While old dances like the "Foxtrot" and the "Waltz" continued to gain popularity, a time of youthful rebellion brought about a new era of freedom and intimacy in dance.
Showing Legs was a new found freedom for many women.
The Baltimore Buzz
The Baltimore Buzz was a new style of music, that also created a new style of ragtime dancing. Florence Mills, a popular entertainer, first brought attention to the dance in her performances. It consisted of partner dancing with simple footwork.
The Lindy Hop
This danced emerged in the 1920's, and it was named after the famously heroic Charles Lindbergh and his first solo trans-Atlantic flight. It was the first dance to feature partners being swung in the air and jumping in a sequence.
The Camel Walk
The Camel Walk brought about a new genre of "animal ragtime dancing" due to it's movement. It was popular among many college student's during the 20's, but looked down upon by many traditional elders. The movements include weirdly jerking one's legs while moving slowly forward. There was a "Camel Walk" revival during the 1960's when it was popularly used by James Brown.
The Shimmy
The shimmy was the landmark dance for many flappers during the roaring 20's. Now that young women wore short and fringe-accented dresses, they created a dance to show-off their new style. The dance was mostly involved in the twisting of the torso, and unheard of body movement before time. Considered one of the most "vulgar" dances of the time, it was banned by many elders in many areas.
The Charleston
The Charleston was by far the most revolutionary and most popular dance of the 1920's. It was first seen in the all-black cast Broadway musical "Running Wild," and has been known as the "dance" of the roaring 20's ever since. The movements include outward heel kicks combined with an up and down movement achieved by bending and straightening the knees in time to the music. Flappers established their own version of the Charleston by knocking their knees and crossing their hands.