The world of dance is full of many fads that reached astronomical popularity for only a short time. Many were sparked by groundbreaking cultural revolutions, while others were the result of popular musicians and movies. Some, like the tango and salsa, are still danced today and have become part of our culture and heritage.
Throughout the years, different dance styles have been embraced by new generations. The ’90s saw the Running Man, an explosive dance that requires high-energy music and plenty of space. This fad was popularized by artists such as Bobby Brown, MC Hammer and Milli Vanilli.
Around the same time, ballroom dancing experienced its peak popularity in America thanks to Rudolph Valentino and his films. The tango is one of the most recognizable and beloved dances in history, with its origins stemming from old-world Europe and its introduction to American society through Broadway musicals.
After WWI, a variety of new freedoms and trends created a dance revolution in the United States. Jazz exploded on the scene, giving rise to the Charleston, which spread across the country. African American artists also contributed the jitterbug and the Boogie Woogie, while England got its turn with the Jive.
By the end of the ’60s, the generation gap grew wider with teens embracing Rock, Jive and the Twist, while their elders opted for classic ballroom dances like the Rumba and Samba. In the ’70s, disco ruled with the foxtrot and its “can’t sit still” movements, while the mods in Carnaby Street favored the Watusi and the Ska.
