Originated in the early 20's in illegal drinking places
during the time of prohibition. The combination of a particular type of jazz
music and the highly polished, slippery floors of the Speakeasies gave rise to
an in and out flicking of the feet which essentially characterized the dance. It
was theatricized and embellished with typical vaudeville moves in a Ziegfield
Follies production in 1921. It has since been featured in many films and theater
productions, its most platant revival being its utilization within the Broadway
musical "The Boy Friend."
