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Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
National
Sun-Times staff

Loved ones cha-cha real smooth at funeral for DJ Casper, Chicago creator of ‘Cha-Cha Slide’

A shirt in memory of Willie Perry Jr. also known as DJ Casper, at Holy Temple Cathedral in Harvey, Illinois on Saturday, August 19, 2023. Casper was known to music and dance fans around the globe for the hugely popular line dance/song. (Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times)

There was only one proper way to say a final goodbye to Willie “DJ Casper” Perry Jr.

Dozens of loved ones of the Chicago creator of the “Cha-Cha Slide” did his signature dance after his funeral service Saturday at Holy Temple Cathedral in south suburban Harvey.

Perry, 58, died Monday at South Suburban Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

He developed the slide — also known as the Casper Slide — for an exercise class taught by his nephew at a Bally Total Fitness in Hyde Park in 1996.

WATCH: Attendees dance to the Cha-Cha Slide at DJ Casper’s funeral

Not loading? Watch on Instagram here.

DJ Casper teaches the Cha-Cha slide

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