The African American Experience 

Jitterbug Winners, Moon Dance, Central Park Bandshell

Courtesy of New York City Parks Photo Archive, Neg. 24797. This debonair couple was the first place winner in the "jitterbug" category of the dance contest held in Central Park. Also known as the "Lindy Hop," the dance combined set steps with improvisation. It originated in Harlem in the 1920s and evolved from the Charleston, the Collegiate, the Breakaway, and the Texas Tommy. Certain aspects of the jitterbug can be traced to African and early African–American dance forms.