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 today’s hits. It’s perfect for your wedding reception.
When you think of the Cha Cha do you think “one, two, cha cha cha?” Yep. That’s how the common steps are taught: one, two, 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. That fits most pop music. 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. 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.
More Dance Style Song Lists:
Whether you are looking for a dance song or a dance hit to fill the dance floor, we got you covered.
30 Popular Hits That Will Make You Dance the Cha Cha at Your Wedding
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Familiar – Liam Payne, J. Balvin
2018, Album Familiar
Havana – Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug
2018, Camila
If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be) – Leon Bridges
2018, Good Thing
Dance – DNCE
2018, Dance
24K Magic – Bruno Mars
2016, 24K Magic
Don’t Worry – Madcon feat. Ray Dalton
2015, Released as a single
Am I Wrong – Nico & Vinz
2014, Black Star Elephant
El Pollito Cha Cha Cha – Pulcino Pio
2013, El Pollito Pío Y Sus Amigos
Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke feat. T.I., Pharrell
2013, Blurred Lines
Tik Tok – Kesha
2010, Animal
Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
2010, Hands All Over
OMG – Usher feat. Will.I.Am
2010, Raymond v. Raymond
Break Your Heart – Taio Cruz feat. Ludacris
2009, Rokstarr
Down – Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne
2009, All or Nothing
Just Dance – Lady Gaga feat. Colby O’Donis
2008, The Fame
Glamorous – Fergie feat. Ludacris
2006, The Dutchess
Sway – Michael Bublé
2003, Michael Bublé
Bésame Mama – Poncho Sanchez feat. Mongo Santamaria
1999, Latin Soul
Smooth – Santana with Rob Thomas
1999, Supernatural
Bailamos – Enrique Iglesias
1998, Cosas del Amor
I Need to Know – Marc Anthony
1999, Marc Anthony
Chilly Cha Cha – Jessica Jay
1998, Chilly Cha Cha
Two Pina Coladas – Garth Brooks
1997, Sevens
One Night At A Time – George Strait
1997, Carrying Your Love with Me
My Maria – Brooks & Dunn
1996, Borderline
What Is Love – Haddaway
1993, The Album
Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha – James Taylor
1991, New Moon Shine
Kokomo – The Beach Boys
1988, Cocktail Soundtrack
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
1982, Thriller
September – Earth, Wind & Fire
1971, Earth, Wind & Fire
Oye Como Va – Santana
1970, Abraxas
Listen to our Cha Cha songs playlist on Spotify.
Do you have a favorite Cha Cha song perfect for weddings? Be sure to comment on the song below.
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