Back to Our Roots Stepping Into 2023 In Atlanta

In 2016 when I launched my blog, livingthe8count, my regular trips back and forth to Atlanta inspired the earliest segment of stepping stories and experiences. I started traveling from Virginia Beach to Atlanta to Ms. Mary’s monthly set and workshops. I was in almost every workshop. Her rotation of monthly instructors out of Chicago exposed the South to many stepping instructors who are not always on flyers and traveling to teach. When I was a new stepper, this stepping community offered a great lineup of steppers – beginners to advanced – that allowed me to dance with different people at all levels.

Atlanta was also a place where I met many people in the stepping community originally from Chicago. I always felt welcomed here and enjoyed my time on the sets. Remember when the tagline for livingthe8count was “The east coast perspective on Chicago Stepping?” We have expanded so much since then, and the breadth of our stories covers much more than just east coast opinions. So, moving to the Atlanta area has taken me back to my Chicago Stepping roots. And it’s official I live here now!

Experiencing Atlanta from the Inside

I only go out on New Year’s Eve when I am with my significant other. To be different, I made it out to The Midwest Connection’s 5^th Saturday New Year’s Eve Warm Up in Sandy Springs, Georgia. I had a great time, and many people showed up for the dancing and celebration. I was back home by 10 p.m. A day party on New Year’s Eve was just the option I needed. I look forward to more Fifth Saturday sets. Everyone’s warmth and embrace make me feel so good. I thought I knew everybody, but I am meeting many new people, and I love it. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to hold my hand, lead me to somebody, and introduce me and my blog to new steppers. Angela and CJ, you do the most to move me around the room, and I love it!

Atlanta From the Inside

Some things have changed now that I am here as a local to Atlanta:

1. I get a seat at the set every time. Thank you, Abi, Melanie, and Tonya, for the table welcome, food, libations, and seat for the night and Lamont and Tamela for the day party resting spot
2. When any DJ calls for out-of-towners on the mic, I must stop myself.
3. I leave the stepper set much later than I plan to “every” time. It’s easy to lose track of time with the music, the vibe, and the people.

First Friday and Saturday with Chicken Wang and Ms. Mary

The first weekend in Atlanta was one to remember at both Chicken Wang’s First Friday and Ms. Mary’s Day Party. I must expand my wardrobe. The birthday honorees were dressed to the hilt for their birthday strolls and roses on Friday night. Steppers were dressed like they were getting on the WLSC stage in 2022. Bling! Bling! And a special mention goes out to Zee Thomas for the cat stroll and animal print takeover. Simply beautiful! DJ Myron and DJ Sampsonite, I love you for your musical soundscape and how you make people feel when you are the DJ. You do so much for us. DJ K Boogie, you know how to start a network in the room and that Chicago segment lit my heart.

Many people filled the dance floor at Ms. Mary’s Day Party. We were stepping day and night. The hospitality, camaraderie, dance floor, and people all come together perfectly for a great time. I still don’t know that new line dance and will be watching for a while. Steppers sure know how to have a great time!

This weekend, I socialized as much as I danced. It was good to see Virginia ladies in the house – Carla with Silent Parties, Cynthia, and Amanda. You light up the room every time. I look forward to many more meet-ups like this with people from many places. And seeing Black Mary from Chicago out in Atlanta this weekend was one of the best surprises.

Photo Credit: Cedric Johnson

Is the Heritage Ball Coming Back

I had conversations with people I met who did not know who she was. Most importantly, I had to go to the source about the Heritage Ball and talked briefly with Cheryl Powe of Good Deeds International.  She responded, “It’s coming.” Yes! That’s all I needed to know. I don’t know if it will be back in Atlanta or when, but I loved her response. Thank you, Jeff Clark, for stirring up social conversation amongst the steppers about bringing back the Heritage Ball.

The Equal Importance of Tradition and Evolution

On another note, some things have changed on dance floors in many cities. I realize how much simple traditions and customs in the community helped me enjoy Chicago Stepping. Getting back to the roots reminded me of those practices. I hope that getting two dances in a row, escorting a lady to and from her seat, and dancing until the song’s end never leave the stepping community, no matter our age. In 2023 let’s bring back the tradition and soul of Chicago Stepping. We can do this together – hold on to our traditions and be with The Movement.

Next up, it’s time for a trip back to Chicago. And our first 2023 blog interview publishes next week to introduce you to one of the dynamic dancers straight out of the Chi. Enjoy the MLK Weekend!