Alegria
Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, 1920s

CHARLESTON

The dancing frenzy of the Roaring Twenties

The Charleston takes its name from the city of Charleston, South Carolina, where it emerged within the African American community in the early 20th century. It was popularized worldwide by the musical "Runnin' Wild" (1923), whose song "The Charleston" became a global phenomenon. It's the emblematic dance of the "Roaring Twenties", flappers, jazz, Prohibition, and speakeasies.

Long considered too "scandalous" — to the point of being banned at some upper-class balls — it became the rhythmic foundation of Lindy Hop in the 1930s. It has enjoyed a constant revival in the swing scene since the 1990s and remains taught in retro dance schools worldwide.

How it's danced

Technique & figures

The Charleston is danced to Dixieland jazz music at 180-260 BPM. The basic step relies on alternating forward-back kicks, with the knees crossing and the arms swinging in opposition. It's a joyful, almost comical, highly visual dance.

Styles and fundamentals

Two versions coexist. Solo Charleston ("20's Charleston") is danced alone or in a group, with a rich vocabulary of kicks, twists, and "knock knees." Couple Charleston, adopted by Lindy Hop, is practiced facing each other or in tandem.

Main figures

  • 01

    Basic Charleston

    Kick forward with the right foot, return, kick back with the right foot, return. Alternated with the left. The foundation of the entire vocabulary.

  • 02

    Knock knees

    Knees knocking together alternately, hands moving from left to right. A visual signature of the style.

  • 03

    Twist step

    A rapid rotation of the heels outward then inward, as if stubbing out a cigarette.

  • 04

    Tandem Charleston

    A couple version where the follower is in front of the leader, both executing the same kick. A typical Lindy Hop figure.

  • 05

    Suzie Q

    A rapid crossing of one foot in front of the other while pivoting on the heels. An emblematic solo jazz step.

  • 06

    Boogie back

    A gradual retreat backward with the hands sweeping the floor. A comical and festive step.

Reading the music

Dixieland jazz of the 1920s-30s: James P. Johnson, Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke. Also used with modern Electro Swing tracks (Parov Stelar, Caravan Palace).

Did you know?

Josephine Baker

N° 01

Josephine Baker introduced the Charleston to Paris in 1925 with the Revue Nègre, causing unprecedented scandal and enthusiasm.

Bans

N° 02

In the 1920s, the Charleston was banned in several American cities for "immorality." Some venues even had their floors collapse under the dancers' vibrations.

Explore the rhythms

Same family

Retro

Cross connections

Styles from other families that share a common language with Charleston.