The Introduction. Who Is Reggie Miles?
Every year in St. Louis I meet someone new that I know I need to sit down and have a long conversation with. This year, Tony Adway introduced me to Reggie Miles and we’ve had several conversations since May. When I first met Reggie I had no idea of the legend that had crossed my path. Let’s start this conversation with “Who is Reggie Miles?”
Reggie Miles is from Chicago, Illinois – born and raised.
When I asked Reggie how long he’s been steppin’, he said, “He can’t really say how long I have been Steppin’ however, I’ve danced nearly 50 years and I don’t consider the dance that I do or have done to be “Steppin” as it is described today in 2019. I don’t have a pattern, count, or a myriad of turns as some who engage in the art form today. My dance is simple. I focus on finding a vibe with my partner through the music that we hear. Feeling the music and dancing to the rhythm of the beat is how I dance. I keep time in my hands. The dance that I do originates from Chicago. It is called Bopping so I’m a Bopper and I love to Bop.”
Reggie said, “Steppin’ began after I learned to dance.”
I was social partner dancing years before “Steppin’ came to the scene. My older brothers and cousins introduced me to going to “sets” and dancing with women in the late 60’s. I was just reaching the age of 14. My elders did a dance called Boppin and my family taught me everything from how to approach women to how to carry myself at a party. The major lesson was learning the ABC’s – “Always Be Cool.”
Reggie views his role today in the steppin community as that of an educator, DJ, and historian.
“My mission is to reveal the early “culture” of the dance. If you don’t know where you’ve been, how can know where you’re going? The Steppin’ scene has drifted away from its initial purpose. Black social partner dancing was born out of necessity, as a release to relieve pressures and oppression of daily life. The places where dances were held were a “sanctuary of togetherness” and people respected the venues. Everybody was somebody with a focus on being together, relating, and dancing with one another … an interesting dynamic full of everything. Despite the different nuisances and personalities, there was respect and peace. Folks didn’t want to do anything wrong to embarrass the community.”
Reggie competed a couple of times in dance contests.
“My partner was Janice Morris. Competing in a contest in 1986 helped me to break in as a DJ. Getting an opportunity to spin for the “social clubs” involved in Boppin/Stepping was not an easy task because in Chicago back then the DJ’s were in a “closed society”. To gain some notoriety, I entered the dance contest in one of the “hottest” clubs in Chicago, Mr. Ricky’s Chic Ric House. During a five-week span in October of 1986, my partner and I won every contest. After the 5th win the owner of the place asked me jokingly what else can I do, and I pointed to the DJ booth and the rest became history.
Reggie started as a professional DJ in 1973.
My favorite fan was my mother and I did everything I could to make her happy – learning her favorite songs and playing her favorite music when we had company at home. Like most young children, I figured out how to play the songs fast through the ancient technologies – playing 45’s, I just had to remember the way mother’s favorite songs looked because I couldn’t read well, and playing mother’s music would allow me to stay up longer.
This is only the start of my conversations with Reggie Miles and what I have found out in my talks about the man himself – straight no chaser. Next week — part 2 — his perspective on the count, the culture, the music.
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In 1984 Reggie was the DJ in the “Millionaire Room” at Ricks on 24th Michigan Ave. It was a world class place with a world class DJ. For guys the dress code was a suit coat and necktie which is unheard of today. Not only did Reggie play smooth cuts, he could step his ass off! I only have fond memories of our togetherness at his Wednesday after work set at Ricks.
The evolution of “Stepping” is NOT in question. Of course it will change as people reach the end of their lives that is a GIVEN. Stepping was NOT the first dance. Stepping is a variation of bopping which revisionist over look. Chicago Style Bopping is a variation of the swing style dance. The Chicago Style is COOLER and SMOOTHER it is not as energetic and acrobatic as the east coast swing style. The Chicago Style is Unique. Maybe in other places in America their version of “Stepping” will evolve the Chicago Style Stepping has already evolved Bopping. I witnessed it as it happened. And whatever the next reiteration of the dance it should be named something different and not Chicago Style Steppin. Maybe the Eight Count is a good name?
“how to approach women”; “how to carry myself at a party”; “Black social partner dancing was born out of necessity ..”- that’s debated, “The places where dances were held were a “sanctuary of togetherness and people respected the venues”, are all excellent points which most if not all will agree. There is one aspct of steppin that few have spoke on. That is, as Reggie has, as we all have, and as everything will if it spans long enough, will evolve. Stepping has evolved and we must respect that aspect it as well.
Excellent read is an understatement..This is a man of genuineness and a living ICON.
Excellent Read!! We look forward to hearing him speak at the 2020 Chocolate Ball in San Antonio TX!!