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Salsa & Mambo Video Reviews

Kenny del Toro

Underground Cha Cha Cha

Level: Int-Adv

Style: NY Cha Cha Cha

Content: Turn patterns.

General Comment:If you ask me what I think a Cha Cha Cha DVD should NOT be about, I would say “only salsa turns patterns danced with Cha Cha Cha basics”. Well, this is exactly what this DVD is about. Nevertheless, I liked it, and I will try to explain the contradiction, though I am not so sure I can.

First the ‘underground’ adjective in the title is well suited.. the instructors take it easy and with a very relaxed attitude, make you believe you can effortlessly learn all the material and that you will even have fun in the process. Despite this down to earth approach, the teaching is good, all details are well explained and the demonstrations proficient.

Second, the material is quite nice; Cha Cha Cha is often identified with ballroom dancing, which usually implies a certain level of pomposity, stiff bodies and routines written on paper and memorised like a rosary. This DVD is all the opposite. The routines are in ‘salsa style’ (surely non ballroom style), they are leadable and easily modifiable on the spot, should memory fail you.

Third, there is a generally nice feel about the production: I like the setting of the studio, the introduction and graphics of the DVD. I know these are details which have little to do with dancing, but I just found them pleasing.

Finally, the choice of the music deserves top grades ‘cum laude’: a charming Cha Cha Cha from the 50s, in a sort of danzon style, with a flute melody so out of fashion to become charming, and so irresistible to make you feel like trying the steps on the spot..

I believe the DVD is suited for intermediate or advanced dancers… and, needless to say, it is danced on 2. A good one.

Reviewed by : Fabio from SalsaIsGood - Good