The general sentiment I heard from all directions on the Indiana contest performances was that everyone looked and danced the same. If this contest successfully exposed the up-and-coming steppers of the Chicago Style Steppin’ community, should we be worried about the present and the future of Chicago Style Steppin’?
I remember in early 2012, in my first year as a stepper, I was already bored from what I had been exposed to as steppin’. Everyone looked the same in my city. This dance did not excite me anymore. One day I happened to watch a YouTube video of Lady Margaret dancing at Stepaganza in a green emerald dress. That video changed my outlook and perception of what it means to step Chicago style. I went to Chicago to WLSC that year to find that dance. I discovered, steppin’ is not just about learning the fundamentals but taking what I learn in class, making it my own and putting my unique stamp on it. This is my definition of “find independence in your dance.” Be distinct from others. Don’t be a clone. Be you. As a contestant, this is especially important when I end up on stage competing against an instructor I have gleaned from. If you can’t have an attitude on the dance floor based on your own persona’s reaction to the song, you’re not really steppin’.
I make some intentional choices in my journey to learn Chicago style steppin’ to not look like anyone else or copy someone’s dance. I’ve seen in some of the 2018 WLSC prelims already where some have changed their dance and now look just like their instructors. I watch and wonder “What happened?” To my instructors past and present, if I don’t replicate exactly what you’ve shown me either in class or on the dance floor, yes, I am stubborn but don’t lose patience. At some moments I am experimenting in the lesson and doing what feels right to me. Then there are times that I just don’t get it.
How is it possible to create a unique identity in this dance? Hasn’t everything possible been done already and claimed by someone else? There are some steppers that I can see just in silhouette and know exactly who they are and identify signature moves like the Lady Margaret windmill, the Ty Skippy running shuffle or the Tyk Mann finger wag – as I have coined them. Try your own moves and footwork. Dance in front of the mirror. Listen.
From another perspective, Ty Skippy told me “Don’t try to learn this dance from people that don’t ever want to see you dance any better than them.” I understand that side of the coin too and I heed the warning, but can we blame the instructors? I believe any student is responsible for his or her dance. Instructors use their experience to show and teach the fundamentals and ways to use our bodies – what looks good and what you should never do again. LOL! I’ve heard that a couple of times. As steppers we should not be afraid to try something new and different and count on what is within us – our imagination and feelings – to reveal who we really are in our dance. Color your lessons. In the spirit of the 4th of July holiday, celebrate and seek out independence in different ways. Lastly, but most important, believe …
The fire within you burns brighter than the fire around you.
