While the Charleston was introduced to the mainstream in 1923 with the Broadway musical Runnin’ Wild, it did not gain much popularity until the ’30s. The jitterbug, a traditional Latin dance, was first made popular in 1934 with the release of the movie “Jitterbug Party.” It has remained popular throughout the ’30s and ’40s. It also made an appearance in the film The Wizard of Oz.
The hippie spin got its name from the ’60s rock ‘n’ roll music festival and was made famous by the Grateful Dead’s legions. Hippies were fueled by the same psychedelic drugs as the musicians, so they often performed this dance in a slow tornado style. The hippies would flail their arms while twirling, bouncing, and swaying their hips.
The Moonwalk was one of the most popular dances in the 1930s. Originally known as The Buzz, the Moonwalk was made popular by Michael Jackson. The dance was popular during the 1930s, but it resurfaced in the 1980s with the dazzling presentation of Jackson. It originated in Harlem, New York, and was a popular dance at the Cotton Club. It’s now a staple of weddings across the country.
The voguing dance first gained prominence in New York City in the 1960s. In the 1980s, voguing was a staple of drag balls and underground clubs. Madonna even attended a voguing competition! Despite its controversial nature, voguing has become a popular dance amongst teens and adults. The voguing dance has lasted into the 21st century and continues to draw audiences worldwide.
