The African-American Roots of the Charleston Dance

In the 1920s African-American dancers like Broadway choreographer Elida Webb and musicians like James P. Johnson launched the Charleston to a national level. Yet before this electrifying moment on stage, the roots of these dance traditions from South Carolina, especially amongst the Geechee or Gullah people of the Sea Islands, were actively practiced. So if you enjoy the Charleston, remember and thank the Gullah people.

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