Burns Latin Tek – Cha Cha Cha presents a structured approach to studying the technical components of International Latin Cha Cha Cha. Written by Donnie Burns MBE & Heidi Burns, the book goes beyond a simple catalogue of steps by connecting individual figures with rhythm, movement mechanics, body use, and partnership.
The material begins with musical theory, establishing the rhythmic framework needed to understand how Cha Cha Cha actions relate to timing and beat values. From there, the book moves through fundamental actions such as Chasses and Locks before developing them through recognizable syllabus figures and more advanced variations.
This progression is particularly useful for technical study. A dancer can examine a basic action such as the Cha Cha Chasse, then continue into figures where timing, rotation, hip action, body shape, and partner relationship become increasingly important.
Later material explores Hip Twist and Spiral variations, Cuban Breaks, Turkish Towel, methods of changing feet, Continuous Circular Hip Twist, and Sweetheart. The book also addresses the Advanced Opening Out Movement (A.O.O.M.), extending the study into more developed applications of shape, rotation, and connection.
For dancers and teachers who want to understand the mechanics behind the figures rather than memorize sequences alone, Burns Latin Tek – Cha Cha Cha provides material for technical practice, teaching, competition preparation, and examination study.
Contents & Figures Covered
Musical Theory
The book includes a dedicated study of Cha Cha Cha musical theory, providing the rhythmic background for understanding timing, beat values, and the relationship between music and movement.
Fundamental Cha Cha Cha Actions
- Cha Cha Chasse to Left
- Cha Cha Chasse to Right
- Lock Forward
- Lock Backward
- Foot-Slip Chasse
- Hip Twist Chasse
- Ronde Chasse
- Time Step
- Close Hold Basic
- Open Hold Basic
- Shoulder to Shoulder
- Cross Basic
Fan, Alemana & Turning Actions
- El Abanico
- Hockey Stick
- Alemana
- Spot Turn to Right
- Spot Turn to Left
- Underarm Turns
- Check from Open CPP
- Check from Open Position
- Hand to Hand
Hip Twist, Spiral & Rotational Actions
- Close Hold Hip Twist
- Open Hold Hip Twist
- Syncopated Open Hold Hip Twist
- Natural Top
- Close Hold Hip Twist Spiral
- Open Hold Hip Twist Spiral
Additional Figures & Concepts
- Cuban Break
- Split Cuban Break
- Turkish Towel
- Tools for Changing Feet
- Continuous Circular Hip Twist
- Sweetheart
- Advanced Opening Out Movement (A.O.O.M.)
Technical Areas Explored
The value of the book lies in studying several aspects of Cha Cha Cha together rather than treating figures as isolated patterns:
- Musical theory and timing
- Beat values and rhythm
- Chasse and Lock actions
- Foot and leg actions
- Body mechanics
- Rotation and body shape
- Hip Twist mechanics
- Spiral actions
- Partner positioning and connection
- Open and closed hold applications
- Figure development and variation
- Changing-feet methods
- Advanced Opening Out Movement
Suitable For
Burns Latin Tek – Cha Cha Cha is particularly relevant for:
- International Latin dancers
- Competitive Cha Cha Cha dancers
- Latin dance teachers and coaches
- Medal test candidates
- Professional examination candidates
- Students studying Latin technique in greater depth
- Instructors looking for a technical teaching reference
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