Cakewalk

Definition

The cakewalk is a traditional African American dance that originated in the 19th century, characterized by a lively, exaggerated strutting style often performed in pairs. Initially developed from a competition among enslaved people to mimic the mannerisms of their white masters, it became popular in minstrel shows and ragtime music, symbolizing both parody and cultural pride.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cakewalk originated as a performance where enslaved African Americans would mimic their owners' walking styles to showcase their skills, often as a form of satire.
2. In the late 1800s, the cakewalk became a popular dance in minstrel shows, making it one of the first African American dances to gain widespread popularity among white audiences.
3. The cakewalk was often accompanied by ragtime music, which featured syncopated rhythms that matched the playful movements of the dance.
4. Famous composers like Scott Joplin incorporated elements of the cakewalk into their ragtime compositions, blending dance and music into a new artistic form.
5. The term 'cakewalk' itself comes from the practice of awarding a cake as a prize in dance competitions, emphasizing both fun and competition in this cultural expression.

Review Questions

• How did the cakewalk serve as both a form of entertainment and social commentary during its early development?
  • The cakewalk was both entertaining and socially significant as it allowed African Americans to parody the behaviors of their white masters through exaggerated strutting movements. This performance aspect showcased their creativity while also providing a subtle form of resistance against oppression. The dance's origins in slave communities highlight its dual role in expressing cultural identity while critiquing social norms.
• Discuss the evolution of the cakewalk from its origins among enslaved African Americans to its integration into mainstream entertainment like minstrel shows.
  • Initially, the cakewalk was a competitive dance among enslaved people that satirized their owners' walking styles. As it gained popularity in minstrel shows, it was adapted for white audiences, often performed in blackface. This transition marked a complex relationship between cultural appropriation and acknowledgment of African American contributions to American music and dance traditions, reflecting broader social dynamics of race and representation.
• Evaluate the impact of ragtime music on the popularity and development of the cakewalk dance within American culture.
  • Ragtime music had a significant impact on the cakewalk by providing an energetic rhythmic backdrop that matched its lively movements. Composers like Scott Joplin infused their works with elements that enhanced the dance's appeal, leading to its mainstream acceptance. The fusion of cakewalk and ragtime not only popularized both forms but also contributed to the recognition of African American artistry within a broader context, shaping the development of jazz and subsequent musical genres.

Related terms

Ragtime: A musical genre that emerged in the late 19th century, known for its syncopated rhythms and strong melodies, often associated with piano music and the cakewalk dance.

Minstrel Show: A form of entertainment popular in the 19th century that featured white performers in blackface portraying caricatures of African American life, including music and dance like the cakewalk.

Syncopation: A musical technique where the normal flow of rhythm is disrupted, creating a feeling of surprise and complexity, which is a hallmark of ragtime music and the dance rhythms associated with the cakewalk.