ISTD Latin American Cha Cha

ISTD Cha Cha Cha Technique Author: Elisabeth Romain

The ISTD Latin American Technique is recognized worldwide as the foundational curriculum for professional dance education. This E-book provides a rigorous examination of the Cha Cha, breaking down every movement into the precise technical components required for high-level competitive and instructional standards.

Designed for those who seek more than just choreography, this text dives into the mechanical and aesthetic principles of the dance. It is the ultimate “textbook” for any serious practitioner aiming to understand the structural DNA of the Cha Cha.

Core Content Highlights:

• Comprehensive Charting: Clear, systematic diagrams of all common basic figures to ensure anatomical and rhythmic accuracy.

• Technical Principles: In-depth explanations of the foundational concepts that govern movement quality in the ISTD system.

• Professional Combinations: Curated lists of figure sequences that facilitate fluid, logical transitions—essential for developing a complete dance repertoire.

• Pedagogical Standard: Used by dance organizations globally as the primary training material for certification and professional development.

FIGURES

Student – Teacher

1. Basic Movements (Closed, Open and In Place)
   
2. New York (To Left or Right Side Position)
   
3. Spot Turns to Left or Right (Including Switch Turns
   
4. and Underarm Turns)
   
5. Shoulder to Shoulder (Left Side and Right Side)
   
6. Hand to Hand (To Right and Left Side Position)
   
7. Three Cha Cha Chas (Forward and Back)
   
8. Side Steps (To Left or Right)
   
9. There and Back
   
10. Time Steps
    

Associate

1. Fan
   
2. Alemana
   
3. Hockey Stick
   
4. Natural Top
   
5. Natural Opening Out Movement
   
6. Closed Hip Twist
   

Licentiate

1. Open Hip Twist
   
2. Reverse Top
   
3. Opening Out from Reverse Top
   
4. Aida
   
5. Spiral Turns (Spiral, Curl and Rope Spinning)
   
6. Cross Basic
   
7. Cuban Breaks (Including Split Cuban Breaks)
   
8. Chase
   

Fellow

1. Advanced Hip Twist
   
2. Hip Twist Spiral
   
3. Turkish Towel
   
4. Sweetheart
   
5. Follow My Leader
   
6. Foot Changes

Why this book is an industry essential:

Whether you are a student preparing for professional exams, a coach developing a curriculum, or a competitor refining your technique, this E-book provides the absolute clarity needed to succeed. It transforms abstract movement into a structured, learnable science, upholding the standards that have defined professional ballroom dancing for decades.