Side-by-Side Charleston

Charleston · Beginner

A partnered Charleston, hip to hip, where each dancer keeps one arm free while kicking.

Watch the full video

  1. Side by side, lead's right arm on the follow's back, both facing forward.
  2. Mirrored feet: the lead starts on the left foot, the follow on the right.
  3. In this video, in by rotating together from closed, out with a swing out from closed.

Not to be confused with: Hand-to-Hand Charleston,Tandem Charleston,Savoy Kicks,Johnny's Drop,Sailor Kicks,Jig Walks

Understanding the move

Count by count

  • 1-8, entrance: the lead's left hand in the follow's right; the lead's right arm scoops the follow in and the couple pivots about one full turn.
  • During the kicks: the follow's left hand rests on the lead's right shoulder; the free arms open out to the side.
  • 1-8, exit: the lead takes the follow's right hand again, turns to face them in closed position, then the follow heads back out to open.

Usual mistakes

  • The couple drifts apart during the kicks: the arm on the back stops leading anything.
  • The lead doesn't take the hand back before the exit: the follow can't tell when to go.

Variations and related moves

  • Tandem Charleston
  • Fall Off the Log

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