Stepping Lifestyle + Culture
Chicago Stepping lifestyle and culture is an enchanting aspect of African-American dance and social history. The dance originated within the African-American community in Chicago. It’s storytelling, socializing, and community building. The essence of Stepping culture directly reflected life in Chicago communities.
“Stepping is a lifestyle.“
Culture Shifts in Stepping
The evolution of Chicago Stepping culture is fostered by the growing urge for self-expression, holding on to stepping traditions, and the pursuit of keeping the dance alive. The tensions and fabric of our nationwide stepping culture are seen through the similarities and differences of the people, dance instruction, events, etiquette, contests, and fashion.
More about the stepping culture in Chicago and other cities!
Etiquette
Etiquette and respect are paramount on and off the dance floor in Chicago Stepping and help to honor the traditions and history of stepping. Class instruction for men and women who learn to step should include sharing the rules of etiquette to help foster a welcoming environment for steppers. Etiquette is a distinguishing element of stepping culture that honors women and how to treat a lady.
Events
Events in the stepping community are to bring steppers from different cities together to dance, attend instructional workshops, and have a good time. Different social groups host and execute steppers events that may go for three to four days or longer. Events usually have a theme for parties and elaborate activities to do as a group. An event is a chance to discover a different city and connect with new people. You can find a happening weekend event almost any time of the year.
People
It is amazing how learning to step and understand the principles for advancing beyond the basic foundation is appreciating individuality and self-expression. The lives of our stepping heroes are about more than dance.
- The most profound steppers who make a mark in stepping are people who don’t dim their lights for anyone
- They are influencers, entertainers, educators, thinkers, creative minds, advocates, and leaders.
- The people’s stories are the most affluent part of the culture’s fabric and have been shared across generations for decades.
Fashion
Fashion is one of the most prevalent ways of self-expression for steppers. In the stepping community, the combination of our dance and our look creates our persona. Just as many of us are known for our personal fashion sense as we are known for our dance. Fashion is a big part of the experience, and intentional party themes and colors keep us imagining and creative. Welcome to a space for exploring fashion and personal style in African American culture in many ways.
Contests
Contests in the social scene or the big stage are a chance for steppers to “show out” and compete. The spirit of competition is emphasized in the Original style of stepping.
- All different dance styles may be seen in a steppers contest and are usually performed in different categories.
- Contests happen throughout the year and are prevalent in the Midwest
- There are contest categories for every level of experience
- Anyone can win money, a trophy, and bragging rights.
Recent Discussion Topics | Join the conversation in our Facebook group
Footwork.
Can you teach it? Can you be a great dancer WITHOUT footwork?
Footwork is the cornerstone of this dance. You can mimic someone’s footwork but you can’t teach the heart behind someone’s expression of it……and that’s where the real work begins. Join in on this Facebook group thread
Stepping Anywhere. Where else have you been stepping outside of the stepper set?
Interesting! I do it all the time if I have my EarPods on ! Airports definitely! I actually met Jerry Dunham Jr at Midway Airport because he was stepping in baggage claim! Join in on this Facebook group thread
Birthday Lines. Are we phasing them out? What do you like or not like about the birthday line?
Birthdays should be celebrated with a Dance. I enjoy the birthday line. Let the the tradition continue. Join in on this Facebook group thread.
“A follower’s dance is only as good as the person leading her.” Do you agree?
A good lead assesses the skill level of the follower within the first 15 seconds of the dance, and adjusts his lead accordingly – 85% within their capability, 15% challenging. Join in on this Facebook group thread.
What do you love most about the culture? Take the poll.
Many cultural factors attract people from everywhere to fall in love with Chicago Stepping and join the dance. Stepping combines my passion for dance, fashion, and travel. This experience fuels my creativity for all three.
This community is about more than stepping and has been a journey of self actualization for many people before they even figured it out.
Photo Credit: NYCE Entertainment