The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1898-04-22
AN ODD PROFESSION.
AN EXPERT REVEALS THE SECRETS
OF THE ART OF CAKEWALkING.

Good Walkers Born, Not Made-Import-
ance of Partner and Clothes-Remarkable
GyratiOns and Genufiections Must Be
Studied to Become Winner.
A good cakewalker is born, just like
any other artist, writes a st. Louis
expert. A man can learn to cut up an
tics, go 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 to be a cakewalk-
er, being first equipped by nature, he
should get his eagle eye out for
lady. 1t 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 on two feet, from the
pasmala to the minuet, though I don't
mean to say that the pasmala is al
lowed in the refined cakewalk 1t is
not. 1t is too 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 to smile when
your jaws begin to crack and agree on
the best way to salute each other.
Watch the audience on this point. See
which poses they applaud most and
then play the favorites for all they're
worth.
The various twists and turns in the
cakeWalk are not parts of any regular
dances. They are ingenious contri-
vances of our own. When a couple
come on and do their little turn, they
go through what we call a solo. Then
we have the chorus walk, the indi-
viduals speciality. the hoi polloi Choir
us, or the one where all hands mix
in general scramble for exhibition
honors, and the genteel gyration of
geniuses or the chorus of all stars.
usually lead and act as manager of the
entertainment.
l think the best dress for a man
cakewalker is the swallowtail or the
Prince Albert. Sometimes the over
coat is worn with good effect, and a
cane gives fellow an opportunity to
find a place for his hands and adds
grace and dignity to his bearing. A
silk tile is the proper caper, especial
ly on a well-formed man. 1t makes
you look nice and shiny, shows off
your style and gives you chance to
get in some fine salutations, bows and
courtesies with your lady. l always
use it. 1t is indispensable to first
class walkers outfit. Patent leather
shoes are the best for the feet, and the
more diamonds you have the greater
your chance to make killing. Even
ing costume is the proper thing for
ladies.
A cakewalker makes from Sc to SIS
a performance. l get the biggest div
Wy for managing the affairs. If the
business does not become slack it's
the best thing in sight for a graceful
walker. st. Louis has the best color
ed dancers in the world, the cream
Of the profession.
Cor ests are decided on these points
Keeping step, making straight turns,
costume, refined facial expressions,
well-matched couples and original
movements. March music is the best,
unless for solo work.
l am twenty-n ne years old, and take
to the cakewalk like duck to water.
am a shampooer and Turkish bath
expert. l have travelled with min
strel shows, done theatrical turns and
been in everything on the stage; so it
comes natural to me to win out in a
cakewalk battle. I've been chasing
the dough, eatable and financial, for
nearly ten years, and I'm going to
keep at the game as long as it pays.
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