Throwback Video Of Jerry Lewis Doing Jitterbug Continues To Have People Smiling Today

Jun 11, 2021 by apost team

Most people are born knowing how to dance. Now, that doesn't mean everyone is a good dancer. Very few people will end up on “Dancing with the Stars,” for example. But for most people, if they're thrown onto a dance floor and forced to dance, then they can tap something out. It's just human nature to start moving when we hear music playing. For that reason, your parents were probably proud of you when you started grooving to a beat as a baby — even if you weren't an expert.

Although almost no one is born an expert dancer, dancing is one of those skills that can be learned with practice and training. Practicing a move until we understand a particular dance style can eventually lead to someone being a pretty decent dancer, at least in that style. However, for some people, skilled dancing seems to come more easily.

When we think about dance performances that stand the test of time, we usually think about those classics like the tango and the salsa that have been handed down through the generations. But there are some dances that have passed from the dance scene that are still amazing to watch.

When you hear people talking about the way people danced back in the "good old days," they may be referring to the time of their childhood and teenage years when their entertainment and music preferences were developed.

Such seems to be the case with the famous Jerry Lewis, who proves in this classic film that he can dance like they did back in the day — in addition to bringing the laughs.

It seems that most people fondly remember the music and dance of their youth, and they refer to this when they talk about the best memories they have of performances.

For younger generations, seeing the old-time dances performed in movies often makes them look at their parents and grandparents in a new way. Perhaps they're wondering if their elders were really that cool.

Take, for example, the video we're showing here, which features the legendary comedian Jerry Lewis. Although most known for his iconic comedic abilities, he also translated his comedy to dance.

In "Living It Up,” a film from 1954, Lewis is being his funny, entertaining self as he glides across the floor. But if you watch his moves and his feet, you'll see that he's actually a super talented dancer. The great thing is that Lewis' performances were captured on film and we can look back and marvel at the sheer talent that this multifaceted individual had.

If you’re impressed by Lewis’ moves, then you might want to know what this dance is called. In this clip, Lewis is doing the jitterbug, a dance that came to be in the early 20th century. Jitterbugging first emerged in African American juke joints and dance halls, taking its cues from other popular dances, including the Carolina shag and single Lindy Hop. Eventually, the dance reached mainstream popularity, making an appearance at the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York City.

And Lewis’ jitterbug performance in “Living It Up'' is a testament to how widespread the dance became. The film, which earned more than $4 million at the box office in 1954, further popularized the dance, cementing it into the American cultural memory for decades to come.

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Does this video bring back memories for you or make you see your parents in a different light? Let us know, and be sure to tell your friends and family members about Jerry's talent. It's likely to delight those who don't already know.