The Cotton Club was a New York nightclub which was open from 1923 to the 1940's. It first opened in Harlem, being a 'whites only' club despite famous black musicians such as Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. It continued to sell beer even during prohibition (a national ban on the sale, importation, production and transportation of alcohol in America in the 20's and early 30's). Since The Cotton Club was run (behind the scenes) by gangsters, they got away with it many times and continued to do so.
(Source: longwharf.com) The Cotton Club exterior
(Source: wikimedia) Gangster Owney Madden, who ran the famous club and famed for his organized crime, especially during Prohibition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy_JRGjc1To Nat King Cole performing 'Unforgettable'
(Source: wikimedia) Louis Armstrong - you can tell just by one picture that his music was upbeat and fun
Clubs were huge in the 20's - a craze for dancing had erupted, and it spread like wildfire - Ragtime was reaching the height of popularity, as was the Tango (due to its starring role in many Hollywood movies) and new styles of dance, such as Lindy Hop and Jazz were evolving due to the popularity of jazz and blues music, and the amount of Gatsby-esque parties they were danced at.
(Source: allpurposeguru.com) A still from the outrageous Ragtime dance.
However one dance in particular epitomised the 20's - The Charleston. It involves much bobbing to the music, with outward kicks and arm movements. It was performed in many clubs including speakeasies - flapper girls were seen dancing to this the most, but its popularity was so strong it became a full blown fad! I myself used to dance The Charleston and it was such a fun dance to do - tiring, but really social and carefree; much like the 20's themselves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJC21zzkwoE The Charleston
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