One of the dance oddities of the-day. It is, correctly speaking, a syncopated waltz, which in a way resembled the old forward chassez movement, and to the inexperienced eye a lame man's step (Ballet step), hence the name of 'Lame Duck'. The Castles are credited today as having invented the Lame Duck (However, we know today that they were great stealers rather than originators of dances as well.) Below are a few stories about the Lame Duck and it's creation.

1) The Lame Duck was is said to be invented in 1912 by Vernon and Irene Castle (1897-1919) while playing around with variations. The Castle version is basically a transitionary way to go from one style of Waltz into others.

   2) This step is supposed to have originated in Newport in the summer of 1913. One of the popular débutantes (see below) had danced herself tired and simply limped through the waltz. She was of course immediately criticized as being "as graceful as a Lame Duck." The step created considerable amusement and was at once taken up by the majority of dancers present (maybe Castles). It is needless to say that the new dance was much talked of and became quite popular. (sounds similar to the Merengue Story)

3) Lima Daily News (9/13/1913) reports that:
Miss Margurete Caperton. She is the daughter of Rear Admiral Caperton U.S.N. who has invented the latest dance here in Newport which is being accepted here with much enthusiasim. The "lame duck" has its originination in the one step and is similar in a way, but is danced to Waltz Time. It has a glidding motion with an occasional low dip with bended knee and is most graceful. Several members of the younger set have been practicing it and have found favor. It's conventional name is Waltz Canter but has been dubbed the Lame Duck and is destined to be called by the later name.

4) (Albert Newman speaking on the above claims invention)
"When it came to my notice I immediately discovered that we had used the same step in the Ballet in Paris, years ago, and it was known to us as the 'Lame Man's Step'. I saw the possibilities of making a rather pleasing dance of it. The great fault I found with many who were trying to dance the Lame Duck was that it appeared rather too painful to look at, too much of a limp, which I have tried to rectify. The Lame Duck should be danced in a decidedly smooth style. It consists of a forward movement and a right and left turn. The turns are rather difficult if the dancer wishes to progress".

   The Lame-Duck (Valse ) has an ugly name, but was a very graceful dance to watch; it was also a very restful and fascinating dance to dance. It is danced to Valse time, and owes its name to the fact that all the action taking the beat of the music is performed with one foot only, by the man with his left, and by the lady with her right, the other foot being merely a "sleeping partner" that travels along and only takes the weight of the body between the steps of the other foot. The only exception to this rule is when going straight, running forward, when both feet act equally and for the same beat of time.

   Although called the "Lame-Duck" the motion should by no means be lame; it should be absolutely smooth and gliding, rising and falling to the swell of the music just like in a true Valse. In America the "Lame-Duck" is largely danced in preference to the true Valse.

   The "Lame-Duck" was best danced, and most suitable, when the music is over-quick for the true Valse. It was also an admirable substitute at the end of an evening when one was getting tired, as the exertion expended was just about 50% less than the true Valse entailed. The dance must be performed on the balls of the feet all the time, neither foot ever quite leaving the floor, but no weight being placed on either foot whilst it is in motion.

Films / Movies

Television

Ballets / Stage

Order "Dances thru time Video"

Castles' In The Air

Publications

6/12/1913 - Lima Daily News (Lame Duck Out)

4/3/1915 - Fort Wayne Sentinel

9/13/1919 - Lima Daily News (Caperton Invents)

Other Related Dances of the time...

Dancers, Choreographers etc.

Political

Books, Magazine Articles on the dance...

Title

Author

Date Published

Publisher

Dances of Today

Newman, Albert W.

1913

n/a

$ Modern Dancing

Castle, Vernon

1914

World Syndicate Co

My Husband

Castle, Irene

1918

Scribner & Sons

Handbook of ballroom dancing

Cree, Aubrey McMahon

1920

n/a

$ Castles in the Air

Castle, Irene

1958

Doubleday & Co

Musicians

Bands

Singers

Poets / Writers

Europe, James Reese (1914)

Gifford, Eugene

Gray, Glenn

Misc. Research Words that may be related ... to help your searches

Dansant's

Society Dance (rs)

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