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Chicago Stepping Stories and Experiences

Chicago Stepping Travel Blog

A Deep Dive Into the 34th World’s Largest Prelims Schedule
Chicago | Steppers Contests

A Deep Dive Into the 34th World’s Largest Prelims Schedule

BySonji March 12, 2025April 20, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes The WLSC Prelims Schedule was revised after the publication of this article. Several statements in this post have been redacted. As soon as Pete Frazier of the Majestic Gents posted the 2025 World’s Largest Prelims…

Read More A Deep Dive Into the 34th World’s Largest Prelims ScheduleContinue

Remembering Lowend Legend Kim Bowie
Chicago | Steppin Community

Remembering the Chicago “Lowend Legend” Kim Bowie

BySonji March 4, 2025March 12, 2025

Reading Time: 4 minutes Kim Bowie, a legend in the Chicago Stepping community, gained his wings on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The announcement on Saturday sent a shockwave through our community. Videos, photos, posts, and interviews flooded social media…

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Steppin Community

How Mentorship Honors Black History in Chicago Stepping

BySonji February 27, 2025February 27, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes INSPIRED BY: In the livingthe8count Facebook group, a member asked about establishing a Steppers weekend. Experienced event promoters shared insights and guidance, making it a valuable moment of mentorship. And now, I have something to…

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Header_DJ Music Forum
Steppers Music | Steppin Community

Common Ground and Different Dialogue at the DJ Forum

BySonji November 8, 2024November 11, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes I did not attend the Inside Steppin’ DJ Forum in person on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. However, I watched and listened to the live broadcast on Facebook. Ambassador Kevin Nevels and Brian Forbes co-hosted. Panel…

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Reflection and Outlook on Contest Trailblazer Traditions
Steppers Contests

Reflection and Outlook on Contest Trailblazer Traditions

BySonji October 24, 2024January 10, 2025

Reading Time: 4 minutes Before I understood the relevance of the World’s Largest Steppers Competition (WLSC) to the Chicago Stepping Community, I was in my home city and close by states learning my 8 basic steps and doing my…

Read More Reflection and Outlook on Contest Trailblazer TraditionsContinue

Looking Forward to the WLSC Masters in 2025
Steppers Contests

Looking Forward to the WLSC Masters in 2025

BySonji October 2, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes As a competitor, if you think like 1st place New School winner Kevin Doc Dockery, you’re already planning and practicing for WLSC 2025. Next year should be the long-awaited Masters Category and I am excited….

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Sharing My Contest Perspective as a 2024 WLSC Judge
Steppers Contests

Sharing My Contest Perspective as a 2024 WLSC Judge

BySonji September 25, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 4 minutes I was honored to be selected as a New Skool judge for the 2024 World’s Largest Steppers Competition – WLSC. Thank you Pete Frazier and to the Majestic Gents for this opportunity. I did not…

Read More Sharing My Contest Perspective as a 2024 WLSC JudgeContinue

The Customer Service, Class, and Contest at the 25th Silver Anniversary
Steppers Contests | Steppers Events | Steppin Community

The Customer Service, Class, and Contest at the 25th Silver Anniversary

BySonji September 2, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 4 minutes When you ask me about the Sarah Teagle 25th Silver Anniversary in Atlanta, these 3 Cs come to mind – Customer Service, Class, and Contest. The weekend was about celebrating a commendable milestone in Sarah…

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Historical WGN Chicago Stepping TV Shoot at the Fifty Yard Line
Steppin Community

Historical WGN Chicago Stepping TV Shoot at the Fifty Yard Line

BySonji June 19, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes I pulled up to the Fifty Yard Line at 10:30 a.m. for the  WGN TV shoot in Chicago.. This production was for a feature on the nostalgia of Chicago Stepping for Larry Potash, Anchor for…

Read More Historical WGN Chicago Stepping TV Shoot at the Fifty Yard LineContinue

Steppers on TV and Call for Couples on WGN
Chicago | Steppin Community

Steppers on TV and Call for Couples on WGN

BySonji June 14, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes Jannice Robertson (RIP) would crack me up every time, with, “Don’t watch me. Watch TV!” Well, how about, “Watch me ON TV!” That’s right! WGN TV Chicago wants to highlight Chicago Stepping for their history…

Read More Steppers on TV and Call for Couples on WGNContinue

Eight Days of Stepping in Chicago to Celebrate My Birthday
Chicago | Travel

Eight Days of Stepping in Chicago to Celebrate My Birthday

BySonji May 29, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 5 minutes I have celebrated my birthday in Chicago for the past five years. 2024 is my first time writing about my birthday celebration on the blog instead of on social media. Every May I spend one…

Read More Eight Days of Stepping in Chicago to Celebrate My BirthdayContinue

The Atlanta Community of Champions, Secrets, and Contest Contrariness
Chicago | Steppin Community

The Atlanta Community of Champions, Secrets, and Contest Contrariness

BySonji May 17, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 8 minutes It’s been a year and a half since I moved to the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Let me tell you, it has opened my eyes to some amazing aspects of this Stepping community! It’s like seeing…

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Maddy B
Steppin Community

First Lady Maddy B on the Social Aspect and Line Dancing

BySonji May 8, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 7 minutes When I set out for the conversation with First Lady Maddy B Haywood of De Ja Vu I was thinking about line dancing and how it fits with Chicago Stepping culture. Our talk went meant…

Read More First Lady Maddy B on the Social Aspect and Line DancingContinue

Navigating Opinions and Observations from Odette Bell
Steppin Community

Navigating Opinions and Observations from Odette Bell

BySonji May 1, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 9 minutes Odette Bell has been someone I grew with in my Chicago Stepping journey. We started in the same state, in the same community just 2 years a part in our exposure to this dance. Since…

Read More Navigating Opinions and Observations from Odette BellContinue

DJ Vell Shares His Journey and Motivation
Steppers Music

DJ Vell Shares His Journey and Motivation

BySonji April 24, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 7 minutes When I first heard Lovell “DJ Vell” Ballard playing, it was somewhere in Chicago – probably at the HollaBack Thursday sets at the Grand Ballroom. I enjoyed the vibe and music, and he is one…

Read More DJ Vell Shares His Journey and MotivationContinue

What It Takes to Recognize the Stepping Evolution
On the Set | Steppin Community

What It Takes to Recognize the Stepping Evolution

BySonji April 10, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 7 minutes I want to make some points on the evolution of Chicago Stepping. Let’s first clearly define evolution: Evolution: any process of formation or growth; development When I think of evolution it’s not just about the…

Read More What It Takes to Recognize the Stepping EvolutionContinue

Etiquette Header
Steppers Etiquette

Where Every Dance Fits and the Nuances of Feedback

BySonji April 3, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 7 minutes It was a beautiful moment I won’t forget. I don’t hear a lot of people talking about each other like this on the set while they are still alive. Indeed, I want to be that…

Read More Where Every Dance Fits and the Nuances of FeedbackContinue

Women's Day
Steppin Community

Spotlight on Women’s History Month. Leading Women In My Stepping  Journey

BySonji March 29, 2024March 5, 2025

Reading Time: 5 minutes Continuing our highlight for Women’s History Month, here are five women who show me what the work has to be now and what the road ahead can be when we don’t quit. They are constant…

Read More Spotlight on Women’s History Month. Leading Women In My Stepping  JourneyContinue

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  • Chicago Stepping
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