I've noticed several posts re: different approaches to starting various latin dances on the list ... can anyone shed light on the two (and I'm thinking from my leader's perspective here) schools of starting the cha-cha step?
I've heard the "left-foot-forward" as Beat One approach referred to as "social cha-cha."
This seems to be fairly easy for most leaders to pick up, at least in the U.S., due to the left-foot lead nature.
At a recent workshop that included a brief introduction to cha-cha, the instructors startd out with this approach, then switched to the "left-foot to left side" as Beat One approach -- thoruoghly confusing 99% of the leaders present. What's the difference?
Any help in clearing up this confusion would be greatly appreciated!

In Germany ChaCha is mostly started at social classes with a step to right side or forward at beat 1 followed of 2,3 of forward basic. Comp classes start with right feet doing a forward 4&1 chacha basic. I personaly prefer while pratice basics or dance social to start like rumba at 4 with a step side or forward and move softly my body during beat 1 followed by 2 3 of forward basic. The beginning is not so stressy and looks more relaxed.

But I am not able to tell you on which feet I start doing my ChaCha comp variation ... I look on my girl, music starts and than it happens, body does vibritations and we are on the run ...

It's normal to start with a preparation step to the side. However some teachers will ask their pupils to dance a chasse on count 4 & 1 prior to dancing the figure - basic etc. Personally I think this is asking too much for a beginner - a simple step to the side is all I teach. Dancing a chasse (or better a lock when in open position) is better style, but I only expect my medallist people (bronze and above to do this.

Hope this helps.

Steve
www.kellydancesport.50megs.com

Dave G.:

We should start Cha-Cha on beat 1 with a prepare side step either on LF or RF. Then followed by a backward basic or forward basic.

Most of us probably learned Cha-Cha with forward basic (count: 234&1)and backward basic (count: 234&1) first without the prep. step. Note that this way we are missing the starting (1) count which is the heavy beat of the measure. After you can handle the steps, your instructor then added the prep step in your case.

International style instructors will insist that you start with a prep. step in your first lesson. But anyway, in your second case: put your 100% weight on your RF (Right leg straight, Left leg straight, no weight, big toe touch floor) to start, and do a quick shift weight on to LF on the heavy beat 1. It should be a strong and quick move to make it look sharp. Then immediatly follow a RF backward basic (234&1).

I hope this is helpful.

Dave L.

Thanks to all who responded!
After some additional onlone research (once a reporter, always a reporter), I found this VERY long thread collected and posted on this same topic. Take a look when you have loads of spare time.
After some additional onlone research (once a reporter, always a reporter), I found this VERY long thread collected and posted on this same topic. Take a look when you have loads of spare time.
http://www.eijkhout.net/rad/data/chacha_rhythm.html