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Videos: What's on this November
Our new term of the year begins on 4th Nov, watch all the previews here!
swivel into the next season with our exciting dance courses starting this November
Our new term of the year begins on 4th Nov, watch all the previews here!
CHARLESTON COURSE - PENNIES FROM HEAVEN
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINe
Eastbourne
Step into the cooler months with our brand new Charleston course, set to the lively tune of Pennies from Heaven! Kicking off on 4th November, this umbrella-themed dance class is sure to brighten your day, rain or shine.
Online - 4th Nov,6pm BST
Brighton - 4 Nov, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove PM- 5th Nov,, Open Space Studios
Lewes- 12 Nov 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Porstmouth 5th Nov, 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 6th Nov, 6:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove am, 7th Nov, 10:30am, Open Space Studios
MUSICALS COURSE - BAD GUYS
bugsy Malon
HOVE ONLINe
After many requests we are bringing back our Bugsy Malone themed routine to 'Bad Guys' for our final term of the year. This course will be available online and in-studio on the following dates:
4th Nov - 7pm GMT - Via Zoom
5th Nov - 7pm - Open Space Studios, Hove
PARTNER CHARLESTON
7th Nov- Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
ake a look at what's in store in our 1920s Partner Charleston Course which runs every Thursday at 6pm. If you fancy giving it a go, you can sign up to the next course either as a pair or solo dancer and join us from 7th Nov for the next course
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - Hold TIGHT
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7th Nov - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course
Get ready to 'Hold Tight' for our next Intermediate course where we will be dancing some great Solo Jazz and Charleston choreography to this upbeat song by The Andrew Sisters. New term kicks starts 7th Nov at 7pm at Open Space Studios
Videos: What's on this September
Our new term of the year begins on September 9th, and all students participating this term are invited to perform at the MyCharleston Christmas Speakeasy on December 7th. In our Open Level Charleston Course, we'll be dancing to "The Charleston" by James P. Johnson, while the Intermediate group will take on the Black Bottom. Our Musicals Course will take you back to the 1970s with "Rhythm of Life," or you can explore the dynamic Partner Charleston to "I'll Always Be in Love with You." The new term is available both in-studio and online. Check out all the previews here!
swivel into the next season with our exciting dance courses starting this September
Our new term of the year begins on September 9th, and all students participating this term are invited to perform at the MyCharleston Christmas Speakeasy on December 7th. In our Open Level Charleston Course, we'll be dancing to "The Charleston" by James P. Johnson, while the Intermediate group will take on the Black Bottom. Our Musicals Course will take you back to the 1970s with "Rhythm of Life," or you can explore the dynamic Partner Charleston to "I'll Always Be in Love with You." The new term is available both in-studio and online. Check out all the previews here!
CHARLESTON COURSE - the charleston
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINe
Eastbourne
Prepare to dance the iconic dance to the original song ‘The Charleston by‘ James P Johnson. Check out the timetable for each location below:
Online - 10 June, 6pm BST
Brighton - 9th Sept, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove PM- 10th 6pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes- 10th Sept 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Porstmouth 10th Sept, 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 10th Sept, 6:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove PM- 13 June, 10:30AM, Open Space Studios
- Online 9 Sept 7pm with Fiona BST
- Studio - 10 Sept 7pm with Elena in Hove
PARTNER CHARLESTON
12 Sept- Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
For those new to the course we'll dive into the basics of Partner Charleston, focusing on the iconic 1920s Charleston steps and even stylish 1930s moves including Tandem Charleston, S-Turns and Hand to Hand Charleston. Our focus is getting you confident on the dance floor in both a social setting. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn a fantastic routine that'll have you dancing the night away!
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - Black Bottom
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12 Sept - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course
Learn the detailed and famous Black bottom dance from the Roaring 20s. we will mixing advanced Charleston steps with classic Black Bottom choreography to create a dynamic and memorable routine which you will love.
Videos: Watch the 'Sugar Foot Stomp' Routines
Watch the ‘Sugar Foot Stomp ‘ routine by all our groups over the third term the year 2024. This routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Holland, the Midlands and Online. Take a look at the final performances in class.
Watch the ‘Sugar Foot Stomp ‘ routine by all our groups over the third term the year 2024. This routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Holland, the Midlands and Online. Take a look at the final performances in class.
Hove Morning GROUP
hOVE Evening GROUP
Brighton GROUP
Lewes gROUP
EASTBOURNE gROUP
PORTSMOUTH gROUP
Online gROUP
Midlands groups
Speakeasy Performances 2024
The MyCharleston Speakeasy is a dress-up and dance event where we transport you back to the Roaring Twenties. Our Hot Jazz band gets your toes tapping while the flapper dancers are knee-slapping, with group-led dances and performances. As part of the performances this year, we had 4 different groups of students from our classes perform group numbers throughout the afternoon. Take a look below at each of the group routines.
The MyCharleston Speakeasy is a dress-up and dance event where we transport you back to the Roaring Twenties. Our Hot Jazz band gets your toes tapping while the flapper dancers are knee-slapping, with group-led dances and performances. As part of the performances this year, we had 4 different groups of students from our classes perform group numbers throughout the afternoon. Take a look below at each of the group routines.
Partner Charleston - Puttin’ on the Ritz
Opening the show was our 1920s Partner Charleston routine set to the tune ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’. The routine included a mixture of iconic Charleston steps in hold, turns and a tiny bit of 1930s Charleston too.
Hot Honey Rag- Musicals group
Our dancers from our musicals group brought the stage alive with reenacting the closing number ‘Hot Honey Rag‘ from the musical Hot Honey Rag. The choreography was inspired by the 2002 film adaptation.
Moten Swing
Intermediate Charleston and Solo Jazz
This classic tune is captured perfectly in this routine with each move expressing the musics with iconic Charleston and solo jazz moves. The routine was performed by MyCharlestons Intermediate group, who do a fantastic job of making complicated steps looked relaxed and smooth.
Shake That Thing - Open Level Charleston Group
Closing the show were our fantastic open level students who put together a grand finale with their Charleston routine ‘Shake That Thing‘. Students joined from all over Sussex and Hampshire. We even had our teacher from Holland fly over especially to take part in the day.
Our next social is 30 June on Worthing Pier. Taking place in the beautiful Atrium overlooking Worthing Pier and beach, you’re invited to a Summer Dance full of Charleston Lessons, feisty flappers and live entertainment.
Videos: What's on this June
Embrace the summer spirit with our Open Level Charleston Course set to the lively tune of 'Happy Feet,' or take your skills up a notch in the Intermediate Charleston class with the energetic beats of 'Sing Sing Sing.' You can also master the captivating 'Jet Song' routine from West Side Story in our Musicals course or explore the dynamic 1920s Partner Charleston to 'Don’t Bring Lulu.' The new term begins on June 10th, available both in-studio and online. Check out all the previews here!
Kick off your summer with our exciting dance courses starting this June
Embrace the summer spirit with our Open Level Charleston Course set to the lively tune of 'Happy Feet,' or take your skills up a notch in the Intermediate Charleston class with the energetic beats of 'Sing Sing Sing.' You can also master the captivating 'Jet Song' routine from West Side Story in our Musicals course or explore the dynamic 1920s Partner Charleston to 'Don’t Bring Lulu.' The new term begins on June 10th, available both in-studio and online. Check out all the previews here!
CHARLESTON COURSE - HAPPY FEET
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINe
Eastbourne
Prepare to dance with this lively and energetic Charleston routine set to the tune of 'Happy Feet.' Check out the timetable for each location below:
Online - 10 June, 6pm BST
Brighton - 10 June, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove PM- 11 June, 6pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes- 11 June 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Porstmouth -11 June 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 12 June 6:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove PM- 13 June, 10:30AM, Open Space Studios
- Online 10 June 7pm with Fiona BST
- Studio - 11 June 7pm with Elena in Hove
PARTNER CHARLESTON
13 June- Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
For those new to the course we'll dive into the basics of Partner Charleston, focusing on the iconic 1920s Charleston steps and even some stylish 1930s moves. Our focus is getting you confident on the dance floor in both a social setting. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn a fantastic routine that'll have you dancing the night away!
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - SING SING SING
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13 June - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course
Master the advanced steps of 1920s Charleston and learn a detailed choreographed routine in our 6 week dance course. Set to the tune Sing Sing Sing, we will mixing advanced Charleston steps with Solo Jazz to create a dynamic and memorable routine which you will love.
Watch Jenny Thomas Masterclass
On 11th May, we were delighted to host Jenny Thomas for two Charleston Masterclasses in Brighton. This was a unique opportunity for our students to learn from one of world’s top choreographers in Charleston & Authentic Jazz. She has devised several top scoring Charleston routines for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and now it was our turn to try out some of signatures moves.
On 11th May, we were delighted to host Jenny Thomas for two Charleston Masterclasses in Brighton. This was a unique opportunity for our students to learn from one of world’s top choreographers in Charleston & Authentic Jazz. She has devised several top scoring Charleston routines for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and now it was our turn to try out some of signatures moves.
Open Level Group
Strictly Choreographer Jenny Thomas is an ambassador for keeping the Charleston alive and kicking. She is one of the world’s top choreographers in Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston and Authentic Jazz. Her ability to create a dance routine for beginners and make it look amazing is a unique talent. In this workshop she takes classic moves and adds a modern twist to create a routine which celebrates the Twenties.
Intermediate Level
In our intermediate level group we worked on more technical steps including The Chase and Trickeration.
To join any of our upcoming weekend workshops click here
Videos: Watch the routines from spring term 2024
Watch the videos from our second term of the year 2024. Our Shake That Thing routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Holland, the Midlands and Online. Below we have also included our Musicals Course ‘Hot Honey Rag‘ , Partner Charleston and Intermediate Level performance of Moten Swing.
Watch the videos from our second term of the year 2024. Our Shake That Thing routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Holland, the Midlands and Online. Below we have also included our Musicals Course ‘Hot Honey Rag‘ , Partner Charleston and Intermediate Level performance of Moten Swing.
Hove Morning GROUP
hOVE Evening GROUP
Brighton GROUP
Lewes gROUP
EASTBOURNE gROUP
PORTSMOUTH gROUP
Online gROUP
Holland group
dARLINGTON group
Midlands groups
CHICAGO - Musicals Group hoVE
CHICAGO - Musicals Group zOOM
intermediate group - mOTEN sWING
pARTNER CHARLESTON
Videos: What's on this April
Swivel in our Open Level Charleston Course to 'Sugar Foot Stomp' or try iconic number 'Me Ol’Bamboo ' from, Chitty Chatty Bang Bang, in our Musicals Course. Elevate your skills in the Intermediate Charleston course with the upbeat sounds of 'Why Don’t You Do Right.' Plus, mark your calendar for our new Partner Course starting 18th April, set to 'Jeepers Creepers.'
Spring into action with our dynamic dance courses launching this April
Swivel in our Open Level Charleston Course to 'Sugar Foot Stomp' or try iconic number 'Me Ol’Bamboo ' from, Chitty Chatty Bang Bang, in our Musicals Course. Elevate your skills in the Intermediate Charleston course with the upbeat sounds of 'Why Don’t You Do Right.' Plus, mark your calendar for our new Partner Course starting 18th April, set to 'Jeepers Creepers.'
CHARLESTON COURSE - sugar foot stomp
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINE Eastbourne
Get ready to dance with this upbeat and energetic Charleston routine set to the tune 'Sugar Foot Stomp' . See below the timetable for each location:
Online - 15th April, 6pm BST
Brighton - 15th April, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove - 16th April, 6pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes- 16th April, 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Porstmouth -16th April, 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 17th April, 6:30pm, Leaf Hall
PARTNER CHARLESTON
18th April- Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
Our next Partner Charleston course is back from 18th April at Open Space Studios at 6pm.
For those new to the course we'll dive into the basics of Partner Charleston, focusing on the iconic 1920s Charleston steps and even some stylish 1930s moves. Our focus is getting you confident on the dance floor in both a social setting. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn a fantastic routine that'll have you dancing the night away!
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - Moten Swing
BOOK NOW
18th April - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course
Set to Peggy Lee's "Why Don't You Do Right," we're blending Charleston, Solo Jazz, and Electro Swing styles. Anticipate a fusion of Jazz and Blues steps, featuring syncopated movements. Alongside the slower sequences, we've incorporated an energetic finale, rich in classic Charleston steps.
3 flapper girls you must know
In the 1920s flappers girls broke the image of what a traditional woman should be. They cut their hair short, wore make-up and are what many considered the "modern" woman, breaking away from victorian womanhood. Flapper girls Josephine Baker, Clara Bow and Louise Brooks are maybe the most most famous three from the era but what made them stood out and stand the test of time?
In the 1920s flappers girls broke the image of what a traditional woman should be. They cut their hair short, wore make-up and are what many considered the "modern" woman, breaking away from victorian womanhood. Flappers Josephine Baker, Clara Bow and Louise Brooks are maybe the most famous three from the era but what made them stood out and stand the test of time?
Josephine Baker
JOSEPHINE BAKER
Josephine Baker was born in Missouri in 1906. Originally she was named Freda Josephine McDonald, but after immigrating to France she was known as Josephine Baker.
She is one of the most famous Charleston dancers of the era and her career began as a street dancer, which attracted attention and helped her being recruited as a dancer for the St. Louis Chorus Vaudeville show at the age of 15. Not long after this, she moved to New York City where she performed at the Plantation Club and in the Broadway chorus line of Shuffle Along and The Chocolate Dandies.
After New York, she moved to Paris in France where she stayed until she died. Her Danse Sauvage brought her success overnight, because her skirt was consisting only of a griddle of artificial bananas. It’s one of her most famous pictures and a symbol of the Jazz of the 1920s, and it also gave birth to the term “Art Deco”.
Baker was not only an entertainer but also an activist. During World War Ⅱ, she aided the Red Cross, the French Forces and the French Resistance. And in the United States she refused to perform for segregated audiences and is noted for her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1975 Josephine Baker died in France.
Louise Brooks
LOUISE BROOKS
Louise Brooks, who was born in 1906, has one of the most iconic flapper looks: Her bobbed hair, The American was a famous dancer, an actress and later in her life an author. She came into the spotlight as Lulu in the film Pandora’s Box.
Her career began at the age of 15, when Brooks dropped out of school to move to New York City to join the Denishawn dance troupe. She performed two seasons with Denishawn, but was dismissed at the end of her second season, because St. Denis, one of the most renowned artists of that time, thought that Brooks was possessed by a superior attitude.
After this, she found work as a Broadway chorus girl and became a Zeigfeld showgirl.
Brooks travelled to England, where she found work at the city’s famed Café de Paris and became the first person to dance the Charleston in London. This helped her get noticed by film star Charlie Chaplin, with whom she had an affair that lasted one summer.
When Brooks was 18 years old, she signed a five-year contract with Paramount, which is still a leading film studio, but in her days, she was never really considered a major star in the film industry. In 1985 Louise Brooks died of a heart attack.
Clara Bow
CLARA BOW
Clara Bow, born Clara Gordon Bow in 1905 was an American actress which became famous through silent films during the 1920s.
At the age of the 16 she participated at the nationwide acting contest, because previous winners got film roles, and Bow wanted to be an actress. She won an evening gown and a silver trophy, but the breakthrough never came after the competition.
In 1921 Bow was introduced to the director Christy Cabanne, who cast her in Beyond the Rainbow and was really impressed by her, but she was cut out in the final print. Bow dropped out of school after this incident and worked a normal job.
But her father encouraged her to keep looking for a film role because it was a huge dream of her. In 1923 she was featured in the silent film Down to the Sea by Elmer Clifton, which helped her getting known as an actress.
One year later Bow got her first lead role in the film Poisoned Paradise.
The appearance in the film It brought her global fame and the name “The It Girl”. Now she is still the personify to the Roaring Twenties and is often described as its leading sex symbol.
In 1965 she died of a heart attack.
The Magic of Musicals New Cabaret Show
Our new Cabaret Show ‘Magic of Musicals‘ is specially designed for Care Homes, bringing joy and entertainment to residents. This Cabaret show takes you on a journey through time, from the Roaring Twenties up to the Swinging Sixties. The show is a celebration of Broadway and Hollywood’s rich tapestry of music and dance across the decades.
Musicals can transport us to different worlds and stir our emotions through the magic of music and dance. Brought to you by MyCharleston our performance is specially designed for Care Homes, bringing joy and entertainment to residents.
This cabaret show takes you on a journey through time, from the Roaring Twenties up to the Swinging Sixties. It’s a celebration of Broadway and Hollywood’s rich tapestry of music and dance across the decades.
Our dynamic trio of dancers and singers love to put on a show, whatever the setting you are sure to be entertained. With dazzling costumes and quirky props these three performers create a show which offers a wide variety of styles and themes.
“The residents at The Queensmead, Polegate, were delighted to see the MyCharleston ladies dance and sing! It was a wonderful afternoon of amazing costumes, fun, and magic of the musicals.”
Our musical journey through time begins in the 1920s. It’s prohibition in America but at Fat Sam’s Grand Slam the drink is flowing and the flapper girls are dancing. From Tallulah and The Bad Guys we travel to 1920’s Berlin where “life is a Cabaret old chum, so come to the Cabaret!”
As we travel through the decades we add a touch of Hollywood glamour to our show. With classic songs by ‘Marylyn Monroe’ and iconic dances from Bob Fosse’s Musical ‘Chicago” These numbers are a celebration of the great Hollywood stars.
As the cabaret show comes into full swing, we invite the audiences to join in with us for a couple of numbers. With an easy to learn ‘call and response’ tune we encourage the residents to let go of their inhibitions and have a bit of fun. This is followed by a song and dance which has some simple actions so the audience can participate from the comfort of their chair.
The finale of the show brings us to a decade we all love and remember, the Swingin’ Sixties. It was a time when Hairstyles were big and Hairspray was all the rage. “You Can’t Stop The Beat” so get ready to groove, toe tap and knee slap as we end the show on an energetic high.
““We had an amazing afternoon at the Cabaret show! it felt just like when I used to perform on stage and took me back to happy times. The girls did very well and sang beautifully.”
How to Book
Email us: hello@mycharlestondance.com
Call: 07521 645 445
Make an Enquiry with the form below