Natural Opening Out Movement

Cha Cha Cha Natural Opening Out Movement

The Cha Cha Natural Opening Out Movement is a Bronze 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: LF to side or fwd in RSP | Slight body turn to R

    • Rotate frame to R

  • 3: Transfer weight to RF

  • 4 & 1: Compact Chasse LRL End in Closed Position | Slight body turn to L to normal position over 3 - 5

Follower

  • 2: RF back in RSP | 1/2 to R

    • The turn starts at end of previous figure on "1" (or end of "1") e.g. after Natural Top, then do Forward Walk Turn, split weight and turn.

    • Rotate the core, don't distort relative position of R arm and body.

  • 3: Transfer weight to LF

    • At end of "3", rotate/swivel, track RF next to LF.

  • 4 & 1: RF fwd and slightly across LF to chasse RLR, to end RF to side in Closed Position | 1/4 to L, then a further 1/4 over 4 & 5

Note:

The differences between Closed Hip Twist and Natural Opening Out Movement: (though this is different from the chart)

  • Closed Hip Twist

    • Amount of Turn: Lady does 1/2

    • Man step forward on step 1

    • Closed Hold

    • Chasse: Lady does pressed chasse (RF cross in front of LF)

    • Finish in PP

  • Natural Opening Out Movement

    • Amount of Turn: Lady does 1/4 (chart says 1/2)

    • Man step side on step 1(chart says fwd is ok)

    • "elbow hold" - both arms extended, Lady's LH near Man's R elbow.

    • Chasse: Lady does Compact Chasse (RF closed to LF) - (chart says RF fwd, slightly across LF)

    • Finish in closed position

Preceding Figures

  1. Alemana

  2. Natural Top

  3. Rope Spinning

Following Figures

  1. Open Basic Movement (6-10)

  2. Closed Basic Movement (6-10)

  3. Underarm Turn To R

  4. Fan (6-10)

  5. Reverse Top (Man turns 1/8 L over 3-5 to Contact Position, placing LF in front RF as Cuban Cross to chasse LRL, Lady turns an additional 1/8 over 3-5 to end with RF back and slightly side, Man's first step of Natural Opening Out Movement is side)