DANCE IN THE 1920S

By Brenya Doles

Famous Dances of the 1920s◦ Some of the famous dances in the 1920s were,

The Waltz, The Tango, Fox-trot, Charleston, and the Lindy Hop. The Waltz was a ballroom dance with a strong accent on the first beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close. The Fox-trot was a ballroom dance in double time with slow walking steps, quick running steps, and the step of a two-step. The Tango was another ballroom dance of Latin American origin. The Charleston was a lively ballroom dance in which the knees are twisted in and out and the heels are swung sharply outward on each step. Finally, The Lindy Hop was a jitterbug dance originating in Harlem.

CThis Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Famous Dancers in the 1920s

◦ Not only were there famous dances, but there were also famous dancers too; like Josephine Baker, Clara Bow, and Louise Brooks. Josephine Baker was originally named Freda Josephine McDonald. When she immigrated from France, she changed her name. Clara Bow was personified the “vivacious, emancipated flapper” of the 1920s. She was also known as the “IT” girl. Louise Brooks was an actress/dancer. She was the “Jazz Age Icon” and a flapper sex symbol, she also gained fame from her bobbed hairstyle.

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Famous Music Composers of the 1920s◦ In the 1920s was full of parties and whats a party

without music. Here are some music composers of the 1920s; Cole Porter, Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Joe “King” Oliver, and Louis Armstrong. Cole Porter was a composer/lyricist who conducted a wordly `elan to the American musical and who embodied in his life, the sophistication of his songs. Ira Gershwin was an American lyricist who collaborated with his younger brother on more that 20 broadway musicals and motion pictures. Irving played a leading role in the evolution of the early music from ragtime and jazz eras. King was a mentor to Louis Armstrong and he also became know as the “Harmon Trumpet Mute.” Louis Armstrong was a leading trumpeter and one of the most influential in jazz history. One of his nicknames was “Satchel Mouth” or Satchmo.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Citations

“10 Famous 1920s Musicians.” 1920s Fashion

& Music, www.1920s-fashion-and-

music.com/1920s-musicians.html.

Says, Martin, et al. “Roaring 1920s Dance

Styles - Charleston, Fox Trot, Texas

Tommy.” Vintage Dancer,

vintagedancer.com/1920s/1920s-dances/.

Says, Martin, et al. “Roaring 1920s Dance

Styles - Charleston, Fox Trot, Texas

Tommy.” Vintage Dancer,

vintagedancer.com/1920s/1920s-dances/.