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Tonya Foreman is an instructor from Eastern North Carolina, a comparatively isolated steppin’ community. She has been in the health and fitness industry for 26 years. Tonya has taught fitness classes, and choreographed and supervised other genres of dance besides Chicago Style Steppin’ – soul line dance, hip hop, Latin dance, country line dance, and cheerleading. Seven years ago Chicago stole her heart, and that passion led her to purchase and renovate her own dance studio. She is the proud owner of the Mochas Dance Studio in Greenville, NC where she teaches and shares her love and passion for steppin’, provides a location for events in her community and serves as an incubator for other business owners. Tonya is the founder of Eastern Carolina Steppers and a member of 2 other Carolina groups –  SNS (Steppin ‘N Style) and GLOW (Gifted League of Women of the Carolinas).

Why did you start instructing?
I started instructing out of necessity. In my profession, I meet a lot of people. After I started steppin, others wanted to be introduced to the dance. Because, I did not want to put the cart before the horse, initially, I brought instructors here as often as I could and encouraged them to travel with me to take classes. However, I soon realized that with balancing other priorities, people in my area could not travel to get classes often enough to grow in the dance. Because, I wanted to share my passion with people in my area, I began to invest more time and resources in understanding the fundamentals so that I could help sustain their interest and continue to share the dance.
Many people start different dances and it becomes a hobby or something they do once in a while. Why did you stick with Chicago Style Steppin'?
Steppin' is a passion for me. lol. My students laugh at me because I get “steppers withdrawal” if I go too long without getting to a set and will drive hours to get my time in… alone if I have to. I love the originality and creativity that I experience in each dance as I adjust to the flow of each partner and enjoy the challenge. The music is awesome. I also love the etiquette, culture, the community and the atmosphere is respectful. In addition, I have developed relationships with people all of the country. What more could you ask?
Who taught you how to step?
When paying tribute to those that poured into and vested in me as a stepper, I thank Dena Morrison, Patrick Garrett, Erika Little, Sharvin Whitted, Sarah Teagle and Jonathan Green. In addition, I continue to be greatly inspired and motivated by "Tall Rick" Wetherspoon and Cheryl "Sugarfoot" Powe and take classes from them whenever I get the opportunity. Through these relationships, I have also been exposed to and influenced by other steppers that I feel exemplify excellence in the dance like Keith Hubbard, Tyk Man, Royce Banks, Drewry Alexander, Angie Faine and Charnice Simmons to name a few.
What levels do you teach-beginners, intermediate, advanced?
I do teach all levels, but I focus on fundamentals and providing a solid foundation.
Do you teach the male lead?
I do. I realized immediately that I would have to learn to lead in order to grow classes being that I live a little more than an hour away from the instructors that are part of my support system.
What is your specialty?
I don’t know that I would describe myself as having a specialty. Although a lot of people think that I do footwork, I just focus on fundamentals, following my lead, enjoy the music and let what comes natural occur. In my opinion, if you want to grow in this art form, you have to have a solid foundation. Having said that, I focus on fundamentals for myself and my students. Otherwise, I humbly choose to leave some things to the veterans to maintain the integrity of the dance and encourage my students to join me when I go places and support the leaders in our dance community as well as get in as many dances as they can when we go to sets. Even as an instructor, I believe it is important to stay in my lane. By respecting and supporting those who have gone before me, we will all grow.
What is your goal for your students?
I introduce my students to a respectful social outlet in a positive atmosphere and help them develop an appreciation for Chicago Style Steppin from the root up. If I am successful, they will develop that same passion for the dance and culture that I have and understand that while with the right attitude you will enjoy every moment that you invest, it takes time to cultivate your dance and grow as a stepper, which also promotes sustainable growth for our community.
How do you motivate your students?
20160717_001826In my classes we function like an extended family. Having said that, when you walk into Mocha’s it is a judgment and drama free zone. I understand that everyone is not a natural dancer and, even for those who are, steppin might just throw you a curve ball right from the beginning with the stepper’s beat and the count so I promote patience by being patient. Also, I work with a lot of professionals who are leaders in their fields so we check all titles and egos at the door and keep the atmosphere light and fun. Every class is like a reunion. We can’t wait to get together again to share our journey. We have a lot of fun and have developed some great relationships.
How do you continue to learn as the dance evolves?
Candidly, while I respect everyone, I do not focus my energy on how the dance is evolving. I have a huge amount of respect for Chicago Style Steppin, as an art form and want to preserve the culture and community so it can continue to grow and not perish. Dancers in other genres have remained true to their dance’s origin and preserved their dance for years and years. If those of us who have been introduced to steppin, do not respect and safeguard the dance and its roots, we will inadvertently participate in annihilating its existence. Having said that, as I continue to learn and grow as a stepper, I intentionally seek individuals who are authentic and teach strong fundamentals and etiquette so that I can enjoy a dance with anyone on any level thus become part of the culture and community rather than participate in a “spin off”.
When and where are your classes?
I offer classes at my studio - Mocha Dancing Studio. We offer a Men's Class on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and a combined class on Sundays from 5-7 p.m. I also teach in Raleigh with SNS on 2nd and 4th Fridays at TJ's. [Class details are on the Calendar.]
What advice do you have for a new stepper looking for a class or instructor?
Intentionally seek individuals who are authentic and teach strong fundamentals and etiquette so you can grow to enjoy dances with anyone on any level. Also, seek someone who respects the culture and community and promotes its growth unselfishly.
Where can we see you on the dance floor next?
I will be with my Steppin 'N Style's family at our Anniversary Set in Raleigh, NC on August 26th and 27th and Capital City Stepper’s “Work the Floor on any Thursday night that I can get to Raleigh to support. Then, the collaborative effort of GLOW in Fort Mills, South Carolina on September 17th after which, I will be “Steppin In The Nation’s Capital” with Norm Cherry and plan to visit Atlanta and hopefully get out to Chicago before it gets too cold.