Dance 62

Not just anybody could get into the Cat’s Corner. No, this corner located on the northeast corner of the ballroom was designated for those who performed extraordinary steps. One had to invent and perfect their moves before they even though of walking close to this area. Competitions where a great time to earn one’s way into the the corner. If the crowd went wild you were in. If the crowd loved what your new moves you had won your way into the Corner. But if you did not win the crowd, you did not get a position in the Cat’s Corner.  Leon James earned their position at the corner. He was known as the “King” for his great skill and moves on the dance floor.

The Savoy Ballroom also known as “The Home of Happy Feet” consisted of two stories, with the ballroom located on the second floor. The ballroom was able to hold 4,000 people at one time. “To keep abreast of changing taste and style, it had been redecorated five times. The enormous sprung floor, worn down by constant use, had to be replaced every three years.” (Engelbrecht, 5)

“The Savoy was open every night of the week. Mondays, Tuesdays they [the dancers] came early because the admission price rose at 6 p.m. from 30 cents to 60 cents and rose again at 8 p.m. to 85 cents. Monday was  Ladies Night and Thursday was Kitchen Mechanics Night, when maids and cooks had the-night off…On Saturdays the middleaged white squares showed up to watch the dancers. On Saturday afternoons the dancers sent their best clothes out to be pressed for Sunday night.” (Engelbrecth, 5)

Here, people could let loose and become somebody through the movement of their body. If you had good enough moves, you may have even gained permission to stand in the legendary Cat’s Corner.

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