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Footwork technique6 minutes

Cha cha cha Lockstep: How to cross forward safely

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In short
  • In the forward lockstep, you step one foot forward, cross the other behind it, and step forward again.
  • The three weight changes fall on counts 4, and, 1.
  • Keep the crossing step small so your feet pass close together and your knees don't twist.
  • As you cross, transfer your weight onto the ball of your back foot before the front foot steps forward again.

Your feet may look briefly tangled, but your body should keep moving smoothly. This little transitional moment determines whether you move forward fluidly or have to regain your balance after crossing.

What you need for the exercise

  • Freie, ebene Strecke ohne Teppichkanten
  • Gut sitzende Schuhe mit kontrollierbarer Drehfähigkeit
  • Bekannte Zählfolge 4, und, 1
  • Sicherer Einbeinstand für einen kurzen Gewichtswechsel
  • Bequeme Kleidung mit Bewegungsfreiheit an den Knien

The crossover step supports you, rather than just decorating

The Cha cha cha lock step is a forward-moving sequence of three steps. You can start with your left foot: left forward, cross your right foot just behind your left, then step forward with your left again. The middle step is easy to overlook because it covers very little ground. Even so, it is a real change of supporting leg. If your weight stays on your front foot, you won’t have a free starting position for the final forward step.

Narrow does not mean balancing on a razor-thin line. Your feet can naturally point slightly outward; the crossing comes from how you place them, not from twisting your knees. Keep your heel raised on the crossed right foot. Put your weight on the ball of your foot while your body continues moving over the small base of support. Don’t force a deep knee bend or add extra hip movements.

The Cha cha cha lock step is also called a forward chasse. Unlike a side chasse, the second foot crosses here instead of simply closing. This guide focuses on the forward movement. If you’re missing the context of the rest of the dance, the guide to Cha-Cha-Cha, from counting to dancing together gives you the context you need.

An open practice lane lets you finish the cross step before choosing your path for the next repetition.
An open practice lane lets you finish the cross step before choosing your path for the next repetition.

Practice the forward lock step in seven steps

  1. Prepare your right standing leg

    Stand upright and shift your weight onto your right leg without pushing your hip out to the side. Keep your left foot free so you can move it without a preparatory rocking step. Keep your knees flexible, but don't squat.

  2. Take a small step forward with your left foot

    On 4, place your left foot a little way forward, ball of the foot first, and transfer your weight. Then lower your heel in a controlled way. Let your upper body follow, and don't reach your foot far ahead while your body stays behind.

  3. Cross right just behind left

    On “and,” bring your right foot close behind your left, roughly to your left ankle. Put your weight on the ball of your right foot and keep your right heel raised. Keep the cross small enough that your knees can move inward freely, without pressure.

  4. Free the left foot from the cross

    On 1, step forward again with your left foot and transfer your weight fully. Your foot must come out of the cross without a jerk. If you have to move sideways first, your cross-step was too wide or you haven't transferred enough weight onto your right foot yet.

  5. Die Folge langsam zusammensetzen

    Übe links, rechts gekreuzt, links als zusammenhängende Folge ohne Musik. Halte anfangs nach jedem Schritt kurz inne, um das Standbein zu spüren. Lass die Pausen anschließend weg: Dein Körper bewegt sich vorwärts, während die Füße ihre Aufgaben nacheinander übernehmen.

  6. Dance to the music on 4, and, 1

    First count along with the music and start the sequence on 4. The cross step falls on “and”, exactly between 4 and 1; the final forward step lands on 1. After each sequence, stop, get ready again on the right, and wait for the next entry.

  7. Try the traveling pattern together

    First, practise side by side with some space between you, facing the same direction, without pulling on each other’s hands. Dance a sequence and both stop with your weight on your left foot. This practice formation makes differences in step length visible before you add the Lockstep to a familiar partner sequence.

Small adjustments for a freer next step

Like this

  • When your shoes touch, shorten the first forward step
  • Move your knees in the direction of your toes
  • Keep your shoulders relaxed over your torso
  • Stop if you feel pain and undo the crossing

Not like this

  • When your shoes touch, cross even further back
  • Squeeze your knees together to lock your feet
  • Push forward with your shoulders on every step
  • Force a painful crossed position by repeating it more

Your check before, during and after practicing

Before the first run-through

Start

After the slow attempts

Control

After Practicing with Music

Wrap-up

Frequently asked questions

  1. Yes, you can mirror the sequence: right foot forward, cross the left foot behind it, right foot forward. To do this, start with your weight on your left foot. Practice the second side only once you can do the first without pausing to figure out the steps, so you don't have to work out the foot sequence and crossing direction at the same time.

Latin courses for your next confident steps

In a Latin course, you can incorporate your lockstep into familiar Cha-Cha-Cha steps and practice with a partner.

See all matching courses

Build confidence in the cross step together

On udansa, you can find dance partners to practice the lockstep with slowly and later incorporate it into your familiar Cha-Cha-Cha sequences. Be specific: say that you want to practice small forward steps and confident weight shifts.

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Build confidence in the cross step together

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