Remembering the Chicago “Lowend Legend” Kim Bowie

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Kim Bowie, a legend in the Chicago Stepping community, gained his wings on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The announcement on Saturday sent a shockwave through our community. Videos, photos, posts, and interviews flooded social media to celebrate a man well-loved by many and acknowledge a life well-lived. The story of his life through posts centered around a man who cherished lifelong friendships, deeply loved his wife, Pat, and prioritized family, and a selfless friend who was there for others.  Videos captured over time framed his passion and commitment for this dance and the five decades Kim Bowie dedicated to Chicago Stepping. 

Five Things I Will Remember About Kim Bowie

When I talk to new steppers about the Legend, Kim Bowie, and what I know about him, this is what I’d say: 

1. When I visited Chicago, I usually saw Kim Bowie at Visions on Wednesdays at The Davneys United We Step. Sometimes I saw him at Noble Entertainment Center at MVK’s Thursday set. He was energetic and walked with purpose and a pep in his step. I could feel his presence. He didn’t move very far on the set without hugging and greeting several people and he always stopped to say hello to me.
2. His attire was always coordinated head-to-toe, and I can’t remember seeing him without a hat or ball cap. His ball cap always matched his kicks. And when he was full out stepper sharp, he was well dressed, clean, and his shoes were always extra shiny. 
3. I danced with Kim Bowie many times when I saw him, but not every time, because sometimes I wanted to stand back and watch him dance. Sometimes, while I was dancing with someone at the set, I’d see him approach on the sideline, and he’d tap in and dance with me. That’s how our dances started. He did that a lot on the set.
4. A few years ago, I approached Kim Bowie for an interview, drawn by his commanding presence that defied his small frame. That in itself was a story and lesson in confidence and showmanship for all of us. He never cared about the size of his dance partner—he’d take any hand and put on a show. Whenever we danced, our height difference disappeared, and it felt like he and I had been partners for years—but nothing compared to the magic of watching him dance with his wife, Pat.
5. His dance style was unmistakable and made him unforgettable on the set. His signature moves – quick tap-taps on his partner’s wrists, a dramatic backwards fall into their arms, a sudden dart across the floor before returning, the rapid kicks, and the squeeze. Most of his moves echoed the illusions and elements of the Originals. He was great at man-on-man. He competed in the Masters in 2021 staying true to his style. Kim Bowie was an entertainer. 

We never did a formal interview, but I learned so much about Chicago Stepping and this dance culture from him in our conversations. He was one of the first people who made me realize, when I have his attention, this is the interview – nothing formal, just talking. Thank you, Kim Bowie, for all you’ve imparted to me and for the dances. My last dance with him was on February 2, 2025, at the R Lounge at DJ Cross’ Sunday night set. We danced for a long time. I will not forget Kim Bowie and those hands. I send heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. 

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For newer steppers who do not know Kim Bowie and want to know about him, here is a 2015 interview with him from I Love Steppin