Charleston
Upload one photo and MoveMyPhoto makes a 9-second video of that person doing the Charleston. Your face, outfit and background stay yours.
This dance moves the legs: a full-body photo looks best, and we draw the legs in if they’re missing.
The Charleston is the 1920s jazz dance named after the harbor city of Charleston, South Carolina. It took off after James P. Johnson’s song “The Charleston” appeared in the 1923 Broadway show Runnin’ Wild: swinging arms, forward and back kicks and swiveling heels.
- 1 free video a day, no sign-up
- 3 a day when you sign in
- Set to music
- Ready in about 10 minutes
Same dance, different photos
How to do the Charleston
- Step forward on your left foot as your right arm swings forward.
- Kick your right foot forward, then step it back.
- Touch your left toe behind you, then bring it back.
- Swivel your heels in and out as you go, and finish with jazz hands.
Questions
Something else? Write to us
Where did the Charleston dance come from?
It is named after Charleston, South Carolina, and grew out of African-American dance traditions. James P. Johnson said he first heard its rhythm from Charleston dockworkers.
What song is the Charleston dance to?
“The Charleston” by James P. Johnson, from the 1923 Broadway show Runnin’ Wild. Your video uses generated swing music instead of that recording.
Is MoveMyPhoto free?
Yes. You can make 1 video a day without signing up, and 3 a day after you sign in. Free videos have a MoveMyPhoto watermark. Failed or blocked videos don’t count.
What photo works best?
A clear, well-lit photo of one adult with the whole body in frame looks most like you. Selfies, half-body photos, stickers, drawings and even a scene with no one in it work too: we draw the missing body or a person into the scene first, which adds about a minute.
How long does a video take?
Usually about 10 minutes; it can take longer when many people are making videos. You don’t have to wait on the page: your video is saved in My videos.
