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Chasse: How to Do the Step, Count and Common Mistakes

Ready to learn the Chasse? Also called the chasse dance step or chasse step, this beginner move is a classic where one foot chases the other across the floor. You will see it pop up all the time in Cha-Cha routines, ballet classes, and contemporary dance choreography. It is a fantastic way to travel across the room with grace and a little bounce, so let us get moving!

Step card

Count
1-and-2
Level
Beginner
In short
Step, close, step: one foot chases the other

The timing

step (weight change) touch, kick or sound hold

How to do it

  1. Start in a neutral standing position with your feet together.
  2. On count 1, step out to the side with your right foot, shifting your weight onto it.
  3. On the 'and' count, bring your left foot to meet your right foot, shifting your weight to the left.
  4. On count 2, step out to the side again with your right foot, transferring your weight.
  5. Hold your position for the final half beat before repeating the sequence on the other side.

Tips

  • Keep your knees slightly bent to maintain a smooth, gliding motion rather than bouncing too high.
  • Engage your core to keep your upper body tall and steady while your legs do the work.
  • Stay on the balls of your feet during the middle step for quicker, lighter weight transfers.

Common mistakes

  • Crossing the feet. Make sure your feet simply meet in the middle instead of crossing over each other.
  • Skipping the weight change. Fully transfer your weight on the middle step so your leading foot is free to move again.
  • Looking down at the floor. Keep your chin up and your eyes focused straight ahead to maintain good posture and balance.

Variations and practice

  • Practice doing a slow Chasse to a steady beat, taking extra time to feel the weight transfer on each step.
  • Add a slight hop as your feet meet to give the step a more energetic, upbeat feel.
  • Try a forward Chasse by stepping forward instead of sideways, keeping the same step-close-step rhythm.

Related steps

When to check in with a doctor or physical therapist

  • Pain in a knee, ankle or hip that sharpens when you turn, pivot or land
  • Dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath
  • Pain that is still there the next day or keeps coming back after practice

General information, not medical advice. If you have a heart, joint or balance condition, are pregnant or are returning after an injury, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new dance workout.

How this page was made. Step data (count, timing pattern, level, styles) compiled by the Rhythm Desk from common teaching practice; counts can differ between teachers. Text drafted with AI assistance and checked by the Rhythm Desk; see how we write. Last checked October 2026.