Camille “Cami” Taylor is fifteen years old. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Cami now lives in Texas. From the midwest, music and dance is akin to her spirit. Kathleen “Tabu Peadie”Wiggins calls her “a master in the making” and others agree. I was curious on how Cami felt about that title and how she is growing in this dance, Chicago Style Steppin’.
She was first introduced to steppin’ when she went to class with her Mom and watched while they practiced and she did her homework. It looked like fun, so one day she decided to join the basic circle and she has been steppin’ ever since. It’s been 4 years now! This young stepper credits her learning to a lot of people. She started with David Hempville and Jodi Nash who were under Snoopy King. When Ted Williams came to Texas, she learned a lot more in his classes. “Most of what you see in my dance now I learned with Ted Williams because I have been with him a lot longer,” she says. She doesn’t do other styles of dance yet but wants to learn the Texas Swing Out and Salsa when she is more advanced in steppin’ so she doesn’t mix the dances.
Why did you start your blog “Cami A Young Stepper’s Journey?” My Mom came up with the idea of starting the blog, and I ran with it. At first, it was just videos of me dancing but then we added interviews about the history, different people’s view of the dance, and how they learned it first or were brought into it. I also started to include traveling blogs and past travel experiences and that is how it started really and became my blog on Facebook, “Cami A Young Stepper’s Journey?”
One of Cami’s primary goals for her blog is to capture the history of the dance and take it further. “We know the dance came from Chicago, but why did people do this dance? Why did it start growing? I want to learn more about it and share it,” Cami says. She would like to interview Jannice Robertson and Kim Bowie again. She believes they have a lot more to say and can teach us a lot about the history of this dance and want to share it with everyone else. She would also like to interview Sam Chapman. “He has been around for a really long time. I would like to hear his story and perspective of the dance and history.”
Although her dance now is mostly new school she is beginning to learning more old school and has learned a lot from Kathleen Wiggins and Charnice Simmons. Kim Bowie is someone else that she would like to continue learning old school from. She admits she is trying to learn and it is very difficult. Everyone, look out for her! Cami says she would consider competing to show people what she’s got and of course, have fun!
Are you engaged in other hobbies or activities that are just as important as steppin’? Yes! I am not steppin’ 24/7. I am a young person that needs experience in different things. I am doing my school work but I am in theatre too which takes up a lot of my time. I have a musical at the end of this month and all of this month I have rehearsals every day. I enjoy musical theatre and acting.
Cami admits that she is not very good with the names of songs especially when it is old school R&B music. I was floored when she called R&B old school but I have to remember I am no longer the youngest generation. Cami says, “She enjoys old school music because the beat and the music makes you dance differently in a good way. It is good to hear the different types and styles of music.”
What is the most exciting city that you have stepped in? The most exciting city was Chicago. This is where the dance originated from, and there are so many people there that do this dance and so many classes you can attend to learn from. I like to travel to new places too – Miami, Atlanta, and St. Louis. There are so many great places it is hard to choose one. I have school, and it is important so I only travel a couple of times each year.
Cami doesn’t attend regular steppin’ classes now since her closest class was 45 minutes away in Arlington. She would take privates from instructors that come in town every so often. Now, that Drewry Alexander is in Texas his class is closer and she will be attending more often.
How do you feel when people give you the title “Master in the Making?” When people say that it makes me feel really, really good because it is a very high title. I also feel a lot of pressure because people may think I am going to be an amazing dancer when I get older. I feel I have to live up to that expectation. I am just gonna take it slow for now and learn what I learn and not try to be a master so soon. I feel good but it is a lot of pressure. We will see what happens when it happens.
Do you get nervous when you dance with the Masters? I think how kind but don’t worry about it too much and just think about having fun. I don’t want to put myself under too much pressure.
Cami’s journey so far has taken her to many cities and you can see her videos on You Tube and Facebook as well. She has danced with many great dancers like Westside Mike Bush and Maurice Thomas. When someone loves Chicago Style Steppin’ this much, they often make an effort to make it contagious, and Cami has tried. Cami has encouraged her friends her age to learn the dance as well, but they are not that interested. She acknowledges the talent of fellow young dancers Bryce and Olivia, from Atlanta and Antonio, one of Drewry Alexander’s younger students.
Cami’s Word of Advice to New Steppers: “Don’t be nervous. Have fun. Do what you do? Don’t want to change or adapt because you don’t look how someone else wants you to look. Define your own style.”
Thank you Cami for sharing your point of view and insight on Chicago Style Steppin’ with me. You are truly an example of the stepper truly “living the 8 count.” I see a bright future ahead of you and I hope that you do achieve your goals in this dance. Keep dancing! Keep blogging!
Sonji
You are very welcome. It is always good to hear a fresh perspective on the dance and we often overlook the chances right in front of us. So I really walked away with tidbits that spoke to me that I am already acting on.
Margaret Taylor
Thank you so much for taking the time and allowing Cami to share her thoughts!