This is going to be hard to get across, but is it inappropiate to dance the cha cha with the rock step on 1? I personally despise it, and I've never seen it done in professional competition. But I am not sure if it's incorrect. However, does the "cha-cha-cha" part belong with the part of the music where that rhythm can be heard via percussion, bass, etc?

Hmnnn...
Usually, it's on a "2" beat ...

WOMAN'S BASIC:

2 --> Step back on RF (Rock Step)
3 --> Replace weight/fwd on LF
4-and-1 --> Cha-RF Cha-LF Cha-RF (percussion part)
2 --> Step fwd on LF (Rock Step)
3 --> Replace weight/back on RF
4-and-1 --> Cha-LF Cha-RF Cha-LF (percussion part)

and begin again ...


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RF - Right Foot
LF - Left Foot