CAKEWALK, a dance of American negro origin. The couples form a square with the men on the inside and, stepping high to a lively tune, walk in this square formation. There are several judges who consider the precision with which the corners are turned, the elegant bearing and carriage of the men and the grace and ease of their partners as they are swung about. The couples are eliminated one by one, the last being presented with a highly decorated cake, as a reward. This is the original cakewalk, as it was danced in slavery days. From it many modifying steps have been evolved all of which are called cakewalks.