Cha-Cha is one of those "dance staples" that everyone should know, regardless of what kind of music you like. Cha-Cha is a crossover dance in that it is danced in country nightclubs, ballrooms, latin nightclubs, and many other places where dancing takes place. This DVD focuses on the core elements of the dance that really make it one of the most well-known social dances out there.
Here's some interesting info about this video. First, it is the only couples dancing DVD we currently have that does not have my wife, Joanna, in it. She was there at the filming, but she was quite pregnant at the time and the Cha-Cha was not agreeing with her belly. My partner in this video is a young lady named Dani McVety. She is one of the most beautiful people I've ever met, both inside and out and was a natural pick to help with the DVD as she and her brother were among my very first students back in the early 90's. Oh, and yes, she's also a former dance champion though she's no longer on the dance circuit.
Now, to the Cha-Cha lessons. This was particularly tricky for me as there are two different timings and styles for Cha-Cha and we cover both of them. One is what's called "International Style" and the other is "American Style". Neither is "right" unless you're in a competition (in which case it depends on the judge). As a leader, I've danced probably a 50/50 split on the styles over the years based solely on the preference of my partner for that particular song. I taught both in this DVD to give people an option and to know what the differences are should they have to make an 'on-the-fly' adjustment one day.
What we cover in this Cha-Cha DVD is extensive. It's everything from the 'bare-bone' basics to some fun, leadable patterns that can be done with any partner. There's a lot of tips and tricks in this one both for leaders and followers on how to get into and out of a lot of moves and how to do so with grace and style. We also cover quite a bit on what the thinking is behind the dancing (i.e., what the leader should be thinking when a particular thing is happening, or what the follower should be thinking or feeling). In addition, we also go through quite a few transitions that really helps put everything together for creating your own sequences and not being afraid to mix things up.
All in all, if you're looking to get started in Cha-Cha or you've recently started and you need some help, this video is a great resource. You'll definitely get more than you expected out of it and you'll be pleased with your purchase.
Last, we've been asked repeatedly when our full series on Cha-Cha is coming out and the answer is... very soon (early 2010). More to come on that soon...
Cha-Cha is one of the sassiest and classiest dances to hit the dance floor and can be learned in just one session. Beginner Cha-Cha is packed with over 90 minutes of easy to follow instruction in a “what you see is what you dance” format. Designed for beginners who've never danced Cha-Cha, Shawn puts a strong focus on lead and follow dancing and learning the fundamentals. Included in this DVD is instruction on:
In this DVD, Shawn also teaches you connection points, proper hand placements, creating the lead, transitions and combining moves. To further enhance the instruction, a full breakdown of footwork for each move from both the leader and follower perspectives is given.
Filmed in HD and produced with Picture-In-Picture technology from multiple camera angles, you'll be impressed at how simple Shawn makes Cha-Cha for you.
These are some of the many customer reviews submitted to us about Beginner Cha Cha:
"Took our Cha-Cha to the Next Level! Like the other DVD's in Shawn Trautman's collection, this video was just like taking live personal Cha-Cha lessons, except real lessons cost $60 per hour. The level of repetition and pace of the teaching allows you to dance right along with the video without having to constantly stop, rewind and replay. If you didn't get a step right the first time it is OK, because Shawn and Joanna are going to show you again in just a minute. For each new step, you first see the couple together in dance frame. This is important, because many other videos start with the leader walking through the steps alone "air-dancing", and it is impossible to figure out what in the world he is trying to do. Shawn and Joanna show you the steps first together in dance frame so you can see how you and your partner are suppose to look. Then Shawn teaches the leader's part (with lots of helpful hints including do's and don'ts), then Joanna does the same for just the followers. Finally they are back in dance frame showing the steps with music. At the end of the video they put the 7 or so new steps together in combinations and dance at full speed to music which allows you to see how each new step would fit into combinations and ultimate coreography. There are lots of fine points on leading and following. One, in particular that hit home with us, is a subtle change in hand hold on a maneuver called the sliding door. Until I saw this, I could never find my wife's hands when doing this step. Using Shawn's "slip-knot" hold, I now find her hands every time. Shawn and Joanne keep things cool and casual and they are certainly likeable and fun. I have purchased several of Shawn Trautman's DVD's. They are all this good. When you are done with them...you are not done with them...ours keep coming back off the shelf for a refresher and practice time. For us, once the lesson is over, the DVD becomes a refernece tool and practice tool. I highly recommend using this DVD to learn the Cha-Cha as a beginner and to hone your skills as an experienced dancer. Hey Shawn...that sliding door move gets us lots of good comments at the dance club! Thanks for sharing it with us. My only complaint is that I'd love for Shawn to have a "Cool and Classy Cha-Cha Volume 2" DVD that I could buy. I am ready for the next set of lessons." John, unknown
"Amazingly helpful instructions - much better than one might wish. Shawn Trautman's instructions go much further than showing how to dance - he teaches how to get there confidently and without any stress. From the very first moment he makes it clear that one will make it 100%. The instruction pace is perfectly coordinated with one's growing level of apprehension: very detailed and "patient" at the beginning and with apparently growing confidence in student as it goes. Amazing is the sensation of, while student watches the instructions, Shawn also sees the student during the class, as his help arrives right at the time the questions come up. Learning with Shawn is a great fun, he has a great sense of humor. We practiced over two hours a day during a week, we just could not stop. By the end of the course we could confidently perform every move in any combination. And most importantly, Shawn teaches people relate to each other. His emphasis on the roles of leader and follower is very sharp. We could not imagine that in just one week we learn to clearly and unmistakably communicate. The only thing to worry about is that learning with Shawn is highly addictive. We already have bought a 3CD set of West Coast Swing and can't wait for the coming release of more Cha-Cha instructions. Vadim Khaldey, Edgewater, NJ
"My husband and I love this one! We started with Shawn Trautmans Two Step DVD's and learned them so easily that we decided to be more adventurous. My husband is a true Two Step fan, but the Cha Cha is one of our favorites now. I have many of his DVD's. I think this is one of the quickest to learn. My favorite songs for the Cha Cha are Neon Moon and an oldie called Tea For Two. The video shoots are perfect for learning. Take their advise and guys stand where Shawn is and gals stand where Joanne is. You will be surprise how easy this is to follow." Alicen Hardy, Wyoming
"Waiting for Volume 2! I loved the easy to follow instructions, that several steps were taught, and the moves were easy to perform on a crowded dance floor and still looked good." Teresa E, Moreno Valley, CA
"This was my first DVD with Shawn Trautman and it was very helpful. I like to think about what I am learning and Shawn Trautman encourages that thinking process in his dance lessons. I have recommended this DVD to many of my friends." Katherine M. "KAT"
"I love the picture in picture that shows a close-up of the dancers' feet! Also the screens that are shown to "review" the concepts are very helpful. Definitely worth buying!" Mindy C. Palm Harbor, FL
Call our studio directly at 877-DANCE-01 or click the links below to read more about Cha-Cha on the following topics:
Call our studio directly at 877-DANCE-01 or click the links below to read more about the other dance lesson videos from Shawn Trautman Instruction: