Cynthia Catoe-Warren has been steppin’ Chicago style for a year now and is one of the steppers in my local area Hampton Roads, Virginia. I was thrilled when she told me she made it to her first weekend event in Arlington, Virginia at Steppin’ In Our Nation’s Capital Steppers – even if it was just for one day. Another new stepper made her debut and literally stepped out of Hampton Roads, Virginia to gain some new experience. A stepper can learn so much about themselves when they break new ground and travel to dance with new people. Cynthia shares what she learned from achieving this milestone in her steppin’ journey.
How long have you been steppin’ Chicago style? I actually started learning the 8 count a couple of years ago for about 3 months, but my instructor then, Ernest Williams, changed the class schedule and I was no longer able to attend. Then I heard about a class in the fall of 2016, which my schedule allowed me to attend. I have been steppin ever since.
What drew you to Chicago style steppin’? A few years ago, when I was heavily into urban linedancing, I used to linedance on a tv show called Grown Folks, and that was the first time I ever heard of steppin’. I said “WOW! They look so cool. I want to do that.” It couldn’t be much different than hand dancing and the hustle.
What was holding you back from traveling before now? I was afraid that I would not get too many dances. As a beginner, when I attended sets in my own town the only people who would dance with me were the instructors and a hand full of gentlemen. I was lucky if I had gotten 5 dances, so I thought there was no way in the world I was going to spend money to travel and sit at a table all night.
So the DC set was your first out of town event, why did you decide to go to DC?I’ve been steppin’ for a year now, and I figured I need to go out and get some experience. I noticed at the events no two men had the same style, so if I want to be good at this I have to go a lot further than the Hampton Roads. So in my mind, I would take baby steps and try Steppin in our Nation’s Capital Event DC – on the day of the brunch.
What were you looking forward to the most? Steppin’ with different men from different cities.
How did you choose what to wear (even the shoes)? From past experience in my local area, I knew the Sunday brunches were very casual and comfortable. I chose a pair of jeans, with a cute red T-shirt and stilettos to match. I also brought a pair of sneakers, but I knew that wasn’t going to be worn too much because I can barely walk in flats. LOL
What did you do to get ready for your debut traveling weekend? I practiced form, meaning not looking down, and a couple of moves. The funny thing is when I look down, I’m not looking at my partner’s feet. I’m feeling the music, so I decided to limit that to when I’m free styling for a very brief moment. LOL.
At the end of it all what were the weekend surprises? A gentleman remembered me from the NYCE Entertainment event and the Emerald Set in 2016, and both of them danced with me. Also, I went to the after party which I really had not planned on doing.
Did you attend any workshops or do a private? No. I only attended the Sunday Brunch.
What has this experience unveiled to you about yourself and your dance? My steppin’ ability is better than I thought, and need to have more confidence in myself when it comes to steppin’.
What did you enjoy the most about the weekend? Dancing with the gentlemen who were not from my area, and meeting new people.
Did you meet new people and did you dance with anyone from Chicago? I met a couple of people, but I do not know what area they were from. I did dance with one of my instructors who is from Chicago (Damon Rose), if that counts. I even shocked him and got down with him when he was getting it in. Not sure what got into to me, but I couldn’t just sit there and let him have all of the fun alone, so I joined in with him and mimicked one of his moves. ROTFLMBO. It tickled him. I think it even shocked him a little from the look on his face, and a couple of my fellow steppers were on the side cheering me on.
What is the next out of town stepper weekend in your travel plans? I don’t have anything planned just yet, but Orlando is looking might good right about now.
What did this experience teach you to do differently for the next event? To go and just have fun. Don’t worry about who is going to ask me to dance. If I find myself sitting too long well I will just get up and walk my happy hips to a gentleman and request a dance. After all, that is what I came to do – step.