Name: Song Ideas
Brand: My Wedding Songs

Do you think that ballroom dancing means you can’t play your favorite songs at your wedding reception? Think again. The Cha Cha is danced to a 4/4 rhythm which works with some of today’s hits. It’s perfect for your wedding reception.

When you think of the Cha Cha do you think “two, three, cha cha cha?” Yep. That’s how the common steps are taught: two, three, cha-cha-cha. And Cha Cha is not just a stuffy ballroom dance; the hip movements rival Elvis!

Let’s Backup. What’s the Cha Cha?

The Cha Cha has its origins in Cuba — as a slow mambo — in the 1940s and 1950s. Its steps, however, are Afro-Cuban. It became all the rage in the 1950s, so, like most American imports, we modified it and popularized it.

“It was introduced to the United States in 1954 and quickly became the latest craze, pushing the Mambo aside. It has never gone out of style and to this day remains popular in nightclubs across the country, in part because it is so easy to learn.” FredAstaire.com

Whether you are looking for a dance song or a dance hit to fill the dance floor, we got you covered. Also, the Cha Cha slide is a great line dance even if Saturday Night Live made fun of it. (We have other line dance song suggestions as well.)

What Songs Are Good to Dance the Cha Cha?

The Cha Cha is best danced with a beat per minute around 112 to 128 BPM and the time signature is 4/4 rhythm. This meets some of the current Pop hits with the correct rhythm. However, if you are learning the Cha Cha, you can start with songs at around 100 BPM. Of course, the faster the song, the more practice you will need — or the more breaks.

Either way, you can dance the Cha Cha to any songs within that range with the designated rhythm. If the song can make your running list, it’s good for a Cha Cha.

Host Cha Cha Dance Lessons at Your Wedding

A fun way to get people involved in the wedding reception is to host dance lessons. Surely you know someone who can teach everyone. If you don’t, that’s okay. Talk to your professional wedding planner or DJ; they know everyone. If not, ask a local dance instructor. They may even bring a few couples to fill in the crowd to help make your guests feel comfortable.

This video breaks down the steps pretty well.