When Was the Jitterbug Invented?
The Jitterbug was popular shortly before World War II and continued its craze throughout wartime. Skeptics said the jerk-like dance would never last. On the contrary, the Jitterbug and similar dances became very popular throughout the United States and Eastern Europe during World War II.
Other People Are Reading
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Types
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The Jitterbug is a generic term used to describe various types of swing dances such as the Charleston, the Jive and the Lindy Hop, which was named in honor of Charles Lindbergh's historic "hop" across the Atlantic.
History
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Although the swing dance got its start around 1927, the term "Jitterbug" was not popularized until 1935 when Cab Calloway recorded "Call of the Jitter Bug." The term "Jitterbug" derived from a term used to describe alcoholics that were said to have the "jitters."
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Geography
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The Jitterbug originated in New York's African-American community of Harlem. However, it soon spread throughout the United States and, by the end of World War II, had reached Europe.
Fun Fact
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Apparently, the Jitterbug has become a huge craze, not just in the United States, but in Europe as well. The Harlem Hot Shots is a Swedish dance team that specializes in swing dancing. They have been performing for more than 20 years.
Famous Ties
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Based in Seattle, Washington, Camp Jitterbug is a weekend long camp for swing dancers. The weekend is filled with performances, competitions and workshops for the novice as well as the experienced dancer.
Teens Jitterbugged
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The term was spread nationwide when teens Jitterbugged in the aisles of Benny Goodman's 1936 performance at the Paramount Theatre in New York.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photos Courtesy of www.dreamstime.com and www.morguefile.com
