Become a MyCharleston teacher

We are excited to announce our online teacher training course for 2022 is OPEN! Fancy running classes in your area or think a friend would make a great teacher? Get in touch, we want to hear from you!

After a successful year of training seven new MyCharleston Licensee teachers across the UK and overseas we now have new classes in Devon, Darlington, Nottingham, Cleethorpes, as well as Italy and Holland!

The 8 week teaching course starts from 23 September and if you are one of the first 3 people to sign up you get £100 off the course, making it just £300 to train with us.

By becoming a MyCharleston Licensee you can make money from something you love, expand your knowledge of dance and diversify your career.

WHY TEACH THE CHARLESTON?

You can bring to your local community:

• A joyful experience that will improve peoples mood, fitness levels and coordination

• A quirky dance which brings the Golden Age of Jazz to life

• Dance classes for everyone regardless of age or level

'One of the things I love most about teaching with MyCharleston is how you get to work alongside the most incredible people. There is also unfaltering support that is provided to everyone who walks through the door, whether that be a student or a teacher.'
Eleanor, MyCharleston teacher in Nottingham

IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU?
We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Whether you are an amateur dancer looking to turn your passion into a business or an established fitness professional wanting to offer more to your current clientele.

Apply now and join our fantastic group of teachers who are bringing Charleston dancing to their communites.

if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for more details at hello@mycharlestondance.com

The 20s Flapper Dress - The scandalous dress that empowered women

There have been many iconic styles of fashion throughout the decades in history. We have all heard of Dame Barbara ‘Mary Quant’ and her 1966 creation of the mini skirt and Regency Ballgowns from Jane Austen’s novels. However, there is one piece of clothing that often gets forgotten about amidst the millions of other styles. An outfit so revolutionary it went down in history and became a staple piece in every woman’s wardrobe for over 10 years.

Yes, you guessed it! We can be talking about none other than the 1920s Flapper Dress…

As we are returning once again to the ‘20s, fashion from the decade has made quite the come back with more and more people falling in love with the whole style and vibe. So, let’s find out why this dress is so iconic…

What is a Flapper Dress and why is it widely recognised?

During the turn of the century, fashion was changing as women were gradually moving away from the suffocating corsets and stiff, long skirting in favour of a style which enhanced their figures as opposed to restricting them. The Flapper Dress ignited this change as it is relatively simple in terms of style and came to just below the knee in length (scandalously short for the time).

The silhouette in the 1920s was known as, ‘la garçonne’ which illustrated the youthful figure which was desired by many women throughout the ‘20s. Suddenly, women’s fashion was not about maintaining high levels of, ‘modesty’ and instead it became about empowering women to take control and physically break free from the societal constraints and pressures to conform to the rules of the ‘traditional woman’ in an attempt to abolish the idea that they should dress for their husbands.   

The Development of The Flapper Dress Throughout the Decade:

Dressing up was once a restrictive activity and one that richer women in society were permitted to participate in. This was due to the overly expensive and Avant Garde embellishments that were added to many outfits and accessories. However, the 1920s made the act of dressing up more accessible as the Flapper Dress could easily be made at home, thanks to its simple structure and the eradication of the corset.

During the early years of the 1920s, the concept of the ‘Flapper Dress’ was beginning to form. This led to women being viewed as reckless as they drank, smoked, and danced the decade away. With waistlines dropping below the hip and hemlines slowly creeping up to above the knee, by 1925, the previous Victorian style of dress had been forgotten about and short, simple Flapper Dresses were the new, notable look. However, by the end of the decade, the idea of shorter hemlines crashed, as did Wall Street, and the fashion industry decided to return to the glamorous and curvaceous silhouette in the early 1930s.

What makes a Flapper dress

There are many specific characteristics that define a Flapper Dress and make it so recognisable- even today! They generally hang straight down the body with an uneven split hem, were sleeveless and most importantly were made out of light, loose fabrics. This not only allowed for dances such as The Charleston to be danced with ease, but it also revitalised body confidence in women.  

For added pizzazz and glamour, many adorned their dresses with beading or sequins sewn into intricate designs as well as wore accessories such as pearls, feathers, and facemasks.

Famous Flapper Dresses

Like many other vintage eras throughout history, the 1920s was no different when it came to showcasing the iconic fashion that was prevalent during this time. The well-known designer Edward Molyneux was among the many to create a dress so ‘flapper-tastic’ that it went down as one of the most iconic in history. Molyneux was an extremely prestigious fashion designer throughout the decade. He created many elegant evening-wear Flapper Dresses that became a popular choice in elite social circles, even becoming first choice with many actresses and stage performers; including Greta Garbo. His imaginative creations were among the first to incorporate unconventional patterns using crystals or beading as well as experimenting with ostrich feathers and comically shaped buttons. His extravagant designs led him to open multiple fashion houses throughout Paris where he became a style trendsetter.

One of his most famous pieces of work was a 1925 Flapper Dress which perfectly encapsulated what the 1920s was all about. The dress symbolised glamour yet was minimalistic in terms of style. This particular dress became a statement piece and was used to set an example to this new, growing fashion trend.

Flapper Dresses in the Modern Day

The Flapper Dress is a style that is still very much associated with the 1920s, however, that hasn’t stopped it regaining popularity 100 years on. This style of dress has become a common choice for vintage fashion collectors and as a result, these dresses are now considered an ‘investment fashion piece.’

They have also become the fancy-dress must-have when throwing a vintage themed party.

Over the years, MyCharleston have also seen and worn some stunning 1920s outfits at our annual Speakeasy. Ranging from full blown Flapper to Swing Dresses; there really are so many amazing styles that stem from the 1920s.

With all the tassels, sequins, beading and pearls, I think it’s safe to say that the legacy of the Flapper Dress still lives on and will hopefully continue to do so. After all, this historical style of dress is certainly one of a kind…

By Eleanor O'Donnell

Lady Gaga, Medusa and Also Me

When you are given a creative brief, you know you are going to go on a journey of discovery. My latest project ‘Raising Medusa’ has taken me on a journey which was as much about self-discovery as creating a dance piece.

 Back in March, Helen Bagnall, creator of Also Festival asked if I would like to choreograph a dance as part of a spectacle to celebrate Medusa. It’s a collaborative piece and anyone attending the festival, or our next Street Jazz course can take part in the performance.

The project takes its inspiration from the work Natalie Haynes has done, to bring Medusa back into the light. It is a celebration of this mythical woman, and the dance will be accompanied live by the London International Gospel Choir who will be singing Lady Gaga’s Born This Way.

We want as many people as possible to participate in the piece, so I have choregraphed the dance in sections. The Chorus is simple to learn and dance, it has this fantastic ‘wild rumpus’ feel when you do it. I took these moves from the original choreography Lady Gaga dances, her raw energy and the way she lays herself bare has been an inspiration.

 The dance moves perfectly embodies the energy of Medusa showing her true self, not as a monster but as a powerful women. To me, Medusa is a mask and in these simple dance moves she allows herself to express her anger, joy and sensuality with abandonment.

The energy of this dance is more important than the steps themselves. Each and every one of us who do this, should see themselves as Medusa. When we dance, I want us to remove the mask of who we think we ought to be and go wild as we celebrate who we really are. We are celebrating Medusa; we are celebrating being ‘Born This Way’

 If you are to define what dance is, then I would say it is abandonment. It takes courage to dance in public and I was truly inspired by the people who took part in last year’s dance project at Also. Now known as the “Kylies” we all performed a dance to the song “Spinning Around”. I had created four short videos so people could learn it at home ready to perform on the day.

 When I meet the dancers who had taken on the challenge it was really awe inspiring, they were so dedicated they actually knew the routine better than me! Just before we went on stage we had a shot of Tequilla, this was a first for many people and we were performing on the main stage. The crowd loved us and the thrill everyone felt afterwards was incredible we had all bonded in such a short time through this experience.

Helen’s concept for this year’s piece will build on what we did so successfully last year and take it to the next level as we expand the collaborative element. I am already hearing from last year’s group how much they are enjoying learning just a little bit each day. I can’t wait to see them again and meet even more people who are up for taking a risk and discovering the rewards of dancing together.

If you would like to give it a try view the video below where you can learn the Chorus to this dance routine.

To find out more about our up and coming Street Jazz course in which you can learn the full routine visit https://mycharlestondance.com/dance-brighton-hove/street-jazz

Get the Look: 1950s Make-up and Hair

The 1950s, or the ‘Golden Age,’ as it was otherwise known, marked the beginning of the Post-War era. What with World War II and the Great Depression becoming a distant memory, people revelled in this newfound sense of freedom. The ‘50s were a time of social change where civil rights began to be considered, pop culture defined identities and rock and roll dominated the music world. In 1952, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place which sparked a sense of hope for the people of Britain and a brighter future seemed possible. This, alongside their new disposable income and the encouragement from the media, sparked a dramatic change within fashion and beauty industries, which became revolutionary for 1950s women.

With the Jubilee Celebrations coming up and everyone looking back at the Fifties, here is a handy guide with some easy ways to recreate the most popular looks from the decade.

 MAKE-UP

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Avon which led to a huge increase in accessible make-up and beauty products. With beauty standards higher than ever before, 1950s make-up looks are among the most iconic in recent history.

 The Lips:

Although the use of make-up was on the rise, a more subtle look was favoured.

To recreate the lips, you should start with an application of foundation to ensure a smooth and neutral base. Then, add lip liner. It was common in the 50s to extend the natural border of your mouth using the liner- it was thought this made women appear more feminine. Then add your lipstick of choice. Unlike the 1920s, where there was only one lipstick shade, the 1950s had a wide selection, with pinks and oranges being popular amongst blondes and redheads and darker reds/purples with brunettes.

The Eyes and Cheeks:

Eye make-up in the 50s was minimal in comparison to previous decades. A dash of a pinkish eyeshadow was applied to the top lid alongside a few coats of black mascara. A softer application of eyeline was also popular, with the arch and wing kept very close to the eyelid.

Pastel pink blusher, or rouge as it were called, was applied to the apple of the cheeks, and went no further than the tip of the nose to accentuate the cheekbones. Blusher was also applied to the outer edge of the eyebrows to highlight the prominent arch and add definition.

HAIR

Celebrity culture was on the rise and with leading ladies such as Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield at the forefront, 1950s women were desperate to try out this trademark look. In the 1950s there were many different types of hairstyles, but the most popular ones were ponytails with a short fringe and a scarf bouffant.  

Scarf Bouffant:

To recreate this hairstyle, you will need hairspray (and a lot of it), bobby pins and a head scarf; preferably nylon or a silk-like material.  The good thing about this style is that the scarf can hide a multitude of imperfections so don’t worry if it is a bit messy!

To begin, start by parting your hair at the top, as if you were going to cut in a fringe, and roll this parted section towards the centre of the hairline, just above your forehead. Secure this with a few bobby pins (this will be altered later so don’t worry about it looking perfect!)

Now let’s focus on the remaining hair. Push the rest of your hair behind your head, as if you were going to put it up in a low ponytail and split it into two sections: a top and a bottom. Take the top section and tie it into a side ponytail to keep it out of the way- you will return to this later.

Next, take the bottom section and twist it on top of your head and secure with bobby pins along the back of your head, (make sure to leave enough hair on top of the head to backcomb later). Hairspray this section and begin to backcomb- moving the brush in a repeated, downwards motion towards your scalp.

Once this has been completed, remove the hair from the side ponytail and repeat the backcombing process with this section. Once all hair has been backcombed, lightly brush the hair from the front to smooth out any bumps or stray hairs.

Now scrape back all of your hair and begin pinning the ends to the back of your head- it should look like a low, messy bun. Spray this with further hairspray.

Now, back to the front section from earlier. Remove the pins and split into two sections and backcomb with more hairspray. Then roll both sections towards your front hairline, but this time pin it just off centre.

Finally, its time to add the scarf. Wrap the scarf around the back of your head and tie it just behind the pinned front section and spray with hairspray.

In the YouTube tutorial below explains in further detail how to achieve this iconic, 1950s hairstyle!

DRESS

With war-time clothing and the occupation of, ‘The Land Girl’ now a thing of the past, women’s fashion became more impractical as, ‘The New Look’ was introduced; making it impossible to participate in manual labour. This, therefore, reintroduced what is now commonly known as the ‘50s Housewife.’

A common stye of 1950s dress used pinched-in waists, a fitted top half and a full skirt which came to just below the knee (SHOCK!!).

The colour palette of clothes was also a big change in the 1950s. Work attire, such as tailored suits and pencil skirts, showcased block colours with very little detail. However, dresses, such as the iconic Rockabilly swing dress, were fashioned with a multitude of patterns and prints such as stripes, spots and florals which ran in just about any colour combination imaginable.

DANCE

Now you have perfected your 1950s hair, makeup, and dress you’re now ready to party!

Like many decades throughout history, dance was one of the main forms of entertainment. The ‘50s introduced an updated version of swing dancing, which adapted dances like the Waltz and the Charleston, in order to accommodate to the rock and roll music of the time.

So, what was famous about dancing in the 1950s? Well, the word ‘Bop’ was introduced and pretty much all styles were called as such. This phrase referred to a family of low swivelling, Charleston-like steps which were sometimes danced with a partner.

Fiona will be teaching a ‘50s style workshop at Roedean School on Friday (27th May) and she discovered a couple of videos which will help you get into the 1950s dancing spirit!

The first shows classic Fifties moves, and you can clearly see the influence of the Charleston.

The second one is amazing! It really shows urban dance moves in a style which encapsulates the energy of the original ‘Bop’ dance!

If you know of any great routines old or new which capture this decade of dance, please do share them with us!!

Now you’ve got the full 1950s look and dance moves to match, why not check out the playlist below which is full of great tunes to get those feet ‘Bopping’ to transport you back to the ‘Golden Age’…   

By: Eleanor O’Donnell

New courses starting June 2022

We have one more round of dance courses before we break for the summer. Charleston, Musicals, Street Jazz and Intermediate course all start on the week of the 13 June, we really hope you can join us for a final dance before you set off on your summer travels.

If you have any questions about the courses please email hello@mycharlestondance.com

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CHARLESTON COURSE - IN THE MOOD

Due to popular demand we are creating a new routine to the much loved tune In The Mood. The intermediate routine shown in this video will be the basis for the new routine but pitched to the Open Level group. This routine will combine classic 20's Charleston with some more swing style jazz from the 30's. It's going to be a classic and so much fun to dance.

BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES WORTHING PORTSMOUTH ONLINE

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MUSICALS COURSE - MEIN HERR

Famously performed by Liza Minnelli in Cabaret, this razzle dazzle number is a great one to learn and a favourite amongst many of our dance students.

HOVE ONLINE

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STREET JAZZ - BORN THIS WAY

We've devised a brand new dance routine to Born This Way by Lady Gaga for our next Street Jazz course. Expect lots of high energy moves to this electro pop number. We can't wait to teach it!

Starts Thursday 16 June, 6pm-7pm

BOOK NOW

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INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - SNAKE HIPS
On our next Intermediate Charleston course we'll be teaching a solo jazz classic - Snake Hips - fun and a real joy to dance.

Starts Thursday 16 June, 7pm-8pm

BOOK NOW

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Why our Speakeasy at Brighton Fringe is our favourite event

We love hosting Twenties themed events but our absolute favourite is The Speakeasy at the Spiegeltent, Brighton Fringe. What makes the event so magical is the venue itself.  Built in the Twenties, from the outside it looks like a normal canvas tent but when you enter you will understand why Spiegeltent is the Dutch word for ‘Mirror Tent’

Built in the round with stain glass windows and velvet seating booths which surrounds the wooden dance floor, it is the perfect venue for social dancing. You don’t need any dance experience as we will teach you the Charleston and keep you on the dance floor with some simple dances and our six-piece jazz band.

This is a great people watching event too and you will see some fabulous vintage outfits swirling around the dance floor. So when you’re not dancing you can enjoy a cocktail and some entertainment from our Flapper dancers who will perform some classic Twenties routines.

Described as ‘The most inclusive dance event at Brighton Fringe’ we will create a space where anything goes. From glamourous dresses to dungarees, we have seen a full rage outfits over the years, we even once had spiderman! So don’t be shy when choosing your outfit for this event.

 The Speakeasy is all about giving the people who come along a good time, it is not a show, you are the event. You will of course learn some dance moves, but you can also dance in any style you choose as we hand the dance floor over to you in the final DJ set.

If you have never been to the Spiegeltent before then take this opportunity to join us for a dance on Saturday 7th May 1-4pm

Tickets start from £12 to book CLICK HERE

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MyCharleston Speakeasy is back!

MYCHARLESTON SPEAKEASY, Saturday 7 May, 1pm - 4pm

We are delighted to be back in the Brighton Spiegeltent with our Speakeasy event as part of Brighton Fringe.

Relive the glamour of the Roaring 20s at the 'MyCharleston Speakeasy'. Experience all the humour and energy of the Charleston with our Hot Jazz band and Flapper girls. With mesmerising performances and group led dances this is your chance to dress up and experience the iconic steps of the 1920s.

Influential Women of the 1920s

Over the years, there have been many influential women who have broken social boundaries and obliterated gender stereotypes in order to try and make a positive change to the way that women are viewed in society in the hope that one day they will be seen as equal. From those who we learn about in school like Harriet Tubman and Emmeline Pankhurst to the women of the 1920s who are often hidden and forgotten about such as Virginia Woolf and Ma Rainey; there is still so much more to learn about these incredible women of the Jazz Age.

What is Feminism and why is it important?

Feminism is defined as ‘The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.’ This is a concept that has gained popularity throughout the 21st century, with many individuals incorporating feminist values into their core beliefs. Despite the common use of the phrase, it still gets mistaken with the idea of, ‘hatred towards men’ which is the main contributing factor as to why there is so much more work to do in terms of women’s rights; even today.

 Feminism in the 1920s

The ‘Roaring Twenties’ was no stranger to the concept of Feminism and was an important decade for radical change in terms of women’s history. Uptight Victorian values were being slowly forgotten about, and society was changing in ways that had never been seen before. Women’s right to vote came into force in 1920 which was a long-awaited pivotal moment and, to some extent, gave them autonomy over the way they expressed themselves within society. As their newfound political confidence grew, so did their daring attitudes and the demand for social and liberal change was at the forefront of women’s minds. As a result of this, despite the lack of equal opportunities within the workplace, the population of women in work had almost doubled by 1921.

Virginia Woolf: an inspirational author

Virginia Woolf, a female of author of the 1920s, was known for her radical ideals in terms of women’s rights and through her written works, paved the way for women to have an active role in literature. Despite her lack of socialist values, Woolf was named the, ‘Foremother of the Feminist Movement’ due to her belief that women should be provided with an education and allowed to make their own money without being tied into marriage. Woolf’s depiction of a married women was highly rejected throughout the 1920s as she removed the idea of the traditional, submissive housewife and replaced it with a ‘rebellious’ woman who demanded for equal treatment within the family home and in wider society as a whole.

Woolf also made sure to rewrite the rules of literature within her works through including aspects of her own life to portray the prevalence of mental illness in women. This was a topic that was not openly spoken about during her time of writing. Woolf, herself, suffered from bipolar disorder but, like many other women with mental health conditions in the 1920s, she was refused treatment and viewed as ‘insane’ by medical professionals as they believed she was just a woman who was, ‘hysterical and overly emotional.’ The lack of medical intervention consequently led to an early death, which was a common occurrence for women with mental illnesses during the 1920s.

Furthermore, Virginia Woolf was also part of the Bloomsbury Circle which was a group of literary eccentrics who actively advocated for the LGBTQ+ community and their rights. Woolf herself had romantic relationships with women which inspired her 1928 novel, Orlando, which is one of the first novels recorded to ever explore gender fluidity and is also known to be the first novel in the English language to have a transgender character.

Josephine Baker: a 1920s icon

When you hear the name ‘Josephine Baker,’ immediately banana skirts, iconic performances and pet Cheetahs come to mind but what you don’t think of is everything else that went on in between her successes on stage which makes Josephine Baker one of history’s biggest icons who we should all know and appreciate.

From a young street performer to civil rights activist later on in life, the question is, was there anything that Josephine Baker didn’t do? It appears not. From the moment she was born in 1906 to her unfortunate death in 1975 Josephine achieved what many couldn’t and made history, not only for African Americans but also for women.

From very early on, Baker was subjected to extreme racism and horrific abuse and at a young age was put to work, cleaning for rich, white families. To make her situation more bearable she began to create little routines to perform on the streets in exchange for money; little did she know that this would be the beginning of a life on the stage. At the age of 13, she travelled solo to New York and got a job in two black stage shows, ‘Shuffle Along’ and ‘The Black Dandies.’ These shows became a huge success as they were two of the first Broadway performances to feature black, African Americans. By this time Baker was beginning to embrace the full originality of the Jazz Age yet the rest of American society were still sceptical of women and their new-found sense of freedom that they often mocked her quirky style of dance.

In addition to her life in show business, Josephine Baker was also a civil rights activist and a spy for the French Resistance where, in World War II, she used her status to travel Europe to infiltrate Military bases in order to divulge secret information, which she would then write in invisible ink on sheet music to bring back to the French officials. In order to gain respect from the male soldiers, she would perform for them in the hope that, “if they applaud [her] they would never acquire a hatred for colour.”

From the very beginning of her life, Josephine Baker went against societal norms and pushed boundaries in terms of female sexual expression which, in turn, paved the way for liberal change. She took pride in the power of being different and made total disregard for the idea that women should be silent.

Ma Rainey: The woman who changed Blues

Although Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey was a huge success in the 1920s, many don’t know the name of this Blues Singer who eradicated racial segregation through her revolutionary music. With her satin gowns, capped gold teeth and necklaces made of gold coins, Ma Rainey became an instant success and was given the title, ‘The Mother of Blues’ which she upheld right the way through her musical career and into her retirement.

Despite the success of her works, she was heavily mocked by the music industry for being a black woman and was frequently told that she would never make it and as a result, only performed and made music for 5 years. However, even though her career was short lived, she recorded over 90 singles, and many had become world hits by the time she retired. Due to the immense scale of her popularity, white people defied the rules of segregation in 1920s South America to watch her shows. These performances were some of the first few occasions that the integration of race occurred in South America.

Ma Rainey was also a pioneer for black women who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and fought for them to have the opportunity to actively participate in the music industry. Identifying as bisexual herself, Ma Rainey was able to represent a group of individuals who were often overlooked in society and gave them a voice to speak up about injustice. However, identifying as anything but heterosexual during the 1920s was illegal and as a result, Rainey was arrested for having a relationship with another woman.

It is clear from the beginning of her career that she was unafraid to go against the law and the societal pressures that were present at the time as she sang about dark, taboo, and controversial topics such as murder, mental health, drinking and femininity as well as being unapologetically open about her sexuality and gender expression.

I think it is safe to say that all of these women are nothing less than iconic and highlight how women uphold the power to change the world, but who is your favourite? Are there any other women of the 1920s that you admire?

We would love to hear your thoughts.  

By: Eleanor O’Donnell

History of the 1920s Speakeasies

Just over 100 years ago, the birth of the ‘Jazz Age’ occurred and secret Speakeasies were beginning to pop-up all-over America. Upon entrance, you would be greeted with the sound of laughing, the clinking of drinks and most importantly Jazz. This new way of life allowed for social interactions to occur between people of different race, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic statuses and without them, we may not have gotten where we are today in terms of integration.

What is a Speakeasy and why were they created?

Throughout the early years of the 20th Century, America was in turmoil in terms of political and social reform with more and more people rebelling against the traditional ways of life which stemmed from the Victorian times. At the beginning of the decade known as the ‘Roaring Twenties’ the United States of America had just entered the Prohibition era where liquor and other alcoholic beverages were illegal between the years of 1920 and 1933. This resulted in the formation of illicit Speakeasies and at one point, there were thought to be over 100,000 Speakeasies in New York alone.

The phrase, ‘Speakeasy’ originates from a term that bartenders used where people needed to, “speak easy” (quietly), when ordering at the bar in order to not draw attention to the prohibited act of buying alcohol. In order to gain access to these illicit bars, a password, specific handshake or secret knock was required. Furthermore, slang words for alcohol such as ‘coffin varnish,’ ‘monkey rum’ and ‘tarantula juice’ were created to fool police and neighbours.

As well as the term, ‘Speakeasy’, these illegal taverns were also called “Blind Pigs” or “Gin Joints” and were often set up by crime members such as the infamous Al Capone. The venues ranged from Jazz clubs with dancefloors to dark backrooms, basements and a new Prohibition-created venue: The House Party.

Due to the fact that alcohol was illegal, organisers of such events had to come up with inventive ways to transport and store the goods. Many Speakeasies operated under the guise of being a pharmacy and claimed alcohol was being sold for, “medicinal purposes.” Others used false books, coconut shells, garden hoses and even prams with their babies perched on top to transport the illegal liquor from one event to another.

1920s Prohibition Speakeasy

The Significance of Speakeasies for Women

Before World War I finished in 1918, women and young girls were expected to uphold traditional Victorian values in terms of the way they dressed, spoke and behaved in public and within the home. However, just six months after the Prohibition law came into force in 1920, women got the right to vote which was a long-awaited pivotal moment and gave them autonomy over the way they expressed themselves.

Prior to the setup of Speakeasies and this new way of life, women would have had no place in bars unless they were a showgirl; yet now exposed to this easy access, social and liberal change were in full swing in the “Jazz Age.” With their short skirts, bobbed hair and the sudden ability to drink copious amounts of cocktails, the concept of the ‘Flapper’ was born. The gender gap was practically non-existent within these social events as men and women drank, danced and smoked together, which was something America had never seen before and put Jazz Music to blame for the ‘immorality’ this newfound freedom gave women.

1920s Flapper Girls

How did the Charleston play a part in Speakeasies?

The Charleston first became popular in America and was enjoyed by many young people throughout the 1920s and was danced to ragtime Jazz music which quickly became a craze all over the world. The Charleston became particularly popular with rebellious young women, known as ‘Flappers’ and the dance was a physical representation of how young people (girls in particular) wanted to express themselves.

Speakeasies played an integral role in keeping The Charleston dance culture alive because it was banned in regular bars, clubs and dance halls as it was deemed too scandalous and exuberant..

Charleston Dancing at a Speakeasy in Harlem 1920

If you want to find out more about what a Speakeasy would look like now, 100 years on, then check out MyCharleston’s blog MyCharleston Speakeasy 2021

If you fancy giveing the Charleston dance ago, take a look at our in-studio and online courses.

By Eleanor O’Donnell

Things you never knew you wanted to know about the Charleston

On the recent It Takes Two, ex-Strictly professional Janette Manrara gave us the low down on all things Charleston; from facts you never knew you wanted to know about the dance, to the history of the Charleston on Strictly and why it was such a significant part of the 1920s.

History of the Charleston Dance

The Charleston first became popular in America and was enjoyed by many young people during the decade known as the ‘Roaring Twenties.” As the United States of America had just entered the Prohibition era where alcoholic beverages were illegal, between the years of 1920 and 1933, many took this dance underground, forming illicit Speakeasies. At one point, there were thought to be over 100,000 Speakeasies in New York alone.

 1920s Underground Speakeasy

Even though these events were forbidden; they existed in abundance and allowed for social interactions to occur between people of different race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic statuses and without them, we may not have gotten where we are today in terms of integration.

These venues quickly became established institutions and prior to the setup of these new saloons, women would have had no place in bars; yet now exposed to this easy access, social and liberal change were in full swing in the ‘Jazz Age.’ With their short skirts, bobbed hair and daring attitudes, America had never seen anything like this before and put jazz music to blame for the ‘immorality’ that this newfound freedom gave women.

If you want to find out more about the social reforms of the 1920s, checkout MyCharleston’s blog Flappers & Feminism

Charleston on Strictly Come Dancing

Since the first Charleston performance back in 2009, Strictly Come Dancing has blessed our screens with a whopping total of 114 Charleston dances with an average score of 32. Although the Charleston hasn’t been a permanent fixture from the beginning of the show, there have been some of the greatest routines inspired by the Roaring 20s that have topped the leader board, and in some cases, were the winning dance.

Let’s take a closer look as to why these dances are so twenties-tastic and how they scored top marks.

Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan

Chris Hollins and professional partner Ola Jordan were the first couple to ever dance the Charleston on Strictly Come Dancing. Back in 2009, Chris and Ola performed a highly entertaining number to Paul Williams’ ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’ from the iconic musical Bugsy Malone. Whilst watching this routine, that was choreographed by Ryan Francois, it is impossible not smile; the facial expressions and characterisation that they both portray are absolutely second to none. They performed this routine in week 11 and again in the final where they scored the top mark of 50 which resulted in them lifting the glitterball for Series 7. This dance has everything that you would want to see in a Charleston and the fact that it was the first ever one, highlights what the show was missing in previous seasons as it perfectly encapsulates what Strictly is all about- FUN!

Joe McFadden and Katya Jones

Joe McFadden and Katya Jones performed their Charleston to, “Alexander’s Rag Time Band” by Ella Fitzgerald back in 2017. The duo were dressed as toy marching band soldiers and they certainly brought the entertainment and cheekiness to the dancefloor whilst executing extremely technical choreography with finesse, which scored them a highly respectable 36 out of 40. The whole routine was very creative and matched both Joe and Katya’s energy perfectly which therefore allowed them to perform with passion- you can tell they are genuinely enjoying themselves. Despite their near perfect score, the couple did manage to win series 15 and take home the Strictly Glitterball!

Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice

Faye Tozer, best known as a singer from the popular British pop group ‘Steps,’ and professional partner Giovanni Pernice performed a unique Charleston to, “Lonely Goatherd” from the Sound of Music in 2018 which earned them the perfect score of 40.

Despite the slightly irritating choice of song that doesn’t fit the jazzy 1920s Charleston vibe that we all know and love, this could easily be one of my favourite routines that has ever been on Strictly. I think many loved this Charleston routine for that very reason- it does not fit a mould, it is unique. The way they were able to transform themselves into puppets was just mesmerising and every minute detail was danced to perfection, therefore further enhancing the illusion of puppets. It appears all of the judges agreed with how well the pair executed their Charleston because not only were they rewarded with a spot at the top of the leader board, but they also received a highly positive compliment from Darcey Bussell who stated it was, “Stunning to perfection.”

Since 2009, there has been some truly amazing Charleston dances; from the late Caroline Flack’s Charleston which scored the perfect 40 back in 2014 to AJ Odudu’s awe-inspiring 1920s number from series 19.

Which Charleston has been your favourite? We would love to hear your thoughts :)  

If you’re now feeling inspired to channel your own inner Josephine Baker or Leon James why not check out MyCharleston’s ‘Move of the Week’ and get those feet swivelling to transport you back to the 1920s…

By: Eleanor O'Donnell