The 1920’s Charleston- history and how to

The 1920’s Charleston- history and how to

I have been asked many times to perform and to teach the Charleston for speakeasy and 1920’s parties. The most recent is for the Historic Littleton scavenger hunt. So I have put together a history of Charleston and how to dance the Charleston. Enjoy

History

The Charleston dance is named after a town in South Carolina where it was first danced in the African American community. They would travel up to Harlem to dance at the Jungle Casino. While playing there, James Johnson was inspired by these dancers to write the song “Charleston” which became a hit in 1923. The Charleston was similar to the black bottom, and influenced the quickstep and the lindy hop. The girls who danced the Charleston were called Flappers, because of how they flapped their arms like birds when dancing it.

Intrigue-

The Charleston was called “the first and easiest step toward hell” By an Oregon evangelist. New Jersey, Mayor Frank Borden, Jr, outlawed the dance citing “broken shins” as his reason. “I have no objection to a person dancing their feet and head off, but I think it best that they keep away from the Charleston.” Other cities followed suit, banning the dancing of the Charleston for safety reasons. In 1925 dance teachers in London declared the Charleston vulgar. St. Aidan’s Vicar stated that “any lover of the beautiful will die rather than be associated with the Charleston. It is neurotic! It is rotten! It stinks! Phew, open the windows!” Due to the high kicks many clubs would post PCQ, or please Charleston quietly. Despite the banns, The Charleston remained a popular dance until 1927

How to dance the Charleston Solo:

1. Charleston was danced in open positon allowing dancers to express themselves. The Basic step is called the Jay Bird
2. Take a step back with the right foot; kick back with the left leg
3. Step forward with the left foot, kick forward with the right leg.
4. Repeat
5. Think opposites; if the right leg is kicked forward, the left arm should swing back from the elbow. If the left leg kicks back the right arm should swing forward. When swinging arms and flicking feet Use large, loose motions

Hands on Knees:

1. Place both of your hands on your knees
2. Twist you toes in and cross your hands
3. Twist your toes out and uncross your hands.

Suzie q:

1. Stand on Right foot, kick your left heal up to your left hand, then peddle turn to the right as you drop your left toe.

 

How to dance the Charleston in Partnership:

1. Charleston was danced in closed and open positon allowing dancers to break away. The Basic position is closed facing position with the man’s right hand on the ladies left shoulder blade, the ladies left hand follows the line of the gentleman’s right arm. The gentleman then gentle clasps the ladies right hand with his left hand at eye level
2. Gentlemen take a step forward with the left foot, kick forward with the right leg. Ladies step back with the right foot; kick back with the left leg
3. Gentlemen Take a step back with the right foot; kick back with the left leg. Ladies, step forward with the left foot, kick forward with the right leg.
4. Repeat
5. Think opposites; if the right leg is kicked forward, the left arm should swing back from the elbow. If the left leg kicks back the right arm should swing forward. When swinging arms and flicking feet Use large, loose motions

Side kicks:

1. Hop on Left foot, kick right foot out to the side
2. Hop on Right foot, kick left foot out to the side

 

For more dance classes, tips, and dance coaching in Littleton, located
south of Denver, north of Highlands Ranch, east of Ken Caryl Valley, west of Greenwood Village,
join my email or contact:

Holly Collins
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of the Knot best wedding dance,
Winner of top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com