Learn & Dance the ChaCha! Lesson 1 of 3

For July, we'll be learning and practicing the fun, flirty, and fast Cha Cha Cha, a perennial Latin favorite. Like the International Samba, there's a wide variety of ChaCha music that's also played often in clubs and venues, but few people today know how to move to Cha Cha beats — here's your chance to learn it!

We'll start with the fundamental Cha Cha figures, then add more technique: improving how you dance with your partner, not simply moving the feet in time.

PLEASE NOTE: I am changing the format of the group classes. In order to ensure faster progress for the most committed dancers, we will be building on every session's figures and techniques from one session to the next, over the 3 weeks. This means if you miss the month's first session, you generally cannot attend the 2 later sessions, though you're welcome to start with us next month with a new dance. Also, advance payment of 12 EUR will be required at the first session, covering all three sessions; it is your responsibility to plan your attendance in advance.

What does the dance look like? Here are two world-class professionals demonstrating the syllabus Cha Cha figures:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKeUpU446Xg

You can come alone or with a partner, though in the latter case we do ask that both people register on Meetup; an accurate attendee count helps us organize things. Other info:

• Attendance policy: Like Woody Allen said, 80% of life is just showing up. We have an attendance policy because: 1) we have limited space; 2) a dance class is highly participatory and each person's attendance matters; 3) because we give everyone individual attention; and 4) because the organizers bear financial risk in paying for the studio up-front. Thus, if you flake/no-show, or cancel within 24 hours before the event, it will be noted, with a warning. If you no-show twice, you'll be permanently banned from the group. So honor your RSVP, and we can all focus on dancing - instead of wondering who will show up. Thanks.

• The fee covers the cost of overhead, including room rental. It will be 12 EUR at the first session's ending to cover the costs of 3 sessions (including the 1st one) of 2.5h each, and 0.5h of open-practice at each session. If you choose not to continue with the dance after the 1st session, the charge will be 5 EUR.

• Wear clothes comfortable to move in. Please note: street shoes are NOT allowed on the studio floor, so bring dance shoes. Or if you don't have dance shoes yet, wear socks you're OK to dance in - your feet will need to slide on the floor.

• Personal hygiene: your partners will appreciate your use of deodorant, and a toothbrush, before class. A bit of perfume or cologne is OK but avoid too much, some people have sensitive noses.

• Also bring drinks/snacks to keep yourself going and/or to share - it's not a heavy workout, but more than a walk - and a lot more fun.

Please remember: like any other physical activity, you participate at your own risk, and your RSVP is acceptance of that responsibility. Thanks and we look forward to seeing everyone!