Charleston links

HISTORY OF CHARLESTON DANCE

Streetswing's page on Charleston dance history - the Charleston is an African-American dance, and its origins may go back further than we think! Click on the link for more on its fascinating history.

http://www.streetswing.com/histmain/z3chrlst.htm

EHow's article on Charleston dance - did you know Charleston was banned from many dance halls during the 1920s because it was thought by some to be too scandalous and exuberant.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5427799_charleston-dance-history.html

History of the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem

http://www.savoyplaque.org/about_savoy.htm

FAVOURITE CHARLESTON CLIPS

Famed dancers Al Minns and Leon James demonstrate the Charleston

How to Charleston, clip from the BFI/British Pathe archives

Anyone interested in 1920s dance should know about Josephine Baker, one of the best ultimate improvisational dancers of all time. And what's the inspiration for her steps? Charleston, Shimmy, Black Bottom, all the social dances of her time.

A modern day Charleston Dance contest (solo jazz) at the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, taking place this year in New Orleans from 30 Sept-4 Oct. Charleston lives on!