A Different Reason to Step. Meet Stepper Al Bowmen

The best part of meeting stepper Al Bowmen is knowing where he is coming from. I met Al a long time ago in Virginia Beach at a stepper set. He is one of the most understanding, patient people I know and my ace boon coon.

Al Bowmen is from Atlanta, GA. He has moved to different cities since I have known him. Just when I think he has disappeared off the steppin’ scene completely or got caught up in skating or work, he surprises me by showing up at a weekend event randomly, or pops up unexpectedly in Chicago or another city.

Here is the interview with Al.

How were you introduced to Chicago style stepping?

I was introduced to steppin’ by Ronnie “Ronnie B” Burnett. We met while moving from one apartment to another in the same complex. He told me he was from Chicago. Ronnie let me use his dolly to move stuff upstairs since I did not have one. While overseas I had heard about steppin’. I called Ronnie up one Sunday and we went to a set at Jay’s Place in Stone Mountain in 2005.

Why did you start stepping? 

As a social outlet. After returning from Iraq in 2004, whenever I tried to go out I felt uncomfortable and uneasy being around crowds.  I was diagnosed with PTSD and when I started steppin’ it became more like therapy. The more I went out to step, it became less about me being on my toes and watchful, and more about having fun. People on the steppers set were peaceful, calm, grown black people enjoying life. I enjoyed that. I saw steppin’ on Sunday, and on Thursday I was out at Ellery’s trying it.

Al with miss Mary and the Platinum Brothers. PTSD is Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it.

Did you learn by watching or did someone instruct you?

Ronnie instructed me for a while when I first started. He gave me some pointers and introduced me to a style to get me started. As I moved around I saw different styles.

What was the most difficult part for you learning to step?

Learning different patterns and routines have always been very difficult for me. When someone gives me instruction or shows me a move, I need every little step.  My instruction needs to be very detailed for me to pick it up. 

I see you dance differently.  Why do you think I say that? 

Because I don’t think I have ever had a defined instructor that I went to consistently. Ronnie instructed me for 2 years and I went to classes here and there. Ronnie taught me how he was taught.  “Here is the basic pattern. If the woman is here, you need to be there.” I didn’t have that structured class the way most other people are taught. My dance has always been free and open. For me, it’s about having fun in the moment. I am not as concerned as other people are about the lady I am dancing with messing up. Certainly, some technical things have to be done, but steppin’ is an art you create with the other person. You don’t have to look like everyone else.  Dance and have fun with it.

2005 until now is a long time. Do you consider yourself advanced? 

I have been off and on. Sometimes I don’t dance for an entire year. I move around a lot being in the military. I consider myself a beginner. In some ways, I would not be a beginner. I am between beginner and intermediate.

What do you think you still have to learn? 

There is so much more for me to know. More patience with the dance.

What is your word of advice to a new stepper? 

Know why you are steppin’.  Everyone has their reasons for doing what they do.  Overall have fun.

Do you have mentors in this dance or someone whose style you like?

Ronnie is my mentor and I have my Platinum Brothers from Atlanta. It’s the only group I claim and I don’t do groups or get involved in politics. I moved to California and met Tony Dow. He is a mentor as well. I know people, but I don’t talk to a lot of people about the dance. And, I move around.  Since I have been in Detroit Sherry Gordon is also someone I can talk to about the dance. There are a lot of people I see and I love their styles of dance. There are too many to mention.

Would you say you are a new school or old school stepper?

I don’t know. I have never thought about it. Coming up and learning in this era makes me new school, but the person that taught me was old school.  I would like to be more old school.  A lot of people don’t teach old school. How do you learn something that people don’t teach?

As with every conversation, Al leaves me wondering or saying hmm. It was not the easiest task to interview someone I already knew very well. He is one of the most interesting, inspirational people I have met in the community. Thank you Al for letting me share your story.