30 Cha Cha Songs That Will Make You Dance

Do you think that ballroom dancing means you can’t play your favorite songs at your wedding reception? Think again. The Cha Cha is danced to a 4/4 rhythm which works with some of today’s hits. It’s perfect for your wedding reception.

When you think of the Cha Cha do you think “two, three, cha cha cha?” Yep. That’s how the common steps are taught: two, three, cha-cha-cha. And Cha Cha is not just a stuffy ballroom dance; the hip movements rival Elvis!

Good songs to dance the cha cha?

The Cha Cha is best danced with a beat per minute around 112 to 128 BPM and the time signature is 4/4 rhythm. This meets some of the current Pop hits with the correct rhythm. However, if you are learning the Cha Cha, you can start with songs at around 100 BPM. Of course, the faster the song, the more practice you will need — or the more breaks.

Either way, you can dance the Cha Cha to any song within that range with the designated rhythm. If the song can make your running list, it’s good for a Cha Cha.

Whether you are looking for a dance song or a dance hit to fill the dance floor, I’ve you covered.

A few of my favorite Cha Cha Songs:

• “They’re Playin’ Our Song” by Neil McCoy
• “Sometimes She Forgets” by Travis Tritt
• “Dust on the Bottle” by David Lee Murphy
• “If You’re Not in It for Love” by Shania Twain
• “My Maria” by Brooks and Dunn
• “Neon Moon” by Brooks and Dunn

Havana – Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug

Released in 2018 on the album Camila

Lyrics to Dance:

Havana, ooh na-na
Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh na-na
He took me back to East Atlanta, na-na-na
Oh, but my heart is in Havana

If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be) – Leon Bridges

Released in 2018 on the album Good Thing

Lyrics to Dance:

You give me that stuff
And it’s such a blessin’
You and I get the light
Alone in this heaven

Dance – DNCE

Released in 2018 on the album Dance

Lyrics to Dance:

Baby, dance with me
Come on and dance with me
Clap your hands with me
Go to France with me

24K Magic – Bruno Mars

Released in 2018 on the album 24K Magic

Lyrics to Dance:

Twenty four karat magic in the air
Head to toe so player
Uh, look out!

Don’t Worry – Madcon feat. Ray Dalton

Released in 2018 released as a single

Lyrics to Dance:

Them bright big lights are shining on us
That beat so tight it makes you wanna
Get up, get down like there’s no tomorrow

Am I Wrong – Nico & Vinz

Released in 2014 on the album Black Star Elephant

Lyrics to Dance:

If you tell me I’m wrong, wrong
I don’t wanna be right, right
If you tell me I’m wrong, wrong

If you like the Cha Cha, check out these popular hits for dancing the cowboy cha cha.

El Pollito Cha Cha Cha – Pulcino Pio

Released in 2013 on the album El Pollito Pío Y Sus Amigos

Lyrics to Dance:

Baila
Baila bello el baile
Baila el baile bello
Baila el baile de cha cha

Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke feat. T.I., Pharrell

Released in 2013 on the album Blurred Lines

Lyrics to Dance:

You’re a good girl (oh yeah)
Can’t let it get past me (oh yeah)
You’re far from plastic (alright)
Talkin’ about getting blasted
I hate these blurred lines

Tik Tok – Kesha

Released in 2010 on the album Animal

Lyrics to Dance:

Tonight, I’ma fight
‘Til we see the sunlight
Tick-tock on the clock
But the party don’t stop, no
Oh, whoa, whoa-oh

Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera

Released in 2010 on the album Hands All Over

Lyrics to Dance:

I don’t need try to control you
(Ah) look into my eyes, and I’ll own you
With them the moves like Jagger

OMG – Usher feat. Will.I.Am

Released in 2010 on the album Raymond v. Raymond

Lyrics to Dance:

Baby, I can break you down
There’s so many ways to love ya
Got me like, oh my God I’m so in love

Break Your Heart – Taio Cruz feat. Ludacris

Released in 2009 on the album Rokstarr

Lyrics to Dance:

If you fall for me
I’m not easy to please
I might tear you apart
Told you from the start

Down – Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne

Released in 2009 on the album All or Nothing

Lyrics to Dance:

You won’t be lonely, even if the sky is falling down
You’ll be my only, no need to worry
Baby are you down, down, down, down, down?

Another fun dance with your partner is the nightclub two-step. See songs for the nightclub two-step.

Just Dance – Lady Gaga feat. Colby O’Donis

Released in 2008 on the album The Fame

Lyrics to Dance:

Keep it cool, what’s the name of this club?
I can’t remember, but it’s alright, a-alright
Just Dance

Glamorous – Fergie feat. Ludacris

Released in 2006 on the album The Dutchess

Lyrics to Dance:

First class, up in the sky
Poppin’ champagne
Livin’ my life in the fast lane
I won’t change by the glamorous

Sway – Michael Bublé

Released in 2003 on the album Michael Bublé

Lyrics to Dance:

Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

If choreographed dancing is not your thing, you can always play songs you can slow dance to with your partner.

Bésame Mama – Poncho Sanchez feat. Mongo Santamaria

Released in 1999 on the album Latin Soul

Lyrics to Dance:

Besame Mama como tu sabes
Déjame mama, como te gusta ti

Smooth – Santana with Rob Thomas

Released in 1999 on the album Supernatural

Lyrics to Dance:

And it’s just like the ocean under the moon
It’s the same as the emotion that I get from you

Bailamos – Enrique Iglesias

Released in 1998 on the album Cosas del Amor

Lyrics to Dance:

I won’t be leaving your side
We’re gonna dance through the night
I’m gonna reach for the stars

I Need to Know – Marc Anthony

Released in 1999 on the album Marc Anthony

Lyrics to Dance:

It’s getting harder not to think of you
Girl I’m exactly where I want to be
The only thing is I need you here with me

If you are light on your feet and more experienced, see a list of swing dance songs.

Chilly Cha Cha – Jessica Jay

Released in 1998 on the album Chilly Cha Cha

Lyrics to Dance:

Baila baila chilly cha cha senorita
Baila baila chilly cha cha senor
I give you another chance, you can clap your hands
Shake your body chilly cha cha dance

Two Pina Coladas – Garth Brooks

Released in 1997 on the album Sevens

Lyrics to Dance:

So bring me two pina coladas
Gotta have one for each hand
Let’s set sail with Captin Morgan
Oh and never leave dry land

One Night At A Time – George Strait

Released in 1997 on the album Carrying Your Love with Me

Lyrics to Dance:

Oh, I think about you all day long
It feels so good, it can’t be wrong
I got my fingers crossed that this goes on and on

My Maria – Brooks & Dunn

Released in 1996 on the album Borderline

Lyrics to Dance:

My Maria
There were some blue and sorrow times
Just my thoughts about you
Bring back my piece of mind

What Is Love – Haddaway

Released in 1993 on the album The Album

Lyrics to Dance:

What is love?
Oh baby, don’t hurt me
Don’t hurt me
No more

Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha – James Taylor

Released in 1991 on the album New Moon Shine

Lyrics to Dance:

We hadn’t practiced for a time or two around,
She was doing it better than me.
You know my baby loves to cha, cha, cha.

Kokomo – The Beach Boys

Released in 1998 on the album Cocktail Soundtrack

Lyrics to Dance:

We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo

For a slower pace, see a list of waltz songs.

Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

Released in 1982 on the album Thriller

Lyrics to Dance:

Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son

September – Earth, Wind & Fire

Released in 1971 on the album Earth, Wind & Fire

Lyrics to Dance:

Do you remember
The 21st night of September?
Love was changin’ the minds of pretenders
While chasin’ the clouds away

Oye Como Va – Santana

Released in 1970 on the album Abraxas

Lyrics to Dance:

Oye cómo va
Mi ritmo
Bueno pa’ gozar
Mulata

Do you have a favorite Cha Cha song perfect for weddings? Be sure to comment on the song below.

Check out playlists for a dance routine for your wedding reception and dancing.

FAQs

What’s the Cha Cha?

The Cha Cha has its origins in Cuba — as a slow mambo — in the 1940s and 1950s. Its steps, however, are Afro-Cuban. It became all the rage in the 1950s, so, like most American imports, we modified it and popularized it.

Whether you are looking for a dance song or a dance hit to fill the dance floor, there’s something for everyone. Also, the Cha Cha slide is a great line dance even if Saturday Night Live made fun of it. (I have other line dance song suggestions as well.)

Host Cha Cha Dance Lessons at Your Wedding

A fun way to get people involved in the wedding reception is to host dance lessons. Surely you know someone who can teach everyone. If you don’t, that’s okay. Talk to your professional wedding planner or DJ; they know everyone. If not, ask a local dance instructor. They may even bring a few couples to fill in the crowd to help make your guests feel comfortable.

This video breaks down the steps pretty well.