One of the local Latin clubs that I dance at plays mostly Salsa, however, they will usually play one or two cha cha songs each night. On two separate occassions, the girls wanted to take the first step (back) on the 1-count. The first time it happened I adjusted to the girl's timing by stepping forward on the 1-count, although it felt awkward and did not go well with the music (or my learning experiences). After that, I decided that if it happened again I would lead it on the 2-count regardless of which count the girl wanted to step on since I am, after all, the lead. Last night the same thing happend with another girl. When I wanted to take the step on the 2-count, she complained that it felt strange and that she didn't like it. In both instances, the girl was very good at Salsa but knew almost nothing about cha cha. Having no interest in getting into discussions about technique in the club, I nevertheless explained to the second girl that the cha cha originated from the Mambo, which begins its first step on the 2-count. This timing characteristic is not to be lost in the cha cha. As an added feature to our cha cha dance, I stepped on her toe

So, should I have adjusted to the girl's step-timing in these instances? I have always adjusted the difficulty of my patterns to the experience level of the girl so that she enjoys herself, but when it comes to the basic steps I feel I should lead it with proper timing. But since it is my primary goal that the girl enjoy herself, perhaps that should override my interest to maintain even the proper basic step-timing.

What would happen, do you think, if you took a step forward, and THEN did a rock step forward-back? Might they accept that?

I am not particular about breaking on 2 in the other Latins, but I think I'd have a hard time adjusting to rocking back on 1 in the ChaCha.

Jerry

The cha cha syncopation "cha cha cha" is (4&1). You could step back RF on two or step forward LF on two or step LF or RF to the side on one.

Indy Spinner.You will strike this trouble wherever you go.I met a Brazilian teacher who danced and taught to step on beat two in his Salsa. He was the only one I ever met who did. Take my tip and join the flow and don't even try to explain. If they dance on one in Cha or Salsa it shouldn't be too difficult for you. I say if you can't beat them then join them Otherwise you might make yourself disliked.

Thanks for the responses! As my local Arthur Murray has taught me, my normal step method is to step LF to the left on count 1 and then RF back on 2, and I reverse this to RF to the right on 1 and LF forward on 2 if the girl steps back normally to start the basic.

Onlooker, I hear what you are saying and I am willing to step as she wishes. Afterall, I will rarely if ever again dance cha cha with her anyways. I could save the proper basic timing for the more educated dancers. I am beginning to think that I should just ask a girl how she likes to step as we take our dance position at the beginning of the dance.

One male instructor at the AM studio, who competes professionally, recommended to me that I try to continue to lead the proper timing, but strive to achieve a good connection with the girl before taking that first step.

I did speak to the local club instructors (fantastic Salsa dancers and partners themselves) who had a cha cha group class a few weeks ago at the same local Latin club. The crowd they taught was primarily a Salsa crowd. Prior to that group lesson, the dance floor used to clear when a cha cha song played. They taught the LF forward step on count 1 but acknowledged the Mambo origin and admitted that there are many songs where it would be better to wait till the 2 count. I did thank them (with enthusiasm!) for teaching all the Salsa dancers some cha cha basics. Afterall, the dance floor no longer clears during the two token cha cha songs the DJ plays each Latin night.

Indy Spinner. It's not so much a question of what foot to start with but to be able to dance on time to the correct rhythm,to be able to feel the music. Anyone with a sence of rhythm should be able to feel that they are off time. It's possable that the Salsa Club is playing the wrong music,after all if Dancing with the stars plays Disco for the Passo and Cha Cha what can we now expect the clubs to do. To me the Mamba,Salsa,Cha and International Rumba are all dance on the second beat as is the slow foxtrot. Have the confidence to lead what you feel is the correct timing,smile and ignore the girls comment,it's her job to follow if you give a positive lead. Check this website for the correct timing.

If I remember right, last season on "So You think You Can Dance," Artem, who is a very accomplished latin dancer, had to do a cha cha routine choreographed by a salsa choreographer. It broke on 1. It must have been torture for poor Artem!