Cha-cha music is infectious. It has rhythms that are easy to follow and tempos that accommodate dancers of all levels. Its trade musicians are diverse and the compositions span a wide spectrum of genres—from pop to hip hop, from rock to funk—and have numerous cultural influences infused into the songs. At a social, cha-cha generates distinctive and energetic movement. Once one learns its basic steps, it becomes a lifestyle that is lived and loved.

This playlist, featuring the likes of Carlos Santa, Chico Alvarez, Oscar D’ Leon, Apurimac, Mongo Santamaria, Maite Hontele, Ray Barretto, and Marc Anthony, curates the sweet sounds of cha-cha and showcases why this genre of music has been instrumental in bringing people together on the dance floor.

Oye Como Va—Carlos Santana

Val’ Carretero—Chico Alvarez

Volver A Verte—Oscar D’ Leon

Forest Flower—Apurimac

Smooth Operator—Mongo Santamaria

Traigo El Cha Cha Cha—Maite Hontele

Hipocresia Y Falsedad—Ray Barretto & Adalberto Santiago

Tragedy—Marc Anthony

Represent Cuba–Heather Hedley featuring Orishas