The Story behind I Charleston Brighton

January 21, 2016 Elena Collins

I Charleston Brighton grew out Elena and Fiona's passion to create a viral video about their city back in 2014. The “I Charleston” viral project fired people’s imaginations and passion for dance from New York to Paris and beyond. Having spotted this online craze back in, the two of them decided that Brighton needed to be the next city to join the Charleston World Map, a series of global viral films that showcase the dance talents and the iconic sites of the city.

The ‘‘I Charleston Brighton’’ film is an energetic, colourful spectacle of dance, costume and humour. With music to match, the viral video captures the quirky character of Brighton, its people and frivolity. Standout scenes include a fan dancer, Charleston dancing at the naked bike ride, two pole dancing builders and a scene shot in the sea. The film launched on the 5th September at a private screening attended by the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Brian Fitch.

The project was initiated by Elena and Fiona, Co-owners of I Charleston Brighton. It took them took six months to choreograph, film and edit and features over forty locations around the City. They collaborated with a wide range of local dance groups and performers including Streetfunk and Live Love Hoop, as well as running dance courses where people could learn the choreography so they could take part in the film. In total over 80 dancers were involved in the film ranging from 5 to 80 years in age.

Elena explained: ‘’We really wanted to capture the diverse and individual spirit of Brighton so we were delighted that so many dance and performance groups volunteered their time to be a part of the project. Thanks to them, we managed to capture the creative vibe of our city.’’

"I Charleston the World" has become a global phenomenon with more than 70 cities participating across four continents. In England though, only London and Liverpool have completed an “I Charleston” video. Brighton has upped the ante by filming not only the main attractions but also some of Brighton’s best kept secrets.

Since the release of the film, the video went viral and had many features written about it by local and national papers. The film was also chosen by Visit Brighton as they headline campaign for 'Arts in the City'.

Evening Standard

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/charleston-dancers-brighton-are-a-web-smash-video-9746730.html

The Argus

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/11506379.VIDEO__Charleston_film_has_everyone_in_a_flapper/

Visit Brighton

http://www.visitbrighton.com/groups/things-to-do/i-charleston-brighton-p1103231#overview

The Latest

http://thelatest.co.uk/brighton/2014/09/11/i-charleston-brighton/

BN1 Magazine

http://www.bn1magazine.co.uk/brighton-official-i-charleston-film-out-now/

South East Dance

http://www.southeastdance.org.uk/communities/brightons-charleston-dance-craze-goes-viral.html