The North Carolina Annual People’s Choice Awards were created so that groups in North Carolina could come together and recognize fellow steppers for their contributions to the growth, efforts and progress of their home community. Pre-selected categories for the first four years included Most Traveled, Best Dressed and Most Improved to name a few. North Carolina recognized that it is harder in bigger cities like Detroit, Atlanta or Chicago for steppers to be acknowledged and appreciated for what they are doing in North Carolina. “Here we recognize each other, where we were, and how far we have come. That’s what it was about and that’s what it is still about,” says Patrick.
The awardees will be determined a little differently for 2016. This year six groups are participating. Each group will determine their own 5 categories of recognition and select the final awardees from their own group for each category. Unlike previous years, there won’t be an online ballot with an open vote for pre-selected categories. This change was important to give more people an opportunity to be recognized within their group. When announced at the awards, it will be a surprise to everybody – even Patrick. Steppers not in a group also have a chance to be recognized with an award. A special panel will select five categories and awardees for non-group steppers.
Award recipients receive a trophy and bragging rights to claim their recognition for 2016. Moreover, the award puts individuals on the stepping map and gives folks the incentive to continue the good work and know that their efforts are noticed and appreciated. “The awards have been successful, but I would like for them to be more successful,” says Patrick. There is a positive difference because people who didn’t win one year sometimes make the effort to do differently and end up winning the next year – even in multiple categories. Then, those that have won want to continue to win so they make an effort to reclaim their award and try to keep that level throughout the year. Patrick, himself, has won for Best Dressed and other categories.
Patrick, Why should steppers from other states attend the awards? “Folks should come because they will be able to see the love that we show for each other. Hopefully what they see in us will translate over to them and they can take it back to their home state. People from the outside will be able to see the camaraderie, the love and support we have for each other here. We just want to be able to know that we see each other, the progress, the instructors, the DJ’s, the new people that are really trying and we see the guys who work the room like crazy sweating and changing shirts. We see you and want to recognize you.”
The North Carolina Peoples Choice Awards are hosted by DJ Patrick Garrett and Bianca on November 4-5, 2016 in Raleigh. Friday evening starts with dancing. On Saturday, Drewry Alexander will host a 3 hour boot camp for men and women followed by the award show on Saturday night. I encourage you to be a part of this moment.
