Bronze American Cha-cha

Basic
234&1 234&1
Crossover break
234&1 2 3
Running pass to fifth position break
4&1 2 3
cha to crossover break
4&1 2 3
Ladies under arm turn to R (to cross hand hold)
4&1 2 3 4&1
open break to shadow position (note: shadow position is NOT allowed at bronze level in comps that require NDCA syllabus figures only, talk to your captain)
2 3 4&1 (Ladies) 2 3 4 1 (Man)

(From here there are two patterns. I would suggest if you are competing in bronze, start with the half moon shadow position first. Its cleaner and more simple. as you get comfortable with that one, try adding in the shadow variation instead)

Half moon shadow position (rock step left foot, cha to left, rock step right foot, cha to right)
2 3 4&1 2 3 4&1

or

Shadow Variation(rock step, forward, small side, close, forward, small side close, check forward rock, back, together, side, together, together, side)
2 3 4&1 2&3 4 1 2&3 4&1

Shadow position to basic hold
2 3 4&1 (Ladies) 2 3 4 1 (Man)

Silver American Cha-cha

Basic
234&1 234&1
Checked Ladies UAT to right (not a full UAT. Man stops lady on the 2 checking her position and not allowing her to turn)
2 3
Ladies inside spin
4&1
Syncopated crossover break
2&3 4&1
Crossover with cucaracha action to running pass
2&3&4&1
Ladies under arm turn to R (to cross hand hold)
2 3 4&1
open break with ladies inside UAT into shadow position
2 3 4&1 (Ladies) 2 3 4 1 (Man)
Shadow Variation/Silver version(rock step, forward, small side, close-pullback, forward, small side close-pullback, check forward, ronde, back, together, side, together, together, side)
2 3 4&1 2&3 4 1 2&3 4&1
Shadow position with ladies free spin to basic hold
2 3 4&1 (Ladies) 2 3 4 1 (Man)

General Technique Information

*Always remember to dance at your 100% when practicing. Waiting until the day of comp (or even right before the comp) will not help you improve your performance skills. You want this to become habit so when you get on the floor you can just dance and have fun.*

- When dancing our basic cha, remember to step straight forward and straight back on your rock steps. If you turn your hips or step behind this will break you from your partners connection, and probably lead to you getting stepped on. On the chasse piece of the basic, remember that you are dancing half beat, half beat, whole beat. so the first two steps should look different then the first. Think small, small, big.

- Crossovers: two options; checked crossover(speed) vs full weight transfer(power). remember you must choose one, creating some hybrid never works and just looks wrong. The man should be able to lead both versions, but discuss with your partner which option you like and stick to that until you get comfortable feeling the difference. Practice in the mirror and make sure you body positions match your partner. feet, bodies, arms and head. Swivel to get into position for crossover break, dont step over your own foot.

- Shadow Position: Men, make sure your partner is to the side and very slightly forward. Keep her there (dont pull your arms behind you, this will cause her to move behind your hip or nest to it and you won't be well connected) keep you hand below or at her shoulder level. bringing them too high will cause her elbows to skew outwards and both the connection and the look with suffer.

practice, practice, practice. both slowly and to music.

Keep Dancing =)