Fun Facts about Foxtrot, Waltz, and Cha-Cha

What can we say? Here at Dance FX Studios, we’re obsessed with dancing and dances from all over the world. From Salsa to Foxtrot, Waltz to Hip-Hop, we love dances, and we would like to share that love of dance with you, our audience. We have even found some funny, obscure and interesting facts about most of the dances. The dances are more than just steps; they’re stories, and ways of communicating to the world a sense of creativity that doesn’t need words. Today, we’ll be focusing on the Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, and the Waltz.


First on the docket is the Cha-cha. Originating in Cuba and coming to the US in the 1950’s, the cha-cha stemmed from it’s parent dance the Mambo. Where the Mambo would have a one-beat dance step, however, the cha-cha had three, which is why many people refer to it as the “cha-cha-cha”. In fact, before it was called “cha-cha”, it was called the “triple mambo”. The name is said to have come from the sound dancer’s shoes made as they tapped on the floor. Other sources state that the name came from the word “Guaracha”, another Cuban dance. Where ever the origin, the cha-cha is one of the most energetic dances you can learn.

The Foxtrot (or Fox trot, both are correct)  is a very elegant dance, even though it’s a bit older. But did you know  that the foxtrot was named after a comedian, who wasn’t a dancer at first? Harry Fox was known for his trotting antics across stage, from which foxtrot gets its unique name. After a while, foxtrot was altered to a less strenuous version to be easier on ballroom dancers. Originating in the early 1900’s, the foxtrot is a very well-known ballroom dance that has evolved into a staple for those wanting to learn something a bit more classical.

Finally, the waltz, which is these days known as being very proper and old fashioned, the first real ballroom dance. When it first originated in the 17th century, it was actually considered indecent, because partners had to be held close together. It was that taboo which increased the popularity of the dance. The origin of the name of the dance is said to come from a couple different places: the German word “Waltzen”, and the Italian word “Volver”, both meaning “To turn” or “to rotate”. The elegant, gliding motion of the dance makes it easily recognizable and a favorite to most competitive dancers.

 
All three of these dances are excellent for any beginner to start with. At Dance FX Studios, we teach foxtrot, waltz, and cha-cha for every level, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Why not stop by and check us out? We’ll help you become a confident and comfortable social dancer in no time!