The Modern Dances/Chapter 4

by Caroline Walker

Illustration 10

The Castle Walk

Originated and made famous by Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Castle, the Castle Walk has become immensely popular through its introduction into the Tango. It really is so simple that it is difficult to describe.

In this figure the man continually goes forward and the lady backward. In order that the lady may be properly guided about the room, the man's arm encircles her just under her arm, while her left hand rests on the man's right arm. The position of the lady's right arm and the man's left arm is high, with their hands clasped. (See Illustration 10.)

The man starts forward with his left foot and the lady backward with her right, simply walking, but keeping on the toes, one count of the music to each step. This step is continued to the end of the room, where a large circle is begun, which is gradually made smaller and smaller, until it is ended by whirling completely around three times, to three counts of the music and then dip.

The Castle Walk may be varied by describing the figure eight instead of the large circle.

To make the three whirls is rather a difficult matter, as it must be done very rapidly to accomplish a complete revolution to one beat of the music, but with a little practice it is soon learned.

To the on-looker the Castle Walk appears very foolish—and it is—but it is great fun for those doing it.

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