The Cha Cha Cha originated as a combination of two other dances: the Mambo and the Rumba. The dance is apparently called the ‘Cha Cha Cha’ in imitation of the noise the dancers’ shoes make as they hit the floor to the music.

The Cha Cha Cha is in 4/4 time, but we have to fit five steps into one bar of music. The fourth beat of every bar is divided into two half beats so we count ... 2 ... 3 ... 4 and 1.