Charleston Basic

Charleston · Beginner

The step the other Charlestons in the catalogue are built on: a forward-and-back swing you can dance solo or with a partner.

Watch the full video

Step, kick forward, step, kick back.
Bounce on every count, arms swinging in opposition.
With a partner: side by side, inside arms around each other's back, mirrored.

Not to be confused with: Hand-to-Hand Charleston

Understanding the move

How it goes

All the weight on the standing foot, knee bent; the free knee comes up first, then the foot goes forward.
The back kick also starts from the knee, the foot lifting behind, chest staying upright.
With a partner, the outside leg kicks forward: the lead's left, the follow's right.

Usual mistakes

Kicking with a straight leg from the hip: the knee comes up first.
Steps too big: the standing foot comes back under the body, you barely travel.

Variations and related moves

Side-by-Side Charleston
Hand-to-Hand Charleston
Tandem Charleston

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