Anybody have any ideas for a cha cha song for a routine?

I Like It by Enrique Inglesias
Crazy by Beyonce :)

Just did some cheoregraphy for a routine to Kiss the Girl - Country does Disney soundtrack. worked well but had to slow the beat count down a bit.

Lionel Ritchie - Dancing on the ceiling has good energy but again has to be slowed down.

Little Red Corvette - Prince

Santana - The Game of Love feat Michelle Branch slowed down.

Warren Zevon - Werewolves of London has a different vibe.

How on this earth, does one produce any sense of the " Latin " rhythms that make the dance what it is ,with musical arrangements that are lacking in fundamental base rhythms .

There are literally thousands of songs from which to choose ,that will reflect and bring the dance " alive " .

Terence - would love to hear what song you think could bring the dance alive. I would love to be able to do the dance some justice.

Ya know, music is very subjective, so first, what style are you dancing.. Amer. or Intern. ?( This is more to with speed than style of song )


here are some suggestions ..


Arroz Con Habicheula by El Gran Combo

Lindo yambu.... eddie Palmieri

Te Traigo Guajira.. Ray Barretto

De barrio Obrero .. Willie Rosario

Pintame un Son.. Adalberto santiago

American Sueno,. La Exelencia

Siembra.. El Mundo

I just picked these at random from my library.. all a little different, and varying speeds.. and , all available as "one off" songs on some latin music sites like Descarga

let me know watcha think

Terence, you are correct that the tunes which you list are much more suitable for cha cha.

However, the issue seems to be finding popular songs to which a cha cha can be danced.

Rightly or wrongly, many folks are willing to sacrifice some authenticity for familiarity.

jj

Finding "popular" songs IS the problem.. everyone uses them .

In addition, why would anyone choose music that is incorrect for its dance display ( Routines by Pros perpetuated this, but its gradually changing ).

Latin music has a " sizzle " that is missing from other styles.. there are even jazzy latin songs that will give a nice blend of the 2 styles of music, songs by bands like Machito and old 50s Puente .

another to check is Boogaloo, a fusion of sounds that really makes impact.

This topic,really reflects the lack of musical knowledge by many Profs in my industry.. they are stuck in a "time warp ".. and yes, I know music is subjective.. and if you believe that , then get with the subject at hand .

Thanks for the suggestions. I had a hard time finding two of them tho - the Arroz Con Habicheula and Siembra. I really like the Te Traigo Guajira. I'll keep looking for those two. By the way it will be an American cha cha.

Go to: Youtube.com and try to listen to: (1) Smooth by Rob Thomas and Carlos Santana; and
(2) Mariposa Tracionera by Mana
They say No. 2 is a little bit slow for a cha cha; however, to me it's perfect! Listen then decide for yourself if you like the medium tempo!
Good luck!
Lycaean