What is the history of Charleston dance?
The origins of the Charleston dance can be traced way back to African-American culture in Charleston, South Carolina in the mid 19th century. In particular, the steps associated with the Charleston are rooted in the African-American dance called the Juba, which originated with Kongo slaves that were brought to Charleston and was danced on plantations in the Lowcountry.
Where did Charleston dance originate?
The Charleston dance originates in the African American community. African Americans who lived on an island off the coast of Charleston , SC, developed the dance in 1903. The Charleston has its earliest origins in Central Africa.
What is the origin of the Charleston dance?
The history of the Charleston dance
- 1800’s - Juba dance as the early origin of the Charleston. ...
- “Geechie” steps Gullah culture as the origins of the Charleston dance. There are so many amazing stories of the origins of the Charleston dance. ...
- 1920s - The Charleston on stage and film. ...
- Conclusion. ...
- Resources. ...
How did the Charleston dance start?
Depictions in media
- 1925 – Actress Bessie Love dances the Charleston in the film The King on Main Street.
- 1926 – The film The Song and Dance Man – Bessie Love performed the Charleston.
- 1926 – Santos Casani and Josie Lennard performed in a short film The Flat Charleston recorded in the DeForest Phonofilm sound-on-film system, and released in December 1926.
Did The Charleston dance originate in Charleston?
The Charleston is a dance named after the harbor city of Charleston, South Carolina. The rhythm was popularized in mainstream dance music in the United States by a 1923 tune called "The Charleston" by composer/pianist James P.
Who invented The Charleston?
You jump in, and you keep going.” The original Charleston craze started in 1923, with the song “The Charleston”, by Jimmy Johnson with words by Cecil Mack. Elizabeth Welch sang it in Runnin' Wild, one of the Broadway revues that showcased black music and performers.
What era did The Charleston dance originate?
1920sThe “Charleston” is a multi-faceted cultural phenomenon that arose during the early 1920s. It's a dance, it's a tune, and it's a set of lyrics (which most people have never heard).
What is The Charleston dance known for?
Charleston, social jazz dance highly popular in the 1920s and frequently revived. Characterized by its toes-in, heels-out twisting steps, it was performed as a solo, with a partner, or in a group.
Is Charleston a Latin dance?
This is a dance developed from the Cuban rumba, so it's perhaps not surprising that it is also a Latin dance. Dance teacher Pierre Lavelle began to teach the cha cha cha in 1952 after returning from a trip to Cuba.
Why was The Charleston dance controversial?
The Charleston (“a lively ballroom dance in which the knees are twisted in and out and the heels are swung sharply outward on each step”) was banned in many places due to its apparent sexual nature and likelihood of exposing women's legs (although some locales banned it for ostensible safety concerns, after more than ...
What is The Charleston and why was it a craze?
The Charleston was a very popular dance of the 1920s enjoyed by both young women (flappers) and young men of the "Roaring '20s" generation. The Charleston involves the fast-paced swinging of the legs and big arm movements.
Why is The Charleston a historically significant thing?
Charleston was the seat of the provincial congress in 1775 that created the state of South Carolina, and it was named the state capital the following year. In the American Revolution the city was held by the British from 1780 to 1782.
Why was The Charleston dance so popular?
The initial burst of popularity for The Charleston came in 1923, when a Broadway musical called Runnin' Wild featured a James P. Johnson jazz composition called “The Charleston”, which of course was accompanied by the dance.
Is The Charleston a black dance?
The Charleston is said to be based on the “Juba,” a dance brought to Charleston by enslaved African Americans + performed by dock workers in the early 1900's. The Juba involves rhythmic stomping, kicking, + slapping, and it became a challenge dance of the American American community at the time.
What is The Charleston dance move?
0:131:48How to Dance the Charleston - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to think about the five. Six seven eight right before the dance starts so that way you'reMoreYou want to think about the five. Six seven eight right before the dance starts so that way you're right in time with the music. And your movement.
How did Charleston get its name?
Established as Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England, Charleston adopted its present name in 1783 and is the principal city in the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Is Charleston the oldest city?
Located just south of the mid-point of South Carolina's coastline, at the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, the historic city of Charleston is the oldest city in the state. Founded in 1670 and first called Charles Towne, it was named for King Charles II.
Why do they call Charleston the Holy City?
Charleston is believed to be called the “Holy City” because of its history of religious tolerance + abundant places of worship. Today, the city skyline is defined by over 400 church steeples and many different religions are practiced around town.
Did pirates destroy Charleston?
Several pirates/mutineers killed, Charles Town Fleet destroyed, city leveled. The Sack of Charles Town occurred in the aftermath of the arrest of Captain James Flint at the hands of Lord Governor Peter Ashe and his men.
When did the Charleston dance become popular?
While the dance became popular amongst black musicians, it did not become a part of mainstream culture until October 29, 1923, with the Flournoy Miller / Aubrey Lyles Broadway show Runnin’ Wild.
How to dance Charleston?
The basic step is done in eight-count movements. Begin in a straightforward, standing position with your palms parallel to the floor. Step forward with your left foot. Move your right foot forward, + tap it in front of your left. Step backward with your right foot.
What is Charleston based on?
The Charleston is said to be based on the “Juba,” a dance brought to Charleston by enslaved African Americans + performed by dock workers in the early 1900’s. The Juba involves rhythmic stomping, kicking, + slapping, and it became a challenge dance of the American American community at the time. At the turn of the twentieth century, The Charleston ...
Who sang the Charleston song?
The Charleston song was James P. Johnson ’s biggest hit – and 95 years later, the song still instills images of flappers dancing to the tune upon hearing the notes (at least in our minds). So, now that you know the history of The Charleston, how do you dance it?
Where was the Charleston dance?
Josephine Baker dancing the Charleston at the Folies Bergère, Paris, in 1926. The Charleston is a dance named after the harbor city of Charleston, South Carolina.
When was the dance "Charleston" first performed?
Miller's Liza in the spring of 1923.
What is the name of the jazz style of the 1930s?
A slightly different form of Charleston became popular in the 1930s and 1940s, and is associated with Lindy Hop. In this later Charleston form, the hot jazz timing of the 20s Charleston was adapted to suit the swing jazz music of the 1930s and 1940s.
What is swinging Charleston?
In swing dance or Lindy Hop communities today, both solo 20s Charleston and solo swinging Charleston are often danced in groups arranged in a loose circle on the social dance floor, in two long lines of facing dancers (evenly spaced) or in other formations in more strictly choreographed performances .
What is a 20s Charleston?
As it is danced today, solo 20s Charleston often combines steps from several dances associated with the 1920s. The most valued form of solo 20s Charleston combines choreography with improvisation and creative variations on familiar dance steps.
What is the Chevin dance called?
Latterly, a derivative of the Charleston, known as the 'Chevin', has been witnessed in European dance halls. The origins of the Chevin are not known; however, some proponents suggest it is named after Elliott Chevin, a Serbian freedom fighter.
When did solo 20s Charleston become popular?
Solo 20s Charleston gained popularity in the early 2000s, in many local Lindy Hop scenes around the world, prompted by competitions such as the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown (in 2005 and 2006 particularly) and workshops in the dance taught by high-profile dancers such as the Harlem Hot Shots (formerly known as The Rhythm Hot Shots) and a range of independent dancers.
Where did the Charleston dance originate?
1800’s – Juba dance as the early origin of the Charleston. Enslaved Africans brought it (The Charleston dance) from Kongo to Charleston, South Carolina, as the Juba dance, which then slowly evolved into what is now known as Charleston. (…) In African, however, the dance is called Juba or the Djouba. The name Charleston was given to the Juba dance ...
What is Charleston dance?
More specifically it is an authentic jazz dance as it was done to jazz music (“hot jazz” and originally the ragtime) combining elements derived from improvised African dance moves with syncopated jazz rhythms.
What is the dance called in African America?
In African, however, the dance is called Juba or the Djouba. The name Charleston was given to the Juba dance by Europeans much later when they came to America. – Africanisms in American Culture, p.52. The Juba dance or hambone , originally known as Pattin’ Juba, is an African American style of dance.
Where did the Gullah dances take place?
Johnson says that he saw the Gullah dances in The Jungles Casino in 1913 where he was playing. Majority of dancers were from South Carolina, Charleston. The best of all on the dance floor, was Dan White, recollects Johnson. He was the one to introduce The Charleston step as we know it.
Where did the Charleston come from?
According to Frankie Manning, from the book “Ambassador of Lindy Hop”, the Charleston may have been based on a step called Jay – Bird, and is said to have originated in South Carolina, Charleston, where it was sighted in 1903.
Who was the pastor of the Charleston orphanage?
In 1891, In Charleston, South Carolina, the Reverend Daniel Jenkins, pastor of a small African – American church, founded an orphanage for African – American children – Jenkins Orphanage. Jenkins Orphanage Band, South Carolina, Charleston. Many scholars attribute the spread of the Charleston dance to the boys from the band.
Who brought the Charleston dance to Harlem?
He writes about Herman Brown, a boy who brought the dance from Charleston to Harlem. “The dance is known now as The Charleston, Herman Brown ’s dance”.
Where did Charleston dance originate?
Where Did the Dance Originate? Experts in the history of dance believe that some of the Charleston's movements probably came from Trinidad, Nigeria, and Ghana. Its first appearance in the United States was around 1903 in Black communities in the southern U.S.
Who danced the Charleston?
Famous dancer Josephine Baker not only danced the Charleston, but she also added moves to it that made it silly and funny, like crossing her eyes. When she traveled to Paris as part of the La Revue Negre in 1925, she helped make the Charleston famous in Europe as well as the United States.
What was the most popular dance in the 1920s?
The Charleston was a very popular dance of the 1920s enjoyed by both young women (flappers) and young men of the "Roaring '20s" generation. The Charleston involves the fast-paced swinging of the legs and big arm movements.
What is the music for Charleston?
The music for the Charleston is ragtime jazz, in quick 4/4 time with syncopated rhythms. The dance uses swaying arms as well as the fast movement of the feet. The dance has basic footwork and then a number of variations that can be added . To begin the dance, one first steps back with the right foot and then kicks backward with ...
When was the Charleston popular?
The Charleston became extremely popular in the 1920s, especially with flappers , and is still danced today as part of swing dancing.
What was the new dance craze in the 20s?
Rather than dancing the popular dances of the late 19th century and early 20th century, such as the polka, two-step, or waltz, the freer generation of the Roaring '20s created a new dance craze: the Charleston.
What are some dances that have elements in common with Caribbean and African dances?
jazz dance. …century) as well as the Charleston and the jitterbug have elements in common with certain Caribbean and African dances. In addition, the slow drag contributed to the fish of the 1950s; the ring shout, which survived from the 18th into the 20th century, in isolated areas, influenced the cakewalk.….
What are some dances that are popular in the ballroom?
Other popular dances—such as the Charleston, swing dancing, the mambo, the twist, and disco dancing —have also visited the ballroom repertoire at various points in the tradition’s history. Owing to the social and stylistic breadth of the ballroom tradition, the…. jazz dance.
Where did the Charleston dance originate?
The origins of the Charleston dance can be traced way back to African-American culture in Charleston, South Carolina in the mid 19th century. In particular, the steps associated with the Charleston are rooted in the African-American dance called the Juba, which originated with Kongo slaves that were brought to Charleston ...
What is the Charleston dance?
The Charleston is a dance that soared to popularity in the United States in the 1920s, a time period which is commonly referred to as the “Roaring Twenties”. The initial burst of popularity for The Charleston came in 1923, ...
What musical was the Charleston in?
It is believed that the version of the Charleston that appeared in the 1923 Broadway musical Runnin’ Wild was specifically choreographed to achieve mainstream popularity, which probably contributed to the widespread prominence of the Charleston in the 1920s, especially among young women (known as “flappers”).
When did the Charleston dance become popular?
The Charleston is a dance that soared to popularity in the United States in the 1920s, a time period which is commonly referred to as the “Roaring Twenties”. The initial burst of popularity for The Charleston came in 1923, when a Broadway musical called Runnin’ Wild featured a James P. Johnson jazz composition called “The Charleston”, ...
What is the dance called in the 1930s?
In the 1930s and 1940s it became part of the Lindy Hop street dance, and an alternate version of the dance developed that was adapted to the swing music that was popular at the time. The 1930s and 1940s style of Charleston dance is commonly referred to as either Lindy Charleston or Swing Charleston.
When was the Charleston performed?
BBC Strictly Gemma. The Charleston in it's modern form, was performed from around 1903, featured in several Harlem stage shows and by the 1920's was a popular dance style in the Ragtime-Jazz era. Check out Ian Waite and Karen Hardy in their... own, unique, interpretation of its history: Although a firm favourite with contemporary audiences this ...
Why was the Charleston dance banned?
ooo-err! Needless to say at it's height of popularity the Charleston was banned from many dance halls because of it's outrageous behaviour!
How to do the Charleston?
There are four basic steps in the Charleston; take a step back with the right foot; kick back with the left leg; step forward with the left foot (going back to the original position); kick forward with the right leg... aaaaaand repeat. Use large, loose motions with the swinging arms and flicking feet.
Overview
Origins
While the dance probably came from the "star" or challenge dances that were all part of the African-American dance called Juba, the particular sequence of steps which appeared in Runnin' Wild were probably newly devised for popular appeal. "At first, the step started off with a simple twisting of the feet, to rhythm in a lazy sort of way. [This could well be the Jay-Bird.] When the dance hit Harlem, a ne…
Contemporary Charleston
Today Charleston is an important dance in Lindy Hop dance culture, danced in many permutations: alone (solo), with a partner, or in groups of couples or solo dancers. The basic step allows for a vast range of variations and improvisation. Both the 20s and Swinging Charleston styles are popular today, though swinging Charleston is more commonly integrated into Lindy Hop dancing.
Depictions in film
• 1925 – Actress Bessie Love dances the Charleston in the film The King on Main Street.
• 1926 – The film The Song and Dance Man – Bessie Love performed the Charleston.
• 1926 – Santos Casani and Josie Lennard performed in a short film The Flat Charleston recorded in the DeForest Phonofilm sound-on-film system, and released in December 1926.
External links
• Charleston at Wikibooks
• Media related to Charleston dance at Wikimedia Commons
1800’s - Juba Dance as The Early Origin of The Charleston
“Geechie” Steps Gullah Culture as The Origins of The Charleston Dance
- There are so many amazing stories of the origins of the Charleston dance. In my research I had to check and double check to see which might be the right one. However, as anyone digging into history knows, there is always some subjectivity as to what is “the truth”, so here are all the sources I could find. According to Frankie Manning, from the book “Ambassador of Lindy Hop”, t…
1920s - The Charleston on Stage and Film
- In the early 20s the Charleston dance turned into a popular American craze, a distinctive, maybe stereotyped, feature of the Jazz Age, the flappers and the era of Prohibitionism. As we discovered above, the dance would have been performed in many nightclubs and streets of New York. Still it was said to have been “officially” presented in the all-Black Broadway show Runnin’ Wild (1923). …
Conclusion
- It is hard to find a full objective story of the Charleston dance. The history of it may be far richer than we know. We can only trace it back as much as we have sources to look into. Which leads to me this amazing quote by Cholly Atkins. He is talking about the origins of the Charleston dance in his book “Class Act”: The Charleston dance as many other authentic and vernacular jazz dances …
Resources
- Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop by Frankie Manning, Cynthia R. Millman The Wicked Waltz and Other Scandalous Dances by Mark Knowles Black Dance in the United States from 1916 to 1970 by Emery, Lynne Fauley A Gullah Guide to Charleston: Walking Through Black History by Alphonso Brown The Cradle of JAZZ. Reverend Daniel Jenkins and his orphanage band Jenkins …
The 1920s and The Charleston
Where Did The Dance originate?
- Experts in the history of dance believe that some of the Charleston's movements probably came from Trinidad, Nigeria, and Ghana. Its first appearance in the United States was around 1903 in Black communities in the southern U.S. It was then used in the Whitman Sisters stage act in 1911, and in Harlem productions by 1913. It did not become internati...
How Do You Dance The Charleston?
- The Charleston can be danced by oneself, with a partner, or in a group. The music for the Charleston is ragtime jazz, in quick 4/4 time with syncopated rhythms. The dance uses swaying arms as well as the fast movement of the feet. The dance has basic footwork and then a number of variations that can be added. To begin the dance, one first steps back with the right foot and t…
Sources
- Howcast. "How to Do the Charleston Step | Swing Dance." YouTube, October 1, 2012. Kevin and Karen. "How to Dance: The Charleston." YouTube, February 21, 2015. NP channel. "1920s - charleston dance." YouTube, January 13, 2014.