Charleston

The Charleston originated in the early 1900’s by African American dancers on an island not far from Charleston, South Carolina. It was not until 1923 when the dance exploded into popular culture, when it was featured in a revue in New York City. The dance quickly rose in popularity conjoined with Ragtime Jazz music, ushering in the age of Flappers (female solo Charleston dancers), and eventually giving birth to Lindy Hop. 

Charleston is an upbeat partnered dance characterized by a basic eight count pattern that includes kicks, syncopation, and contra body movement. The basic is often done side-by-side, face-to-face, in closed position, open position, “Tandem,” the Breakaway, and palm-to-palm. The basic itself has many variations, and looks as lively as Ragtime music sounds. 

One of America’s original dance forms, Charleston is a spirited dance that is full of flashy turns, improvisation and personality! If you enjoy fast Ragtime music, you’ll have a blast pulsing with the Jazz rhythms.

Tempo:

– beats per minute

Origin:

USA

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