With The Great Gatsby hitting UK cinema screens today, we revisit Zoë Anderson’s investigation of the cheeky, cheerful dance that changed an era

The Charleston is irresistible. One of the best known craze dances, its rhythm and steps are an instant shorthand for the Roaring Twenties, for the Jazz Age, for a generation running wild in an era of new freedoms and rebellions. This was a dance where toes turned in, knees knocked, legs kicked high and arms went into big scarecrow poses. It’s an extravagant, thrill-seeking dance.

As part of Big Dance Week, the Early Dance Circle will celebrate historical dance from the galliard to the Victorian ballroom, with events from July 7 to 15.

As part of Big Dance Week, the Early Dance Circle will celebrate historical dance from the galliard to the Victorian ballroom, with events from July 7 to 15.