythm Mambo (3 step rhythm to two beats of music, usually slower) done in 4/4 time, around 126 beats per minute. The dance may have been introduced to the world by a British dance teacher 'Pierre Leville' who noticed that the Rumba was occasionally danced with a couple of extra steps.

   He brought the idea back with him to Europe around 1952. Music wise

in 1953 the Cuban dance orchestra "America" in Havana, started playing the Danzon' with a new syncopated beat, which was alot like that earlier beat, which sounded like a slow mambo. Later it was learned in 1954

that Enrique Jorrin, also of the band "America," was said to create the full version of Cha-Cha back in 1948 by mixing the Danzon and Montuno music together while touring in the U.S. (some say Mexico). Basically he just called the dance cha-cha after the shuffle he heard in the music. The Cha-Cha and Rumba are related to the Mambo (salsa) Dance. The above clip shows an early "Triple Mambo".

   Cuban Mambo dancers would add a slight triple hip movement to this syncopation which eventually was replaced by a triple step rhythm. The Cha-Cha was introduced to the United States in 1954 and by 1959 the U.S. was Cha-Cha crazy. The Cha Cha has the same rhythm as the Lindy (8 counts) such as 1-2/3&4/5-6/7&8. The words Cha-Cha hail from certain plants, producing seed pods in the West Indies called Cha-Cha (in Spanish means nursemaid.) These seed pods are used to make a small rattle called a Cha- Cha (maracas.) This instrument is used kinda like a metronome by certain bands.

    The Guaracha was a Theater dance originating in the late 1800's from Cuba or Spain, and was done in 3/8 time. It was danced by one person, accompanied by the guitar which some report was the precursor to the Cha-Cha. There are Sheet Music covers and a few stage plays done in the 1930's which may have some connection to the Cha-Cha as well. Cha-Cha became popular around 1955 in the USA. The Pachanga replaced the Cha-Cha in popularity. Basic Step description at
bottom of page.

    The dance can be known as Triple Mambo or Cha-Cha-Cha however it's official name is Cha-Cha. Basically it would have a simple breakdown of Rumba = Single Rhythm | Mambo = Double Rhythm | Cha Cha = Triple Rhythm Latin dance. So you could use all the same patterns from one dance to the other by just switching rhythms. However, each of these three dances have a completely different look and feel.

Birth Place

Creation Date

Creator

Dance Type

Posters etc.

Sheet Music Covers

Various Cha -Cha Compilation CD's

Various Unusual Cha Songs

Various Unusual Cha Songs

Vintage Cha Cha Music

More Modern Cha Cha Songs

Night Clubs

Theaters

Locations

Films

Television

Stage

Other Dances or Related of the time...

Books, Magazine Articles on the dance...

Musicians / Singers, etc.

Bands

Magazine Publications

Newspaper Publications

Misc. Research Words that may be related ... to help your searches

Basic Step description: (American Style Sideways and/or Forward/Back, International Style is basically done Sideways.)

Breaking on count Two