<P> Cha - cha - chá is danced to authentic Cuban music, although in ballroom competitions it is often danced to Latin Pop or Latin Rock . The music for the international ballroom cha - cha - chá is energetic and with a steady beat . The music may involve complex polyrhythms . </P> <P> Styles of cha - cha - chá dance may differ in the place of the chasse in the rhythmical structure . The original Cuban and the ballroom cha - cha count is "two, three, chachacha", "four - and - one, two, three" or "one, two, three, chacha". The dance does not start on the first beat of a bar, though it can start with a transfer of weight to the lead's right . </P> <P> Nevertheless, many social dancers count "one, two, cha - cha - cha" and may find it difficult to make the adjustment to the correct timing of the dance, "two, three, cha - cha, one". </P> <P> The basic pattern involves the lead (usually the man) taking a checked forward step with the left foot, retaining some weight on the right foot . The knee of the right leg must stay bent and close to the back of the left knee, the left leg having straightened just prior to receiving part weight . This step is taken on the second beat of the bar . Full weight is returned to the right leg on the second step (beat three). </P>

Where did the cha cha cha dance originated