With the return of Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th series this upcoming weekend, there is no better time to reminisce and look back over some the most iconic Charleston routines in Strictly history.

Over the years, there have been so many Twenties-tastic Charleston routines that have a swivelled their way onto our screens and in some cases were even the winning dance-let’s look back over some firm favourites:

Stacey and Kevin: 2018 Semi-Final

First up on the list we have TV Presenter Stacey Dooley and Professional Partner Kevin Clifton who delivered a truly authentic Charleston during the Semi-Final back in 2018 and scored a well-deserved 39 from the judges. Let’s delve a little deeper into why this Charleston stood out over many others.

First and foremost, let’s start with the music. I, for one, absolutely love the tune, ‘Five Foot Two, Eyes are Blue’ and really feel it complements the routine as well as the whole 1920s Jazzy vibe that the Charleston is known for.

After a short opening of setting the scene, the storyline becomes apparent, and we see Stacey and Kevin play the role of an elderly couple reminiscing on their Charleston dancing days back in the 1920s.

After few bars of music, a flashback occurs and the pair spring into action. Charleston content is clearly already at the forefront of this routine; therefore, immersing the audience into the 1920s spirit and preparing us for the jammed packed Charleston adventure the couple are about to embark on.

From 0:21, the audience is immediately greeted with Flapper walks shortly followed by Tick Tocks, Birdie Flaps and Charleston kicks. At 0:33, we see the couple launch themselves into their first of many lifts. The syncopation of the pair throughout this section (and the dance as a whole) was executed to perfection which is one of the reasons as to why it is such an effective Charleston.

At 1:14, we see the pair perform a sequence of Suzy Qs and Helicopters, before their final lift. They then run back to their armchairs which transports the audience back to the present day.

The partnership between Stacey and Kevin was really effective and they both held so much passion for this routine which was lovely to see. Despite Stacey only being a novice dancer, she really epitomised the role of a 1920s Flapper. This, alongside the jam packed routine full of classic Charleston steps really captured the 1920’s flare and provided that authentic feel.

John and Johannes: 2021

Next up we have John Waite and professional Partner Johannes Radebe who made history being the first same-sex male couple to ever participate on the show. Their Charleston, which was choreographed by Jenny Thomas, was set in a French Bakery where they delivered a cheeky and entertaining number to the jazzy tune, ‘Milord’ by Édith Piaf.

It was established from the outset that this routine was going to be a whirlwind of 1920s fantasia with a touch of comedy.

After just a few bars of music, both John and Johannes break into what Anton called, “Baquette-ography,” swivel walks and a brief Can-Can sequence with immense gusto. At 0:50, the tempo of the song changes and for a few moments the pair are seen completing the basic Charleston step in slow motion which made it appear all the more impressive. The pace then quickened, and they went into a series of pushes, Tik-Toks, and Side-to-Side Charleston’s.

In true Johannes’ fashion the routine ended with a comical scene where John pushed a pie into Johanne’s face- therefore providing further entertainment for the audience.

The characterisation that both John and Johannes portrayed was phenomenal and routine included a mixture of solo steps and partner work as well as lots of Classic Charleston steps amalgamated with non-Charleston moves which provided a sense of originality. The choreography chosen for this routine was well suited to John’s dancing abilities making it all the more difficult to differentiate between Professional and Celebrity.

Overall, this Charleston routine received an abundance of positive feedback with very little criticism from both judges and the public audience. One of my favourite aspects of this routine and partnership as a whole was that it was a joy to witness a dance that is over 100 years old, being adapted to suit a modern and progressive world without losing it’s original 1920’s flare.

AJ and Kai: 2021

Finally, we have AJ Adudu and Kai Widdrington who took centre stage with their Charleston number set to the tune, ‘Don’t Bring Lulu,’ by the Dorothy Provine, Pinky, The Girls, back in 2021.

This routine was choreographed by Jenny Thomas, and it was nothing less than iconic. Many people, including myself, thoroughly enjoyed watching AJ and Kai’s Charleston; so much so that the only negative comments were directed at Craig’s scoring and not the dance itself.

The routine begins with both AJ and Kai dressed in their 1920s finery and in the first thirty seconds alone, the audience had already been greeted with an abundance of classic Charleston moves including, Swivel Walks, a lift, Kicks and Cakewalks. At 0:42, we see the couple launch themselves into a series of complex lifts which further enhanced the excitement of the already awe-inspired crowd. The routine then progresses into a perfectly synchronised sequence of 30’s Charleston, Suzy Qs, and a Waterfall, shortly followed by Knocky Knees and Truckin’. The pair then had just enough time for a quick shimmy before Kai lifts AJ into their final pose.

It was clear that AJ really was living her 1920s Flapper girl dream throughout the routine, and it was evidently noticed as Anton Du Beke compared her to, “Josephine Baker,” which might just be the highest compliment a Charleston Dancer could ever receive!  

In the interview with Claudia Winkleman after their performance, AJ stated that she, “[had been] losing confidence in [her] abilities” and how the Charleston was a “physically challenging dance” so, “these comments from the judges have made it even more special as [she] now knows [she] can do anything.”

I can only imagine how many hearts were touched by AJ’s statements as they really do highlight the positive impact dance, (in particular the Charleston), has on so many people. Furthermore, it is a well-known fact that so many individuals struggle with their confidence and to believe in their abilities so watching someone like AJ dance in the way that she did, would have been incredibly inspirational to witness. I firmly believe that through this, she has encouraged so many people to follow their dreams. I think the fundamental message from AJ’s journey dancing the Charleston, is the idea that anyone can achieve anything if they put their mind to it and this is why AJ and Kai’s Charleston is my all-time favourite in Strictly history.

So, there we have it, my top three favourite Charleston routines. Which was your favourite? Let us know in the comments below as we’d love to hear your thoughts!

By: Eleanor O’Donnell