Lesson: 30s & 40s Charleston w 4 x World Champs Nathalie & Yuval

Learn the basic dance steps of 30’s & 40’s Charleston with 4 x World Champions Nathalie Gomes Adams & Yuval Hod!
^{No partner required!}

ABOUT YOUR TEACHERS

NATHALIE GOMES ADAMS

YUVAL HOD

ABOUT THE DANCE

While the 20’s Charleston involved “kicking up your heels,” as was popular in that era, the trend subsided after 1930. Fashion could have played a part in that, where legs were more constricted with floor-level dresses. It wasn’t until the late thirties where the dress hemline rose.

A slightly different form of Charleston became popular in the 1930s and 1940s, and is associated with Lindy Hop. In this later form, the hot jazz timing of the ’20s Charleston was adapted to suit swing jazz music. This style of Charleston has many common names, including Lindy Charleston, Savoy Charleston, ’30s or ’40s Charleston, and Swinging Charleston, and its basic step takes eight counts and is danced either alone or with a partner. Frankie Manning and other Savoy dancers saw themselves as doing Charleston steps within the Lindy rather than dancing the Charleston itself.¹

Today Charleston is an important dance in Lindy Hop dance culture, danced in many permutations: alone (solo), with a partner, or in groups of couples or solo dancers. The basic step allows for a vast range of variations and improvisation. Both the 20s and Swinging Charleston styles are popular today, though swinging Charleston is more commonly integrated into Lindy Hop dancing.

[ ¹ Definition pulled from Wikipedia]

Put a hop in your step during Art Deco Weekend!

* In addition to this class, don’t miss the mini-lessons and entertainment between jazz band breaks!

Get ready before the weekend— watch ADW’s 2021 online dance classes for free!

The lesson will be held at the Jazz Age Stage on Lummus Park & 12th Street from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm