Charleston: Solo and Partner Basics
Students learn the 1920s Charleston basic, its kick variations, and side-by-side partner Charleston. It's a high-energy activity that builds arm-leg coordination, dynamic balance, and jazz rhythm.
How to play
- In staggered lines, teach the 4-count basic: right foot back with a tap, return, left foot forward with a tap, return, with a gentle knee bounce. Practice for 3 minutes.
- Add opposition arms (opposite arm to the tapping leg) and the swivel of the feet in and out. Practice for 3 minutes with music.
- Teach the kick: instead of tapping, swing the leg low forward and back. Alternate 4 basics and 4 kicks for 3 minutes.
- In side-by-side pairs, holding at the waist or shoulder, dance the basic in sync on the same leg for 4 minutes.
- In groups of 4, create 4 eight-counts combining basic, kick, arms, and one traveling move forward. Rehearse for 5 minutes.
- Groups perform two at a time, taking turns, while everyone else claps the beat (2 minutes).
Rules
- Keep kicks low, below your partner's knee, and never toward another person.
- Bounce with bent knees to protect your joints.
- Leave at least 6 feet between pairs.
- If you get tired, drop to half tempo, but don't stop completely.
Variations
Easier
Dance only the tap basic at half tempo, with no arms.
Standard
Combine the basic, arms, and kick, solo and with a partner.
Harder
Add side-by-side Charleston with partner changes and traveling.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student dances the arm and torso-swivel pattern from a wheelchair, on the same rhythm.
- Visual impairment: dance in pairs with constant contact while the partner calls the count.
- Lower fitness level: alternate one eight-count of Charleston with one eight-count of marching in place.
Learning goals
- Coordinate opposition arms and legs while staying on the beat.
- Perform the Charleston solo and in sync with a partner.
- Create a short group sequence using variations of the step.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music
- speakers: 1
Teacher tip
The Charleston is tiring: alternate intense blocks with explanations. The usual mistake is stiff legs; keep reminding students about the knee bounce.
PatioLab has "Charleston: Solo and Partner Basics" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for High School
1-2-3-2-1 Running Pyramid Intervals
An interval workout where the fast segments build from 1 to 3 minutes and back down, with half that time as jogging recovery.
1-on-1 Self-Pass Volleyball
One-on-one games on narrow 10 x 20 foot courts where each player must self-pass before sending the ball over.
10-20-30 interval running in pairs
The 10-20-30 method strings together 30 seconds of easy jogging, 20 at a moderate pace and 10 at top speed, in five-minute blocks.
1v1 Ball Volley Matches
1v1 ball volley: singles games on a small court with a low net, hitting the ball over the net and allowing one bounce.
2-on-1 Fast Break with a Chasing Defender
Two attackers push a fast break against a defender waiting at the basket while a second defender chases from behind with a few yards' head start against them.
2-on-1 Through Three Defensive Zones
Pairs of attackers cross the court through three zones, each with a defender who cannot leave it, and finish with a shot on goal.