Charleston
Charleston is a dance style that became popular in the USA in the 1920s and is closely linked to the music and culture of the so-called "Jazz Age". The dance owes its name to the city of Charleston in South Carolina, although it had already been danced in various forms in African-American communities in the South. The Charleston achieved national fame through Broadway shows and Hollywood films, in which it was seen as a symbol of the Roaring Twenties.
The solo or couple dance is characterised by fast, energetic movements in which legs and feet are rhythmically swung, kicked or crossed. The so-called "Charleston kicks" are particularly typical - an alternating forward and backward movement of the legs, often accompanied by rotating knees or expressive arm movements. The music is usually fast jazz in 4/4 time, although slower pieces can also be danced to.
Charleston can be roughly divided into two phases: The 20s Charlestonwhich tends to be danced on the spot and is popular in solo and couple contexts, and the 30s Charlestonwho was later awarded the Lindy Hop and involves more expansive movements and partner work. Both variations are based on a strong sense of pulse and invite improvisation.
Today, Charleston is an integral part of many Swing-communities worldwide. It is often taught in solo jazz classes, but also flows into other swing dances such as Lindy Hop or Shag a. The characteristic movement quality of the Charleston makes it particularly attractive for dancers who enjoy expression, rhythm and individualisation.
