Dancing Through the 20th Century: A Brief Look

As hemlines were rising, and wars were being fought, fortunes made and lost, another part of history was being made- through dance. As I’ve written in an earlier blog about how fashion has influenced lives, I decided to write about something that affected everyone, young or old, poor or rich. Because the 20th century was full of change, culturally and technologically, it’s no surprise that many different types of entertainment emerged.

Around the time of both World Wars, a sort of craze started, as if those living during that period knew change was imminent and everything was becoming fast paced.
Dancing socially was becoming an important part of society’s entertainment, and much emphasis was placed on linking it to modern movements in the music industry. Jazz was becoming quite popular in America, and it spilled over into Europe along with swing music and dance. Encyclopedia Britannica summarizes the overwhelming popularity of Afro-American Jazz, saying “the entire spirit and style of social dancing altered radically, becoming vastly more free, relaxed, and intimate through the following decades.”

Much of the younger generation in 20th century Europe were inspired by the more provocative dances of largely more popular Latin America. The tango became the “rage of the dancing world” and other ballroom dances like the turkey-trot and the fox-trot got new jazzed up versions. Latin and African rhythmic roots inspired many of the changes in music throughout the 20th century, and its influence was and still is predominate today. Syncopated rhythms and a more “mellow swing” are just examples of this.

Just so I don’t bore you with the written information, I’ll include for you the more important visuals: dances from the 20th century. As you watch, make sure to note the quickness of the steps and the enthusiasm of the dancers. Pay attention also to their dress, as it’s very indicative of the time period and the lengths these persons were going to become more unique.

Café de Paris 1929- here's a great sample of the "club" scene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEAVBsGd3gc


Ballroom Dancing for beginners (1929) ( Quite hilarious!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8TBHmLk1R4

another random video, just for kicks:
British Latin & Ballroom Dance competition 1963

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKd5lkFSyok