The Charleston, the quintessential dance of the Roaring Twenties is not all that difficult to learn at its most basic level. However, once you learn the first level of the steps, you can add additional layers and make the dance your own. But of course, first you have to learn those basic steps. After all, you don’t want to rock up to your 1920’s Costume party and not know the moves now do you.

Learning How to Dance the Charleston

There are several ways for you to learn to dance the Charleston.
First, you can read the directions for the steps online.
Second, you can watch a helpful video and try to follow those steps that you are seeing. Third, you can ask a friend to talk you through the words in a book.
Finally, you can take classes.

Of these, the last is probably the easiest to pick up the moves and probably the most fun.

No matter which way you learn how to dance the Charleston, please remember that you are dancing, not building a house. If you get something wrong, it is no big deal. If you are entering a contest, you might need to get the steps down perfectly, otherwise, go ahead and put your own flavor to the moves.

Steps First

When you are learning a new dance of any kind, you should learn the moves with the feet first before adding in anything else. For the Charleston, the steps are basically a step with one foot then a kick with the opposite, followed by another step and a kick back and forth. The steps and kicks go forward and backward, moving you in a small square area. Starting with the right foot, step forward, kick with the left, then with the left foot, step backwards, kicking with the right. Catch the rhythm of the music for the steps and amazingly enough, you are dancing the Charleston.

Arms Next

Once you get the basic steps, you can add the arms which move back and forth in front of you body in opposition to your feet. If you are stepping with your right foot, then your arms go to the left side of the body, back and forth.

More Moves

Once you are good at the basics, it might be time to start with some other Charleston moves. There are moves where you bend slightly forward, crossing your arms in front of your knees. It can be difficult to master at first, but once you get it, you will be thrilled to add it to your dance!

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Tags: 1920s costume, costume party