The Ragtime Era

My topic is on the dances of the Ragtime era. During this era, many dances like the cakewalk, foxtrot, charleston, moonwalk, samba, waltz, tango, and etc. all began to rise and became more trendy between the years of 1895 to 1918. This era was known for its unexpected rhythmic dance steps. In addition, it became a real entertainment system for many people around the world. Ragtime era was the influential time for early jazz as well. Speaking of early jazz, the Charleston, cakewalk, black bottom, and Lindy hop are one of the most popular dances that appeared in the Ragtime era. The Charleston originated from the harbor city of Charleston, South Carolina around the late years of 1910. The dance consisted of a lot of twisting and pivoting of
the feet both in and out and keeping your balance on the ball of one’s feet. Additionally, as your arms swing around you would lift your elbows. The Charleston then became the important development of the Lindy hop. This dance was an American dance that emerged from Harlem, New York City. Like the Charleston, this dance was very popular. This dance was a combined fusion of many dances that was primarily based on tap, jazz, breakaway, and Charleston. The style focused on using the intense movements and innovation of African- American cultural dances and the eight- count format of European partner dances; furthermore, it became the iconic routine for most people around the world. The cakewalk was another dance that appeared in the Ragtime era. This dance became a competition for couples. The purpose of the cakewalk was to see who could perform the best high- kicking strut. The winner would receive a cake thus giving its name cakewalk. The last one is the black bottom dance which became popular in the 1920s. Black bottom dancing was originated among African Americans in New Orleans. It later adopted into American culture and has then became an obsession in the 1920s. Just like the Lindy hop, it was based on the Charleston and the rhythm of the black bottom had given instructions like slide left, move right, hands on hip, and jump around. During the Ragtime era, other interesting dances emerged from the Latin area like the samba and tango. Latin dances was a type of ballroom dancing and folk dancing that had started in Latin America. These dances have become very internationally popular because it was mainly concepted from three styles: African, European, and Native Latin influences. The samba is a lively and rhythmical Brazilian dance that is sometimes used to celebrate festivals, carnivals, and other occasions. Sometimes danced with a partner or solo, the samba has a very rapid beat that requires swift and fast footwork. In addition, the samba involves complex tricks and turns with a rocking and wobbly motion that ends with a dramatic climax. The next Latin American dance is the tango. The tango originally came from Argentina in the 1880s and is a dance that has influences from African and European cultures. This dance is not soloed and requires a sensual ballroom dancing with a partner, usually a man and a woman. The idea of the tango is to express and demonstrate the elements of romance using synchronized and elegant movements. The dancers dance to a repetitive style of music that consists of 16 or 32 beats. This dance is different because the partners must be dancing closely to a chest to chest or hip distance. This dance is very unique because it is very strong and sharp. The movements must be very precise and requires a lot of dramatic movements. In the end, the samba and tango are two very popular Latin American dances that require a lot of precision and has its own distinct purpose. The turkey trot, foxtrot, and waltz also played a significant role in the Ragtime era.
The turkey trot originated in San Francisco around 1909. This dance required a partner where you hold on to each other face to face and sway side to side. Each beat of the music, you would take one step and move in a circular motion with your partner. The turkey trot was very popular like most dances; however, it quickly faded and died out as a new dance style appeared. This new traditional- old fashion dance was called the foxtrot. The foxtrot quickly became popular. It is known for its smooth, gradual dancing with a distinguishing flow of movements among the dance floor. It is still even used today and has reached its highest peak of fame in the 1930s. The foxtrot can be danced soloed, with a partner, or with a group in a circle. This dance looks very similar to the waltz; however, the rhythm is very much different. The waltz is a very formal and elegant dance. It is a ballroom and folk dance. The dancers would constantly be moving as it defines the romantic vibe it is trying to express. It is a truly smooth and romantic dance, which is the reason why it is one of the most popular ballroom dances of all time. It has a very basic movement with a distinctive rhythm pattern. The waltz is easy to identify and straightforward to learn. An interesting fact about the waltz is that it was once known as the Landler, which has represented the twirling movements of the partners dancing
together. Each dances from the Ragtime era is very unique and different in terms of execution and presentation. Each dance ranged from either strong, fast- paced, and sharp movements to soft, slow, and elegant movements. I noticed that most of these dances have evolved from previous dances and have added something new to make it seemingly more fascinating. All of these dances are extraordinarily interesting and I have learned a lot about each one.