Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1898-06-16
An ODD PROFESSION.
AN EXPERT REVEALS THE SECRETS
OF THE ART or cAKEWALKTNG.

Good Walkers Born. Not Made-Import-
anee of Partner and ciothss-Remarkahls
Cyrations and Genutiections Must Re
Studied TO Become . Winner.
A good cakewalker is born. just like
any other artist, writes ST. Louis
expert. A man can learn to cut up ap-
tics, 60 through funny movements
and win applause from an audience
that wants to be amused, but unless
he is endowed by nature all these
qualities will not make him an artist.
II fellow wants % be a cakewalk
er, being first equipped by nature. he
should get his eagle eye out for
lady II makes all the difference in
the world what KIND Of a partner you
have. See that she's good looking,
has fair skin and hair not too kinky.
The wavy-haired maiden IS the most
attractive and The most precious, too.
Let her demonstrate to you that she
can do anything or two feet, from the
pasmala to the mlEuet though | don't
mean TO say tLst the pasmala is al
lowed in the refined cakevalk. Il is
not. 1t is toe sporty. and we always
bar IT, But all these little things
lend grace and experience TO the
walker. and the more of them she
knows the better.
Rehearse frequently with your part
ner. Show her how 10 smile when
your Jaws begin 20 crack and agree on
the best way 10 salute each other.
Watch the audience on this point See
which poses they applaud diost and
then play the favoTitas for all they're
worth. o.
The various twists and turns 10 the
cakewalk are not parts OF any regular
dances. They are Ingenious contrl-
Vances Of our own. When 4 couple
come On and 90 their little turn. they
60 through what we call solo. Then
We have the chorus walk, the ihdi-
viduars specially, the hoi polloi Choir
US, or the one where all hands mix
IN a general scramble TOR exhibition
honors, and the genteel gyration OF
| geniusess or the chorus OF ali stars. /
usually lead and act as manager OF the
entertainment
| think the best dress for man
cakewalkeT is the swallowtail or the
Prince Albert Sometimes the over
| coat is worn with good effect, and
cane gives a fellow an opportunity to
| find place for mis- hands and adds
grace and dignity TO his bearing. A
silk tile is the proper caper. especial
ly on a weil-formed man. 1t makes
you look nice and shiny, shows off
your style and gives you a chance to
get in some fine salutations, bows and
| courtesies with your lady. l always
use il. Il is Indispensable TO a first
class walkers outfit. Patent leather
| shoes are the best for the feet, and the
more diamonds you have the greater
your chance 80 make a killing. Even
ing costume Is the proper thing toI
\ ladies'
A cakewalker makes from Sc to s15
a performance. I get the biggest div
Wy for managing the affairs. If the
business does not become slack it's
! the best thing in sight Tor a graceful
walker St. Louis has the BEST color
ed dancers IN the world. the cream
| of the profession.
Contests are decided Oh these points:
Keeping step. making straight turns
| costume. refined facial eXpressiofs,
! well-matched couples and original
movements. March music Is the best,
unless for solo work
l am twenty-ntne years old. and take
TO the cakewalk like duck to water
I am a shampooer ana Turkish bath
! expert. l have travelled with min
strel shows, done theatrical turns and
been in everything on the stage; so II
comes natural to me to win out ip
| cakewaik battle. I've been chasing
the dough, eatable and financial, for
nearly ten years, and TN g6i1g to
keep at the game as long as it pays.