One of the lesser performed dances in modern ballroom today is the Peabody. Its curious history is shrouded in mystery. Although some say it was named after the Peabody Club (wherever that is) where it became popular, the better-known legend is that it was named after its creator, a fire captain (or police chief) from New York who had a penchant for patronizing the various dance halls on the island of Manhattan. The story goes that Brooklyn Captain (or Lieutenant, or Chief) William Frank Peabody was a rather portly gentleman. So large, in fact, that he could not dance with his partner in the normal fashion, so the women danced at his side. Given the look and feel of the dance, the story seems to be at least a definite possibility, however untrue it may be.
The Peabody began as a variation on the Foxtrot, which was created in New York by Harry Fox in a Manhattan theatre-turned-movie-house in 1914. Captain Peabody was said to be making the rounds at various Jazz clubs in the late 'teens to early 1920's. His derivative of a very fast Foxtrot is set to Dixieland Jazz or Ragtime music.
The Peabody is a celebration of an evening out in the Golden Age of Ragtime. As the men wear derby hats and old-style suit and the women wear long dresses, they jog around the dance floor in a fun, high-spirited, trite manner. Although there is a structure to the dance with occasional intricate steps, the Peabody lends itself to be very improvisational. It is this freeness that attract many dancers and ballroom enthusiasts.
Although not as popular today as it once was, the dance is considered part of the American Smooth dance category in ballroom competitions. Back in the day (April 21, 1934 to be exact), the Casa Del Rey Nightclub in Newark, New Jersey held a large Peabody contest. James Cagney and Loretta Young dance the Peabody to the music of Darktown Strutter's Ball in the 1931 movie, Taxi (not to be confused with the TV series starring Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito and Andy Kaufman). Although the movie labeled the scene a Foxtrot contest, the rapid dance is indeed more of a Peabody. More recently, the Peabody was featured on the popular television show, Dance Fever, in the 1980's.
Sadly, there is no mention of a Police/Fire Captain/Chief Peabody on any dance literature or press articles during the 1920s. We don't even know if he ever existed. But it would be interesting to search the NYC Police or Fire Department records to see if a Peabody was ever on their payroll. Regardless of the fact that no one has yet found him, it's still a great story.
The Peabody began as a variation on the Foxtrot, which was created in New York by Harry Fox in a Manhattan theatre-turned-movie-house in 1914. Captain Peabody was said to be making the rounds at various Jazz clubs in the late 'teens to early 1920's. His derivative of a very fast Foxtrot is set to Dixieland Jazz or Ragtime music.
The Peabody is a celebration of an evening out in the Golden Age of Ragtime. As the men wear derby hats and old-style suit and the women wear long dresses, they jog around the dance floor in a fun, high-spirited, trite manner. Although there is a structure to the dance with occasional intricate steps, the Peabody lends itself to be very improvisational. It is this freeness that attract many dancers and ballroom enthusiasts.
Although not as popular today as it once was, the dance is considered part of the American Smooth dance category in ballroom competitions. Back in the day (April 21, 1934 to be exact), the Casa Del Rey Nightclub in Newark, New Jersey held a large Peabody contest. James Cagney and Loretta Young dance the Peabody to the music of Darktown Strutter's Ball in the 1931 movie, Taxi (not to be confused with the TV series starring Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito and Andy Kaufman). Although the movie labeled the scene a Foxtrot contest, the rapid dance is indeed more of a Peabody. More recently, the Peabody was featured on the popular television show, Dance Fever, in the 1980's.
Sadly, there is no mention of a Police/Fire Captain/Chief Peabody on any dance literature or press articles during the 1920s. We don't even know if he ever existed. But it would be interesting to search the NYC Police or Fire Department records to see if a Peabody was ever on their payroll. Regardless of the fact that no one has yet found him, it's still a great story.
About the Author:
Melanie and Tony are currently teaching dance classes in NYC. They have been dancing competitively, performing, and creating choreography for the past thirty years. The own a top dance studio in NYC. If you are interested in learning more background about different dances make sure you check out their site.
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