The Jitterbug is a generic term used to describe various types of swing dances such as the Charleston, the Jive and the Lindy Hop, which was named in honor of Charles Lindbergh's historic "hop" across the Atlantic.
Although the swing dance got its start around 1927, the term "Jitterbug" was not popularized until 1935 when Cab Calloway recorded "Call of the Jitter Bug." The term "Jitterbug" derived from a term used to describe alcoholics that were said to have the "jitters."
The Jitterbug originated in New York's African-American community of Harlem. However, it soon spread throughout the United States and, by the end of World War II, had reached Europe.
Apparently, the Jitterbug has become a huge craze, not just in the United States, but in Europe as well. The Harlem Hot Shots is a Swedish dance team that specializes in swing dancing. They have been performing for more than 20 years.
Based in Seattle, Washington, Camp Jitterbug is a weekend long camp for swing dancers. The weekend is filled with performances, competitions and workshops for the novice as well as the experienced dancer.
The term was spread nationwide when teens Jitterbugged in the aisles of Benny Goodman's 1936 performance at the Paramount Theatre in New York.