Jitterbug Collection

JITTERBUG 1940s dance / dancing / party season / celebration / happy vintage news archive

Three dancers dancing the Harlem conga, a blend of the lindy hop, conga and the Australian kangaroo hop
HARLEM: DANCERS, 1941. Three dancers dancing the Harlem conga, a blend of the lindy hop, conga and the Australian kangaroo hop, at a dance hall in Harlem, New York, 1941

Instruction sheet, How to Dance the Jitterbug, by Adele England of the Locarno School of Dancing, Streatham, SW London. 1939

JITTERBUGGERS, c1939. At the Savoy Ballroom, New York City

Jitterbug license (colour litho)
7200589 Jitterbug license (colour litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jitterbug license; certificate for a person who wishes to dance the Jitterbug)

Music cover, In the Mood, Glenn Miller
Music cover, In the Mood, The Jitterbug Craze, words by Andy Razaf, music by Joe Garland. Performed by Glenn Miller and his orchestra. 1939

Couples dancing the Jitterbug at and Elks Club dance in Washington, D. C. Photograph by Esther Bubley, April 1943
DANCE: JITTERBUG, 1943. Couples dancing the Jitterbug at and Elks Club dance in Washington, D.C. Photograph by Esther Bubley, April 1943

JITTERBUG DANCERS, 1939. Jitterbug dancers and a police officer in the doorway at a juke joint and in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Photograph by Marion Post Wolcott, 1939

JITTERBUGGING, 1939. In a juke joint on a Saturday night, Clarksdale, Mississippi. Photograph by Marion Post Wolcott, 1939

Jitterbugs come to London. dance / dancing / party season / celebration / happy vintage news archive

A couple dancing the Dopey, named for the dwarf in Disneys version of Snow White. Photographed in New York City, 1938
DANCE: JITTERBUG, 1938. A couple dancing the Dopey, named for the dwarf in Disneys version of Snow White. Photographed in New York City, 1938

Cartoon of Dancers. ca. 1938, Come on you killer-dillers, Swing-G, Shag-G, Susie Q-Q, There won t be a recession

A sailor and his girlfriend dance the Jitterbug at the Hurricane dancehall in New York City
NEW YORK: DANCE CLUB, 1943. A sailor and his girlfriend dance the Jitterbug at the Hurricane dancehall in New York City. Photograph by Gordon Parks, April 1943

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Step back in time to the 1940s, where the infectious rhythm of the jitterbug filled dance halls and set hearts racing. It was a party season like no other, a celebration of life and joy that transcended boundaries. The Jitterbuggers took center stage, their moves captivating audiences with every twist and turn. In Harlem, New York, three dancers mesmerized onlookers as they effortlessly blended the lindy hop, conga, and even an Australian kangaroo hop into their routine. The energy was electric as they moved in perfect harmony to the beat of Glenn Miller's "In the Mood. " Their vibrant costumes swirled around them as they brought this vintage dance to life. The Jitterbug wasn't just a dance; it was a way of life. Instruction sheets were passed around eagerly, teaching enthusiasts how to master this exhilarating style. Couples flocked to ballrooms like the Savoy Ballroom in New York City or Elks Club dances in Washington D. C. , eager for their chance to showcase their skills on the dance floor. Even juke joints became hotspots for Jitterbugging late into Saturday nights. In Clarksdale, Mississippi, locals gathered together for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and music that echoed through every corner. But it wasn't just America that embraced this lively phenomenon; Jitterbugs came all the way across the pond to London too. As word spread about this sensational dance craze from overseas, people couldn't resist joining in on the fun. Dance floors were packed with couples twirling and spinning with sheer delight. The Jitterbug represented more than just dancing; it symbolized freedom and happiness during challenging times. It united people from different backgrounds under one shared passion - moving together harmoniously while leaving worries behind. So let's celebrate these happy vintage memories of Jitterbugs taking over dance halls worldwide - reminding us all that sometimes all we need is a little music and the joy of dancing to bring us together.