The thirties were not the best time, however dancing remained popular. The economy was a mess from the crash in 1929. Almost everyone was in debt with banks and businesses were closing. Also During this period of time the Dust Bowl was going on. Huge dust storm would roll through destroying almost everything. The people would try to find ways to pass their time so they didn't have to focus on all the bad that was going on. People would go dancing, go to movies, sit and listen by the radio to Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fireside Chats. Roosevelt was elected in 1932 and a major factor in turning around the economy by his plan called the New Deal. The New Deal helped to bring about a safety net for Americans.
In the 1940's World War II began, but this time the war didn't stop the kids from dancing. Band by the Germans the youth would meet in secret to tune into the allied stations and dance the night away. jazz and swing lived on throughout the forties. Although some of the music did change though. Since all of the men were off at war songs came out about longing and missing loved ones.
The forties gave women more of a sense of independence. Since the men were gone were gone the women had to step up and fill their roles in society. Women were now leaving the kitchen to work and for a lesser pay. They worked in factories like the men and had to provide for their families. Also for entertainment value women even had to step up to play in women's league sports, like baseball. When the war ended though the women were expect to go back to the kitchen and resume their usual duties. However the women saw that they can work just as well and as hard as men, they learned that they didn't have to be in the kitchen anymore but could make something of themselves.
The Lindy Hop
A family suffering from the Dust Bowl and the economy crash.
Women going to work in factories during WWII.
The 30's and 40's were hard times with the Dust Bowl and WWII. The thing that got the people through it though was dance. It allowed them to forget about the bad going on and just let loose. Even though the Germans banned dancing it did not stop the kids from do it. Even soldiers got to go to dances every once and awhile. I'm sure that they especially needed a break from the war. The dance of this time was swing. It is a very bouncy upbeat type of dance. This dance was more about the flips, lifts and tricks. Guys would twirl girls around their backs, throw them in the air, slide them between their legs, pretty much anything they could. The girls were their rag dolls. But don't feel bad for those girls it was a lot more fun being the one thrown around rather than doing all of the work.
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