Charleston Notes

General #

In Charleston, like in Lindy Hop, steps 1 and 2 involve rocking backward and forward, with step 1 being a left-foot step backwards.

Positions #

Closed position #

The position is the same as a Lindy Hop Closed Position.

Patterns #

Basic #

The footwork for 1 is back with left, 2 is forward with right (rock step) 3 is a kick forward with left, 4 is changing weight onto your left leg. Notice that there is not a lot of horizontal or vertical travel for the left foot in steps 3 and 4 because you are kicking forward and then bringing your foot straight down to the floor. On 4 you are contracting your right gastrocnemius to impulse you forward and your are using your left foot to stop the forward momentum. Your right leg should still have forward momentum from step 4, so 5 is a kick forward with the right foot. On 6 you are contracting your right leg hamstrings as much as possible (bending your right knee) as your leg travels backwards. 7 is a kick backward with right foot, 8 is step back on right foot. On 8 you are contracting your left gastrocnemius to impulse you backward and you use your right leg to stop that momentum and change weight. On 1 your left leg should still have some backwards momentum, so bring it back such that 1 left leg is behind right leg.

Kick #

Start in a closed position.

For this step you will need to hold the followers hand on 1 at waist level. The arms should be relaxed as if they were rubber bands attached at the shoulders and hands.

For the footwork, the kicks still happen on 3, on 5, and on 7. Step 1 also feels like a kick, but it actually lands.

You may choose to cycle steps 3 through 6 to create a progressive move! When you are done progressing, replace steps 3 with steps 7 to break the cycle.

On 7 you kick with your left leg, making sure to swing it back so you can step back on 1.

Steps 1 through 3 are the same as in a basic, but step 4 is different because your are contracting your right leg calf so you can jump, or move slightly forward on the 4. On 5 kick forward with the right foot. On 6 contract you left leg calf so you jump a little bit forward and land on your right foot. On 7 kick really high with your left leg. On 8 contract your left leg hamstrings. On 1 step back with your back leg as your right leg calf contracts to jump backwards so you and on your left leg.