About the Alley Cat Line Dance
The Alley Cat line dance is an American novelty dance without a definite origin, according to Daytonfolkdance.com. It is not a partner dance and is performed in either a line or a circle, the website states.
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Genre and History
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The Society of Folk Dance Historians states that the Alley Cat is a “novelty dance derivative” of jazz dance and has folk dance origins. Dosado.com suggests the Alley Cat could have begun as a line dance in the 1980s.
When to Dance the Alley Cat
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According to the New York Times article, “In the Footsteps of the Conga and the Alley Cat,” by Daisann McLane, the dance is popular at wedding receptions.
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Dance Music
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According to Dosado.com, the Alley Cat is performed to country music.
Steps and Beat
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Some versions of the Alley Cat, like the one by choreographer Donna Aiken, contain 64 beats and begin with a toe spread. Other versions begin with a right toe touch to the right side and contain 32 beats.
St. Louis' Alley Cat
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In St. Louis, dancers use Aiken's version, but change beats 57 to 60, according to Keepondancin.net. Dancers step forward with the left foot, drag the right foot to meet the left, repeat once and make a left quarter turn, according to the website.
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References
- Society of Folk Dance Historians: What in the World Are You Doing?
- The New York Times; In the Footsteps of the Conga and the Alley Cat; Daisann McLane; August 1996
- Dayton Folk Dance: Alley Cat
