Strictly Jitterbug
Jitterbug History
The Jitterbug Story
It all started in Harlem, 1928. The Charleston had been merged with the quick-time foxtrot, and renamed The Quickstep, so the dancers developed a replacement, which was named ‘Lindy Hop’ (after Lindenburgh’s famous crossing of the Atlantic), and this became the first jive dance style. Our style is East Coast Swing, which is a variation of the foxtrot, and came out in 1932. This style is also sometimes called Jitterbug, and was very popular in the 1940’s. It became the chosen style for Early Rock and Roll music, as seen in early films. Most of the dancing is partner dancing, but some is done on an individual basis, called strolling, or Jazz steps.
Since 2006, classes are run by Alistair Fitzgerald, who is well known on the Swing and Rock’n’Roll dance scene, (partly due to his addiction to his Trilby), where he has been active for the last 27 years. Check out Alistair’s Zoot suits!
Since 2006, classes are run by Alistair Fitzgerald, who is well known on the Swing and Rock’n’Roll dance scene, (partly due to his addiction to his Trilby), where he has been active for the last 27 years. Check out Alistair’s Zoot suits!