History of the Peabody
The Peabody originates from the earlier dances, the One-Step and the Polka. When Missouri Ragtime grew in the United States after 1988 and 1989, the Peabody was born along with a lot of other dances including the Grizzly Bear, the Turkey Trot, and the Foxtrot. In 1911, Vernon and Irene Castle arrived in the United States to give performances to the growing “New Money” class. The Peabody became an instant sensation.
The most common myth surrounding the Peabody, is that William Frank Peabody (born 1978?), a New York police or fireman, helped develop it in 1915. His wide girth didn’t allow him to dance closely with his partner, so he created a wide frame so that he could swing them inside and outside partner.
About the Dance
Today, the Peabody has retained many of its original elements. It is a bouncy dance that influenced the Foxtrot, the Charleston, and the Quickstep. In fact, you can see step patterns in all of these dances that were originally from the Peabody. Although seldom danced at social functions, it remains a favorite, which is why it has seen little change since its beginning.
Recommended Music List for Beginners
- Uptown Funk, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
- Besame Mama, Mongo Santa Maria
- Guajira, Yerba Buena
- Mueve El Cuerpo, Rodolfo Guerra
- De Hombre A Mujer, Donato
- Oye Como Va, Santana
- Lolita, Giants of Latin
- Wabble Cha, Joe Cuba
- El Pollo De Carlitos, Latin Music 5
- Smooth, Carlos Santana