In which decade was the Charleston dance popularized?

The Charleston is a dance named after the harbor city of Charleston, South Carolina.

African American musicians were gaining popularity with exciting, synchopated beats and rolicking ragtime pianos. One such composer was James P. Johnson, whose 1923 musical Runnin’ Wild contained a hot little tune called The Charleston. The song soon spawned a dance–based on a move first seen in Irving C.

Miller’s production of Liza from the previous year–where the heels and toes of the dancers alternate their positions in an exciting tap and swivel motion that practically begged the arms to join in. The dance hit its peak of popularity in the later half of the decade, where thanks to the efforts of masters of the form.

Charleston can be danced solo, or with a partner. Its simple, flexible basic step makes it easy to concentrate on styling, improvisation and musicality. Whichever style of Charleston one chooses, whether dancing alone, with a partner, or in groups, the basic step resembles the natural movement of walking, though it is usually performed in place. The arms swing forward and backwards, with the right arm coming forward as the left leg 'steps' forwards, and then moving back as the left arm and right leg begin their forward movement. Toes are not pointed, but feet usually form a right angle with the leg at the ankle. Arms are usually extended from the shoulder, either with straight lines, or more frequently with bent elbows and hands at right angles from the wrist