The figure we call Cha Cha Basic breaks down in the following sequence (from man's perspective): LF forward rock, chasse to left, then RF back rock, chasse to right. This is what we call the "construction" of the figure. The first action is a LF forward rock. The RF side step that precedes it is known as a "prep step", and is not technically part of the figure. But it is included in the description because (a) the prep step is taken on count 1, and (b) it describes how the previous figure ends, to help illustrate how one connects the figures together.
When you look at the way the figures of Cha Cha fit together, it starts to make sense why they are constructed the way they are, i.e. why the beginning and end points of the figures are where they are. But in spite of the fact that the Cha Cha basic step is thought to begin with the man's LF forward rock in terms of its construction, this doesn't mean you must begin the entire dance at this point. In fact, you don't even need to start with the Cha Cha Basic at all. You have complete liberty to begin any dance with any part of any figure, and any foot in any direction.
It's important to understand that where a particular figure begins and where you choose to start the entire dance are not necessarily the same thing. In some dances, different figures start with different feet in different directions (e.g. this figure starts with man's LF side, that figure starts with man's RF backwards, etc), and none of that necessarily relates to what foot or direction normally begins the dance as a whole.
So now that you know you don't need to start the dance where the Cha Cha Basic step starts, here are some examples of the various ways people begin their Cha Cha:
(1) Man begins the dance side on his left foot into the RF back rock (what would amount to steps 5,6,7 of the Cha Cha Basic in the BallroomDancers syllabus). This is a very popular way to start American style Cha Cha, particularly with social dancers.
(2) Man begins the dance by stepping directly into the LF forward rock on counts 2,3.
(3) Man begins with his RF forward or side on count 1 (the "prep step"), followed by the forward rock on counts 2,3, as you see in the videos.
(4) Man begins with a chasse on counts 4&1, either to the left or to the right. This one is very popular with Int'l style dance competitive dancers.
(5) Couple begins in open facing position with a single or double hand-hold and dances a Progressive Basic or Three Cha Chas / Progressive Cross Triples. Here, too, they can start with either rock on count 2, a prep forward or back on count 1, or the lock step in either direction on counts 4&1. This is also quite popular with Int'l style and competitive dancers.
Many teachers have their preferred method for starting the dance, and will only teach this one version. There's nothing wrong with that... In fact, it's preferable with beginners to keep things simple. You may very well want to avoid any of the above listed variations for some time, and if your only exposure to Cha Cha is this one group class, you won't need to worry about anything other than your teacher's version (#1 above) for a good, long time to come. As a follower, however, you may eventually want to familiarize yourself with the various possibilities, because you want to be ready for anything a leader might throw at you.
In the meantime, start the dance the way you already know how. And when studying the figures on this website, just realize that you can always add a 1/2 basic to the beginning!
Regards,
Jonathan
