Is the bear cat dance disgusting? One judge thought so back in 1912. Of course, older generations never quite seem to get the dances preferred by the young ones.
Did the “Bear” — Fined
Fifteen young men, between 17 and 22 years old, were arrested in Jefferson Park, South Loomis and West Monroe streets on charge of disorderly conduct, last night.
James Shupe, 21, a great admirer of the “bear-cat” dance, amused the rest of the boys by making “Willie” Wilds the “goat.” He had lots of sport by grabbing “Willie” and making him dance the “Bear.”
Judge Heap of the Desplaines street station, said that the “Bear Cat” dance was one of the most disgusting things he had ever seen, and he thought it would do Shupe good to be fined $50 and costs. He was.
Eleven of the other 14 boys were fined $25 and costs. The other three were discharged.
Source: The Day Book (Chicago, Illinois newspaper). September 05, 1912.
