This was done to a slow Waltz, and depicted the jealous relationship between a young thug and his girlfriend. Soon, even Irene and Vernon Castle were using lifts in thir demonstrations. Irene and Vernon Castle, ca. 1912 Beginners usually start with drops such as the Dead Man's Drop and Possum Drop, and hip lifts on the left and right hips, turning to the left or the right, and also the grand swing and underarm lifts. More experienced dancers move up to shoulder lifts, such as the Swallow, Scarf, and Flag.
Advanced dancers can lift their partners up onto outstreched arms above the head.
There are a few competitions in this style in Australia at some of the festivals, more often for Professionals than for Amateurs. The style has a number of dangers. For the man, it is important to maintain a straight and upright torso, and to compress in the knees to get below the lady's centre of gravity for a lift. Otherwise he is in danger of damaging his spine. It is an advantage for both to do weight training to build up arm and shoulder strength.