Cross Basic

Cha Cha Cha Cross Basic

Cha Cha Cross Basic is a Silver Level figure. This online reference gives a detailed description of the dance steps, including timing, and movement, technique; a list of figures that may precede or follow the pattern; and videos providing instruction and demonstration of the figure, techniques and practice routines that include it.

Leader

Step Timing Movement
Turn Notes
1
 2
 Cross LF in front of RF, toe turned out 1/8 to L Retain pressure into ball of foot as it moves toward cross position.
Body incline slightly to L. 
2
 3
 RF back, having moved it slightly rightwards continue to turn L Body incline slightly to L.
3 4 5
 4 & 1
 LF to side and slightly fwd to chasse LRL 1/8 to L over 3-5
6
 2
 Cross RF behind LF, toe turned out 1/8 to L On Ball of foot. Heel lowers toward floor.
Retain pressure into ball of foot as it moves toward cross position.
Body incline slightly to R.
7
 3
 LF fwd, having moved it slightly leftwards continue to turn L Body incline slightly to R.
8 9 10
 4 & 1
 RF to side and slightly back to chasse RLR 1/8 to L over 8-10

Follower

Step Timing Movement 
 Turn Notes
1
 2
 Cross RF behind LF, toe turned out --
 Body incline slightly to R.
On Ball of foot, Heel lowers towards floor.
Retain pressure into ball of foot as it moves towards crossed position. 
2
 3
 LF fwd, having moved it slightly leftwards --
 Body incline slightly to R.
3 4 5
 4 & 1
 RF to side and slightly back to chasse RLR --
6
 2
 Cross LF in front of RF, toe turned out --
 Body incline slightly to L.
Retain pressure into ball of foot as it moves towards crossed position. 
7
 3
 RF back, having moved it slightly rightwards --
 Body incline slightly to L.
8 9 10
 4 & 1
 LF to side and slightly fwd to chasse LRL. --

Notes
  • The difference from Closed Basic is that the legs will cross in Cross Basic (in Cuban Cross position)
  • The figure can be danced in either Closed Position or open no hand hold position.
  • Guapacha timing is often used on this figure.
    • Guapacha timing requires firm tone with Man.
    • 2: hold, use center body, "center in" ("zip/button in") and feeling like body is more "up", build energy and power in body, almost a little more fwd energy toward man before stepping back on RF on "a".
    • a: Man is sending Lady back, Lady RF back, L knee bent, very fast.
      • Lady's body movement is not together with Man, Lady settles R hip, while Man is already going back (his back), Lady needs to finish back step
      • Man and Lady are moving "away" from each other for a moment, Lady does not go fwd with Man in sync, Lady is delayed
    • 3 4&1: move together with Man. L thigh has to push fwd on lock to move fwd.
  • When not following with another Cross Basic, the last chasse is taken to side.
  • On the last chasse 8-10, lady may be lead to Fan Position, Open Position or Open CPP, adjusting turn accordingly. Then, any of the normal follows to those positions may be used.
  • Gold variation:
    • Man:
      • Raise L arm and lead lady into Spiral turn to L on 5.
      • Get back to normal hold on 8.
    • Lady:
      • 5/8 L on spiral turn, then two fwd steps continuing to turn L to end RF back and slightly to side facing partner.
      • Continue with the normal 8-10 of Cross Basic.