It’s not uncommon for me to meet a stepper in Chicago who tells me they have never traveled to another state to go to a stepper’s weekend event. Gerald posted on social media that he was heading out of town for his first out-of-town event, Black & Bling. The event was held August 19-22 in Dallas, Texas. So, for someone traveling from Chicago to this event as their first out-of-town experience, who has been stepping for more than forty years, how was it? First, let’s meet Gerald and find out about his first stepping experience outside of Chicago.
Meet Gerald Howard
An older cousin, David Mark, introduced Gerald Howard to Chicago-style stepping in 1975. Gerald learned as he watched his cousin practice. He started steppin’ at the basement parties in Chicago in 1976 when he was only 12 years old. The rest is history. Gerald has won contests outside of the WLSC while growing up, but he has competed in the World’s Largest Steppers Contest four times – 2000, 2002, 2012, and 2015.
Some of the steppers from Gerald’s neighborhood who were memorable to him were Clank, Steve, Blinkie & Bo who were brothers, Kevin, Abrams, Lil Alfred, Antwan Crawford, Gene & Barry, Doc & Giggles, Beaver – his twin brother, Chester Jackson, and Lep Papa JB AKA Jerome Brown. Some of the memorable ladies Gerald mentioned were Mary Foster, Kim Bolls, Linda Foster Sistetes, Brenda and Tudar Sisters, Debbie & Val sisters, Tay Tay..and Laurie Ann Clay. Gerald loves the steppers, the music, and the ability to create. Steppin’ creates an atmosphere of love, camaraderie, fellowship, and a feeling of family.
Why haven’t you traveled to step before?
I didn’t travel to step before because I was closed-minded about spending money to travel out-of-state to do something that I can do for $5, $10, $20 right here in Chicago. I wasn’t ready yet spiritually or mentally.
Why did you decide to go to Black and Bling event in Dallas?
I decided that Black & Bling would be my first out-of-town stepping trip. The hosts definitely conveyed a feeling of hospitality. I was present for all four days.
What were you expecting to be different about stepping outside of Chicago?
I expected many more different people. I expected to see stepping I didn’t know or hadn’t seen before, and more new people to step with.
What were the highlights and most memorable parts of your weekend in Dallas?
The dances, music, and most of all, the love and fellowship of the steppers. Add the hospitality of Texas Boys and the staff.
Is there anything you would change about the event?
Absolutely nothing.
How was it dancing with ladies from outside of Chicago?
It felt phenomenal dancing with so many gifted ladies outside of Chicago. I had an awesome time.
Is there any aspect of this weekend event that you would want to see in Chicago?
Chicago would do well to follow the exact same format of multiple rooms with different DJs and free food and drinks.
Will you travel to more weekend events now or be back to the Black & Bling event in 2022?
I will be traveling to more stepping events out of town and definitely back to Black and Bling in 2022. I loved the awesome energy and creative enhancement.
Check out the Inside Steppin’ Full Review of Black & Bling 2021
Check out Tony Adway’s Full Review of Black & Bling 2021
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Welcome! I am the writer Sonji Stewart. These are my travel stories about my Chicago Stepping experiences, traveling from city to city to dance. I hope my stories encourage you to join me in the adventure.
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