The Charleston
The Charleston was a dance that involved many jazz and tap-style movements. It became popular during the Harlem Renaissance because it combined popular European steps, African movements and jazz music. The Charleston was named for Charleston, South Carolina.
The Lindy Hop
Named for Charles Lindbergh, the Lindy Hop became one of the most popular dances in the 1920's for African Americans and whites alike. The dance combined an eight-count rhythm with many steps borrowed from the Charleston. The rhythm was more constant and less improvised than other dances that were popular during the Harlem Renaissance.
The Shimmy
The Shimmy is a dance involving fast hip and shoulder shaking. These moves have roots in Haitian voodoo dances and the Nigerian dance called the "Shika." The Shika came to the United States with Nigerian slaves and became known as the "Shake and Quiver." It gained immense popularity after appearing in the Thomas Edison film, Princess Rajah, in 1904. Dancers took elements of the Shika and added their own elements to make the Shimmy a favorite style of dance during the Harlem Renaissance.
The Cakewalk
The Cakewalk was first called the Chalk Line Walk, where African Americans on Florida plantations copied the walk of the Seminole Indians in the area. Before slavery was abolished in the 1800s, many slave owners had slaves compete to see who could perform the best dance; the winner received a piece of cake. During the Harlem Renaissance, African Americans revived Cakewalk competitions.
The Charleston was a dance that involved many jazz and tap-style movements. It became popular during the Harlem Renaissance because it combined popular European steps, African movements and jazz music. The Charleston was named for Charleston, South Carolina.
The Lindy Hop
Named for Charles Lindbergh, the Lindy Hop became one of the most popular dances in the 1920's for African Americans and whites alike. The dance combined an eight-count rhythm with many steps borrowed from the Charleston. The rhythm was more constant and less improvised than other dances that were popular during the Harlem Renaissance.
The Shimmy
The Shimmy is a dance involving fast hip and shoulder shaking. These moves have roots in Haitian voodoo dances and the Nigerian dance called the "Shika." The Shika came to the United States with Nigerian slaves and became known as the "Shake and Quiver." It gained immense popularity after appearing in the Thomas Edison film, Princess Rajah, in 1904. Dancers took elements of the Shika and added their own elements to make the Shimmy a favorite style of dance during the Harlem Renaissance.
The Cakewalk
The Cakewalk was first called the Chalk Line Walk, where African Americans on Florida plantations copied the walk of the Seminole Indians in the area. Before slavery was abolished in the 1800s, many slave owners had slaves compete to see who could perform the best dance; the winner received a piece of cake. During the Harlem Renaissance, African Americans revived Cakewalk competitions.