Castle Maxixe circa 1915

the Castle Maxixe circa 1915. Here we see Veron and Irene Caste doing the (Ballroom) Maxixe that was popuar in the 1910’s in USA. The Maxixe (Max-ish, Mah-SHEESH, Mah-SHEESH-A, and many other pronunciations) was also known as the Brazilian Tango or Mattchiche (similar and/or same dance) and came from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in the late 1860’s or early 1870’s. The dance was considered very lowly in stature among the public perceptions and was named after the prickly part of a cactus. In attempts to raise it’s stature, many composer’s would title it “Brazilian Tango“ as the Tango was gaining popularity at the same time. The Maxixe has it’s roots in the Polca, Lundu and Habanera. The original Maxixe was a mixture of the Two Step and certain Tango steps and patterns of the day. ...For more info on the Maxixe and others see: Song used: Nights of Gladness - Victor Military Band 1916
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