Cha Cha
The Cha-cha-cha originates from Cuba and contains African and Cuban rhythms that meld into a Latin beat. It requires very small steps because of its rhythm. The cha-cha part of the rhythm is almost a chasse, or a series of small gliding steps that touch the floor. Cha-cha became immensely popular in the United States in the 1950's as an offshoot of the Mambo. In the slow Mambo tempo, there was a distinct sound in the music that people began dancing to, calling the step the 'Triple' Mambo. Eventually it evolved into a separate dance, known today as the Cha Cha.