Dressing up to the nines and partying like Gatsby in the 1920s

Jazz, Freedom and Fast Feet

During the 1920’s, dances like the Fox Trot, the Black Bottom and the Shimmy swept the stage. They helped people find freedom and dancing started to act as an escape from the First World War and the restrictions it brought on people’s lives. It was an extremely popular social activity amongst all age groups and even saw people taking part in dance marathons, the longest one lasting three weeks… yes three weeks of dancing!  

Now it’s no secret that with its lively energy and improvised movements, the Charleston was the epitome of the 1920s, paired with the revolutionary fashion of the time it took the world by storm. The Charleston’s craze came from America where it was being enjoyed by many during the decade of the ‘Roaring Twenties’.  

A Ban That Sparked a Boom - Speakeasies

Alcoholic beverages were illegal during the prohibition era in the USA but that didn’t stop many from taking dance underground and introducing speakeasies. Even though these activities were illicit, they were the roots for the social interactions between people of different demographics and allowed the integration to blossom into what it has become today.  

The Timeless Age of the 1920s

Even now in the 21st century, trends, entertainment and lifestyle choices are influenced by the dances and culture of the 1920s. A lifestyle in the 1920s represented freedom, excitement and creativity and people would use dance and the underground nightlife to break away from pressures and express themselves fully. These social ideologies still live on today and people are often found expressing themselves through dance, whether that be in an organised group or just out having fun with friends.  

Dance styles like the Charleston and Fox Trot continue to be performed on popular competitive dance shows like Dancing with the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing, while jazz music and speakeasy inspired bars remain popular worldwide for their vintage charm. The energy, confidence and sense of rebellion that lived through the 1920s make the era feel timeless and allow it to influence today’s society and dance.  

Turn back time to the Roaring Twenties, dress yourself up to the nines and join us at our Strictly Speakeasy on Friday 20 March 2026 at The Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay. Hosted by actress Clare Hingott (Stella, 2012), and with performances from Strictly Come Dancing professionals Kai Widdrington and Katya Jones, it is an event that can’t be missed.