How Mentorship Honors Black History in Chicago Stepping
INSPIRED BY:
In the livingthe8count Facebook group, a member asked about establishing a Steppers weekend. Experienced event promoters shared insights and guidance, making it a valuable moment of mentorship. And now, I have something to say.
February is Black History Month, but in the Chicago Stepping community, mentorship honors Black History all year long. It preserves cultural heritage, fosters leadership, and empowers future generations. Daily acts of mentorship within our community elevate Chicago Stepping beyond just a dance. They help preserve and transfer vital knowledge, sharing not only the steps and style but also the culture, etiquette, and values that define and orchestrate this experience. Through mentorship, we ensure that the traditions of Chicago Stepping are passed down, creating a deeper connection and sense of purpose for those involved.
Preservation, Traditions and Shaping through Mentorship
Mentorship is the lifeblood of the Stepping experience, preserving its heritage and shaping its future. By teaching etiquette and culture, we honor tradition while empowering the next generation. Conversations—like the recent discussion on Stepping events—are powerful moments of mentorship, where shared wisdom and lessons inspire future leaders. When we pass down knowledge and stories, we bridge generations, ensuring that Chicago Stepping not only endures but flourishes. Woven into the very fabric of our community, mentorship strengthens our foundation, keeping us connected and thriving for years to come.
Walking a Mile in the Shoes of a Mentee
From my Stepping journey, I have countless stories of mentors who guided me along the way. I am a mentee. Without my mentors, launching this blog, learning to step, and competing may not have been as rewarding. Some of the most valuable lessons were not just about Chicago Stepping but about whom to trust with my vulnerabilities. When I was headstrong about my position or opinions, the people who cared said, “Keep on living.” Since 2011, my journey has been one of growth, new intentions, and incredible experiences. It’s been a wonderful ride.
Mentorship is the heart of any thriving community, a natural flow where we learn and grow from one another. That’s life. In the world of Stepping, many dancers and steppers find guidance from mentors as they perfect their craft. But mentorship doesn’t stop there—it spans DJs, event promoters, entrepreneurship, media, and beyond. This is just a glimpse of the many ways mentorship shapes our community. Through mentorship, we carry Chicago Stepping forward, passing it down to the next generation. Let’s celebrate this gift of mentorship, embracing it in every corner of our community throughout the year.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on mentorship, so I posed a question for discussion. Join the conversation and share your insights in our private Facebook group: [Discussion Post – Mentorship]. Let’s keep the dialogue going! And if you are not on Facebook, you can post comments here at the end of this blog post. Thank you for your readership.
LEARN TO STEP
- Find an instructor
- Join the culture
- Enjoy the music
- Love the people
- Travel and learn
Thanks ma’am I didn’t really capture the question but now that I have I can say Yes to mentorship if you can truly find someone who has the heart and time. I see alot and I hear alot more negative than positive and most of it.comes from ego, insecurity and privilege. I would like a “mentor” in the stepping community just “because” I am a dancer I love to dance and it brings peace in those time of confusion 😉