Summer is a crescendo for the steppers’ competition season. Chicago’s World’s Largest Steppers Contest is less than three months away and the Milwaukee’s Largest Stepping Contest is in August. Some folks have practiced for months, selecting a partner on the heels of the 2016 contest season or earlier this year. While others – feeling the last minute fever and having the “Shucks, I can do that” attitude after seeing contestants’ performances – are literally grabbing a partner from the crowd to enter the prelims in weeks – sometimes the day of. Despite how you planned it, if you are looking for a dance partner for competition here are eight qualities to seek out.
Steppers entering to "win" not just to make an appearance may appreciate this list the most. These are some of my thoughts as well as words of wisdom that winners past and present, current competitors and instructors shared as guidance and reality checks on my journey to the contest stage.
- Absolute physical chemistry. I am going to put it like this. Would you “date” this person? Would you do all the things in courtship and beyond with your partner? Do others see your attraction and “a couple” when they look at you together? The answers should be Yes! Yes! Yes!
- Showmanship. Your partner should be skillful and have a flair and no fear to be what the public wants to see. Be entertaining and dramatic – but careless exaggeration can kill a performance so learn that balance and achieve it.
- Confidence. Be sure and believe in yourself. It is no easy feat to voluntarily step out and allow an audience of people you know and don’t know, to tell you where you went right or wrong, to applaud or not applaud. Confidence means every moment feels right. You look good, you smell good, you feel good. If the music skips, or your partner’s shoe strap becomes undone, you don’t stop dancing and you planned for it.
- Thirst. A passion to learn and improve is key. One new move or eye opening moment is not enough. Share and feel an eager desire and craving for the dance just about “every day” even when you think you are at your best and done it all. Each time you leave the dance floor, know you can learn something the very next day.
- Consistency. Sherry Gordon said it best “Practice until you can’t get it wrong.” Be consistent in your dance and also your attitude so your partner “knows you.” Ladies, check the PMS at the door when it is time to dance. Men, ditto!
- Competency. The basics and a solid foundation, clean turns and flow are a start. When my partner said to me, “You need to study and understand the culture and history of the dance. It is so important so you understand the execution of the moves and how the dance should look.” That is “knowing.”
- Commitment. Want a win as much as your partner and be willing to work for it. Commitment doesn’t come naturally for everyone. Treat your dance partnership as a priority that requires time, practice, and punctuality to make the most of the moments on any dance floor.
- “What are my absolute chances of winning with that person?” is Drewry Alexander’s question for himself. Believe that if your partner wants to only walk away with the win, they are considering and judging your partnership (as a couple and individuals) against everyone else.
