Hi, I am Sonji Stewart. I have been stepping since 2011 and I love to dance. Born and raised in Jamaica, dance and music has always been close to my heart and stepping reminds me of flavors of my island roots. Stepping combines my favorite things – fashion, music, and traveling so there is so much to write about. I launched livingthe8count in 2016 to share my travel stories about stepping with the world. Years later, I am still here. I hope my stories inspire others to join the dance.
Sister websites to livingthe8count include LT8C TV at livingthe8count.TV for a network of Chicago Stepping websites and live shows for the stepping community. StepintheChi.org is a travel planning website for steppers going to step in Chicago who want to know what’s happening on the Stepping scene in Chicago – where to go for classes, what are regular sets, and hot spots recommended by steppers for steppers. All of these properties are maintained by Sonji Stewart.
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Mission
To share a different perspective on Chicago Stepping from the lens of stepper who does not live in Chicago to encourage others to go to and experience stepping in Chicago.
Vision
I hope every stepper find themselves in this dance and does their dance.
Stepping Contest History
I started competing in stepping contests in 2017 when I least expected it. I have danced with different partners, but still gunning for my first trophy. All my experiences on the contest stage help me get better for the next one.
2017 Milwaukee’s Largest Stepper Contest
Partner: Tshon the Gentleman
Category: New Skool, City: Milwaukee, WI
No photos or footage available. This was our preliminary round for the World’s Largest Steppers Competition.
2017 World’s Largest Competition
Partner: Tshon the Gentleman
Category: New Skool, City: Chicago, IL
2018 World’s Largest Competition
Partner: Jerome Cheatham
Category: Old Skool, City: Chicago, IL
2019 Red Contest
Partner: Herb Ihenacho
Category: Stepping
City: Gary, IN
2019 Milwaukee’s Largest Stepper Contest
Partner: Maurice Thomas
Category: New Skool, City: Milwaukee, WI
2019 World’s Largest Stepper Competition
Partner: Maurice Thomas
Category: New Skool, City: Chicago, IL
HELLO, I AM SONJI
I saw stepping for the first time in Virginia and fell in love with the dance. I started traveling in 2012 and fell in love with the people, culture, and experience. Chicago stepping has taken me across the nation chasing its truths. I enjoy the chase. It has stirred my soul and healed me. These are my travel stories about Stepping.
LEARN TO STEP
- Explore the culture
- Enjoy the music
- Meet people
- Chase the experience
- Travel and learn