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
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.
3: RF back, having moved it slightly rightwards | continue to turn L
Body incline slightly to L.
4 & 1: LF to side and slightly fwd to chasse LRL | 1/8 to L over 3-5
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.
3: LF fwd, having moved it slightly leftwards | continue to turn L
Body incline slightly to R.
4 & 1: RF to side and slightly back to chasse RLR | 1/8 to L over 8-10
Follower
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.
3: LF fwd, having moved it slightly leftwards
Body incline slightly to R.
4 & 1:RF to side and slightly back to chasse RLR
Arm styling option 1:
Both arms could be connected
Arm styling option 2:
Lady's R arm opens up to the side, energy from moving back/shoulder.
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.
Arm styling option: L arm straight up.
3: RF back, having moved it slightly rightwards
Body incline slightly to L.
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 and closer to 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.
Preceding Figures
Following Figures
Fan (normal; or after steps 1-5 of Cross Basic, follow with steps 6-10 of Fan)
Hockey Stick (Cross Basic ending in Fan position)
Alemana (Cross Basic ending in Fan position)
Underarm Turn To R (after steps 1-5 of Cross Basic)
Spiral (after steps 1-5 of Cross Basic, leady Lady to do Spiral on step 5, then steps 6-10 of Spiral)