Visual Essay
Visual Analysis of “Board Walk to Cat Walk” Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire swing dancing to jazz Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire are both dancing to jazz in this black and white photograph of the 1920’s. The couple is dancing as two men and two women are sitting in the background staring and concentrating all their attention on Ms. Charisse and Mr. Astaire. But the photograph explains more then just the swing dancing that is occurring. The outfits, music, and entertainment all tie in together to explain the 1920’s as “the roaring 20’s”. Music was really popular in the 1920’s; it was a way for artist to express themselves through rhythm. As the artist would express themselves, people would listen to the music and become a fan. People were inspired by music throughout the 1920’s, including Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. Just like music was an important role in “the roaring 20’s”, dancing contributed as well. The couple swing dancing to jazz shows how jazz was a major hit in the 1920’s. Dancing was found to be a main entertainment for people since televisions were not out yet. Langston Hughes’ work contributed in the influence of jazz. Music and dancing were both a great entertainment to people, and let them free all their worries.
The attire worn in the photograph also visualizes how the people in the 1920’s were dressed. Al Capone was an American Gangster who inspired men to dress in the 3 piece suits. Men that were FBI agents and Gangsters both dressed this way. Women wore corsets and dresses with heels to dances. Men and women attire started to change as the years went by, and by the 1920’s both genders were dressing in a different way that described the 1920’s as “the roaring 20’s”.
The photograph takes place in a speakeasy, known as a nightclub where illegal beverages were served. These nightclubs became popular towards both genders during the Prohibition era. The couple in the photograph is dancing away and is having a good time in the