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How to Learn the Charleston Dance

Back in the roaring '20s, the Charleston became the new dance craze that swept the country. It was the most scandalous dance of its age, and "flappers" dancing the Charleston and drinking illicit alcohol in speakeasies is an iconic image of the prohibition era in the United States. The dance, named after the city of the same name in South Carolina, is simple to recreate.

Instructions

  1. Learning the Steps

    • 1

      Find a song with 4/4 time. You could use the old classic song "Charleston" or "I Wanna be Loved by You," or even pick a modern song. Remember, it must have 4/4 time. The number of moves in the dance match that time scheme exactly.

    • 2

      Step back on your right leg. This is the first step and always comes on the first beat of the music.

    • 3

      Kick your left leg back, keeping the ankle loose. Don't kick violently. Flick your foot as if to shake off droplets of water.

    • 4

      Step forward with your left foot. Now you're back in your original position.

    • 5

      Kick your right foot forward in the same flicking motion that you used for your left foot.

    • 6

      Keep going. This is the basic step pattern for the Charleston.

    Adding the Arms

    • 7

      Move your arms as you would when you walk. When your left leg goes back, bring your left arm forward. The same goes for your right leg and your right foot.

    • 8

      Loosen your arms and bend your elbows to about ninety degrees. Make this slight change and continue working on the step.

    • 9

      Spread your fingers wide and exaggerate your movements. The Charleston was scandalous because of the lack of formality to the dance. It was also seen as sexy. Free up your movements within this structure and improvise.

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