Four couples stepped to the stage at the Camp Hollywood National Jitterbug Championships in 2014 and the crowd looked on in anticipation. It was the dance team LA Shag’s turn to perform.
They were one of the most anticipated acts in the competition.
All four of the couples wore matching outfits that appeared to date back to the 1930s and 40s, the era when the Jitterbug first became popular in America.
If you’ve never heard of the Jitterbug, it’s an energetic mix of various swing dances such as the jive and the Lindy hop.
As the 1930s came to an end, jazz music in the clubs and night spots was suddenly being replaced by a new rising genre — big band. It first started in the African-American community where people quickly realized just how fun the music was to dance to.
To this day, the dance has endured and competitions still take place every year around the world. One of the biggest gatherings is Camp Hollywood, held in Los Angeles.
At the 2014 competition, LA Shag chose to dance to California Fleetwarmer’s rendition of the song “San”.
The trumpets, tubas, drums, and other band instruments began playing and LA Shag started moving to the beat.
They pretended to be asleep and slowly woke up, swaying back and forth faster and faster until they were all in a full-on dance.
The crowd started cheering as the couples danced their way around the dance floor.
The whole thing was choreographed perfectly and none of them ever missed a beat. For over three minutes, the couples swung each other in circles, bounced up and down, and just generally had a great time.
Their footwork was absolutely incredible too.
It was probably our favorite part of the whole performance. The dancers’ feet moved at lightning speed, yet they made it look so easy and effortless.
Somehow, they managed to not even work up a sweat.
If many of us tried to dance the Jitterbug like them, we would be huffing and puffing. However, the couples had giant smiles on their faces throughout the entire performance. It didn’t look like they were breathing heavy at all.
It must have taken the group years of dedicated practice to get to that level.
As they finished their smooth routine, the crowd went wild.
There were hundreds of enthusiastic people in attendance, and all of them gave LA Shag a well-deserved standing ovation. The group smiled, bowed, and then walked off the stage to await the results.
Ultimately, the judges at Camp Hollywood recognized the massive amount of skill displayed by the group.
They awarded LA Shag first place in the competition for their efforts. After seeing their performance, it was no surprise. Everyone there that day was completely overtaken by their infectious energy. Once you see the video for yourself, you’ll see what we mean.
It was a performance that transported us into the past.
“I dearly remember the day. This was my favorite to dance to. Now I’m just happy to walk,” writes 83-year-old Bob Warren in the YouTube comments.
Many other commenters chimed in beneath the video as well. They all had fond memories of doing the Jitterbug growing up.
“Oh how I loved this dance, BUT think those days are for wonderful memories of a glorious past. Take care, everyone,” writes June Regan.
The amazing thing about these dance competitions is that massive communities form around them. They are able to bring people together from all over the world, all in the name of dance. It’s so beautiful. Camp Hollywood and groups like LA Shag are helping to keep these historic dances alive for future generations to enjoy.
Check out the full video of LA Shag doing the Jitterbug at Camp Hollywood below.
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