Dance the Charleston
Josephine Baker dancing the Charleston at the Folies Bergère, Paris, in 1926
The Charleston was the most popular dance craze of the Roaring Twenties. It may have originated as early as 1903 in the African-American community of a small island off the coast of Charleston. Enthusiastically taken up by local African-Americans, the dance was named after the city. By 1913, the Charleston dance was being staged in Harlem, New York, nightclub shows, but it was the debut of the Broadway musical Runnin’ Wild in 1923 that brought international popularity to this fast-paced dance. The tune, “Charleston,” composed by James P. Johnson, originated in the show and later became one of the most popular hits of the decade.
The best accompaniment to the 1920s Charleston dance is Ragtime or New Orleans/Dixieland Jazz, written in 4/4 time with syncopated rhythms. The breakneck pace and rapidly shifting rhythms are challenging. Since it was considered too difficult for nonprofessionals, many thought it would only be performed for audiences in exhibition. However, within a year of its Broadway debut, the Charleston dance was the rage of Flappers and took the country by storm.
Named for the swaying arm movements of the Charleston dance, Flappers of the 1920s were the epitomes of modernity. They were androgynous, working women who had the sexual appeal of sirens and further shocked their elders by wearing make-up, which had been the exclusive domain of prostitutes and actresses. Pale skin, bright red lips, and owl-ringed eyes made a startling statement. Flappers adopted boyish hair and often colored it jet black. Defying convention, Flappers smoked tobacco using long holders and openly drank alcohol, particularly daring during 1920s Prohibition. Jazz Clubs were the haunts of Flappers, who danced the Charleston, wearing rouge on their knees, to “Ain’t We Got Fun,” “Toot Toot Tootsie,” “Yes Sir! That’s My Baby” and, of course, “Charleston.”
The Charleston is one of the most popular dances in the world. It was one of the dances from which the Lindy Hop developed and was adapted to suit the swinging jazz music of the 30s and 40s. It has been used on cartoons, television shows and movies. Even today, our own College of Charleston cheerleaders “Dance the Charleston” during every basketball game!