History and Characteristics of Peabody

        The Peabody resembles a fast Foxtrot.  Legend has it that the Peabody was created by a portly police or fire chief from New York City - Captain Peabody - who was so overweight that he had to dance to the side of his partner, creating the style which is so characteristic of the Peabody.

        It's primarily a dance with long, "jogging" steps. Dancers use many intricate, quick, twisting and turning steps set against a figure called the "Open Box." It is popular in the larger ballrooms where dance space is not a serious problem.

        Peabody is danced primarily to ragtime or Dixieland jazz music.  In a lot of ways, Peabody music resembles a very fast Foxtrot.  So, listen for the accented 1 and 3 beats.