Charleston

What is Charleston?

Charleston is a dance known for its quick kicks, swinging arms, and twisting footwork. Dancers can perform it alone, with a partner, or as part of a group. The basic step is simple but allows for many variations and improvisation. Movements are often energetic, with arms and legs moving in opposite directions. The dance is lively and expressive, often reflecting the upbeat music it accompanies.

Where does Charleston come from?

Charleston takes its name from Charleston, South Carolina, and became widely known in the United States after the 1923 Broadway show Runnin' Wild. Its roots are linked to African-American dances such as Juba and the Jay-Bird step, but the version that became famous was shaped for popular appeal in the 1920s. The dance was first introduced to the stage in Irving C. Miller's Liza and quickly spread through social and stage performances. It reached peak popularity between 1926 and 1927.

How is Charleston danced?

The Charleston's basic step resembles walking in place, with a twist: dancers kick their feet forward and back, swing their arms, and use bent elbows and wrists. The dance can be done solo, with partners, or in groups, and allows for a lot of personal style and improvisation. Partner versions use various holds, from closed to side-by-side or tandem positions. Group dances often involve lines or circles, with dancers following a caller or improvising together.

The music of Charleston

Charleston is usually danced to hot jazz, especially music from the 1920s. The rhythm is fast and syncopated, often featuring the clave or 'Spanish Tinge' beat. The dance can be performed to both recorded and live music, and its tempo is typically high, sometimes exceeding 200 beats per minute. The music encourages energetic movement and improvisation.

Costume and what is carried

There is no fixed costume for Charleston, but dancers in the 1920s often wore clothing that allowed for free movement, such as shorter skirts for women and suits for men. The dance's popularity declined when fashion shifted to tighter dresses that restricted leg movement. Today, dancers may dress in vintage styles for performances or competitions, but everyday social dancing is done in comfortable clothes.

When and where Charleston is danced

Charleston is danced at social gatherings, festivals, performances, and competitions. It is a staple in Lindy Hop and swing dance communities, where it is taught in classes and danced at events. The dance is passed on through both formal instruction and informal social dancing, and group competitions often feature improvisation and playful interaction.

Styles of Charleston

Charleston has many forms, including solo, partner, and group styles. The 1920s version is fast and high-energy, while later forms from the 1930s and 1940s are often integrated with Lindy Hop and swing. Variations include closed position, side-by-side, tandem, and hand-to-hand holds, as well as countless footwork and styling options. Local scenes often develop their own steps and names.

What Charleston means

Charleston is closely tied to American jazz and social dance culture. It reflects African-American influences and the spirit of the 1920s. The dance has seen revivals in different eras and remains popular in swing dance circles worldwide. It is celebrated for its improvisational nature and its role in group and solo dance competitions.

Questions people ask about Charleston

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Charleston (dance) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Charleston on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo