#tbt It's a Cakewalk

The Cakewalk was all the rage in 1840’s America. Originally designed as the finale for a minstrel show, this “walk-around” competition awarded a cake to the most spectacular couple with the woman in the couple often stepping back to feature her partner’s display of acrobatic tricks and fancy footwork.
A century later the dance form makes a reappearance, complete with costumes and the hybridization of dance styles that marked the minstrel show, only now, Woman’s Lib is in full swing. Who’s jookin’ whom?

Soul Train circa 1973/74

What is your favorite bit of dance history? Send your links to a photo or video to hello@diydancer.com or tweet us @diydancer #tbt