De couple dat danced best got a prize.
Though the dance itself could be physically demanding, it was generally considered a fun, recreational pastime, covertly mocking slaveholder dance parties.
The cakewalk was directly inspired by a specific European couple dance called the Grand March.
Regan Shrumm was an intern in the Division of Culture and the Arts.
Etymology: Originally a form of dance that white masters had their slaves perform for them and their audiences as entertainment.
The blackface performance presented the dance as a ridiculous and unsuccessful attempt to parallel white culture.