The Right Dance Shoe for Chicago Stepping

The Right Dance Shoe for Chicago Stepping

BySonji

Reading Time: 4 minutes When an LT8C reader reached out and asked me to offer some advice on “choosing the right shoes to step in” I sought advice from a pro – Tneshela Jones in Texas, owner of A Steppers Sole. It is important in this journey to take care of your feet and be stylish too. Tneshela’s gives her professional advice on how you can step, love your feet and be comfortable. And, if you want to make a personal shoe statement, you can do that too.

Chicago Stepping. Who Goin’ Check Me Boo?
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Chicago Stepping. Who Goin’ Check Me Boo?

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes I may roll up like a boss on the dance floor but that’s because if I dance with a gentleman I want him to know, “I am ready for whatever you want to try.” Who goin’ check me and give me something I don’t know? This year when I danced with Maurice “Reese” Thomas for the first time at Stepaganza in St. Louis … it was check, check and check.

This Month’s Feature Stepping Instructor: Reggie Handy

This Month’s Feature Stepping Instructor: Reggie Handy

BySonji

Reading Time: < 1 minute Reggie Handy is from Waukegan, Illinois and now lives in Edgewood, Maryland. He grew up skating and watching his aunts and uncles bop. He was caught up in the street life and hip-hop scene, and when his nieces and nephews were old enough to show up at the same clubs he thought he’d better find something else to do and somewhere else to go. Reggie made it to his first class in steppin’ in 2006 to officially learn about an eight count, and here he is ten almost eleven years later.

60 Minutes with LC “The Technician” Henderson

60 Minutes with LC “The Technician” Henderson

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes When someone that really owns his OCD tendencies proudly, LC Henderson, and an analyst, me, get together to talk about Chicago Style Steppin’, there can be magic and revelation in the numbers. Well, it was for me when I had a chance to sit with LC in Atlanta, pick at his brain and open my mind to a new way to look at the building blocks of this dance. If you are inquisitive about the logic behind the 8 count, LC is the one with the answers. I had to share this experience because it has helped me immensely to understand what it will take for me to graduate myself from a beginner to an intermediate stepper.

Five Stops for Stepping 2016 WLSC Weekend
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Five Stops for Stepping 2016 WLSC Weekend

BySonji

Reading Time: 2 minutes When I went to Chicago before I was so mad that I spent so much money on a hotel room that I hardly spent any time in. I went from party, to after party, to party after the after party and just popped in my room for wardrobe changes. I had noooo sleep. Well, again I stayed at the Convention Center and this year, rinse and repeat I did. I will probably do it again. Here is what I did that was so much fun for a die hard stepper like me and if you are set to go to WLSC in 2017 start your list of what to do with these places and events.

Did Contestants Make WLSC 2016 Something For Steppers to Talk About?
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Did Contestants Make WLSC 2016 Something For Steppers to Talk About?

BySonji

Reading Time: 6 minutes I went to Chicago for the 2016 World’s Largest Steppers Contest (WLSC) Weekend looking for answers. I have seen and watched videos of the prelims in different cities and read the controversial feedback on Facebook from contestants and the hoi polloi. I was both curious and excited to see how the performances would evolve to the final stage. My last time in Chicago was in 2012 for WLSC so I had some expectations but still was excited to realize the difference after four years. Who would walk away as winners with money in hand? Well, you’ll see a thorough recap on the details and results from Terrance Pratt on Chistepper.com and many of the videos of the performances on Facebook. Yet, the end results answered only twenty percent of my questions about the contest.

Steppin’ in the Name of Love, Congratulations to the Gary’s

Steppin’ in the Name of Love, Congratulations to the Gary’s

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes It should be no surprise in our community when Cupid’s bow and arrow strikes. On and off the dance floor steppers make connections on different levels even when sometimes man, woman or both set out to only connect in dance. Shawn and Lawandca, the Gary’s, are a Columbia, South Carolina/Hinesville, Georgia couple that made a lasting connection on that higher, deeper level and married in the summer 2016. Congratulations Shawn and Lawandca Gary for taking a chance and discovering love that is the staying kind.

All About My Weekend at the Ball in Atlanta
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All About My Weekend at the Ball in Atlanta

BySonji

Reading Time: < 1 minute Sarah Teagle and the Ball Committee made this a memorable time. I do a bit more than a recap here, but instead – a review with ratings. When I walk away from an event weekend these are the things I have paid attention to and these factors make for a good or bad experience for me. If you agree or disagree, tell it.

This Month’s Feature Stepping Instructor: Tonya Foreman

This Month’s Feature Stepping Instructor: Tonya Foreman

BySonji

Reading Time: < 1 minute Tonya Foreman is an instructor in Eastern North Carolina. She has been in the health and fitness industry for 26 years and enjoys different genres of music and dance. She is the owner of the Mochas Dance Studio in Greenville, NC. Tonya considers stepping as her passion and believes that music brings people together and promotes understanding.

How To Make The Most of A Private

How To Make The Most of A Private

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes Right now, there is no set path or curriculum for development to learn to step Chicago Style. Everyone learns differently and at his or her own pace. You don’t have to go to classes for a year or any given amount of time before you take private instruction or “privates” as we say. I started taking privates in my first six months steppin’ but I still attend workshops. Privates in general cost more than going to a workshop since it is a one on one lesson with an instructor targeted to what the individual wants to take or make out of it, so spend your money wisely. Whatever timeframe you choose to start taking privates to take your craft to the next level, make the most of the opportunity.

Sonji Stewart Officially Launches livingthe8count.com

Sonji Stewart Officially Launches livingthe8count.com

BySonji

Reading Time: 2 minutes I am excited to announce that livingthe8count.com is here. This has been my six month project for 2016 and after a lot of hard work and stick-to-it-iveness it has launched. I couldn’t have made this happen without the support and time of my secret circle and friends – and wait – money. I am happy you are here to see the birth of my vision and welcome your feedback.

Ready To Have a Ball at the Ball in Atlanta

Ready To Have a Ball at the Ball in Atlanta

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes The Steppers Ball in Atlanta is a great end to my stepper summer. 2016 is the 17th year of the event and this is one of the longest running east coast Chicago Style Steppin’ events so it has to be on my stepper agenda. I have only been twice and I enjoyed both times. Atlanta makes me feel like I can never wear out my welcome so I am there as often as I can. After weeks away, it is time for me to get back to steppin’ in the ATL!

Stepper “Big Al” Jones Needs Our Support

Stepper “Big Al” Jones Needs Our Support

BySonji

Reading Time: < 1 minute Big Al is still in a Fort Lauderdale hospital on the road to recovery from strokes he suffered this summer. He is in the Memorial Regional Intensive Care Unit. Big Al is the host and promoter for the Steppin 4 Life Charity Ball “The Largest HIV/AIDS Steppers Party in the USA” that benefits Empower U Inc. Let’s turn the tables and support Al who has dedicated his time and efforts to giving to others.

Looking Forward to the 2016 World’s Largest Steppers Contest – WLSC
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Looking Forward to the 2016 World’s Largest Steppers Contest – WLSC

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes Many people have stirred up lively conversation on social media about the World’s Largest Steppers Contest prelims. There have been many choice words of reviews and defenses from the general public, previous contestants, current contestants from the prelim videos that have been posted on Facebook. Reviews all slant to the notion there isn’t much to be expected at this year’s contest and there aren’t many new faces making a good, lasting impression. But, does all the commentary really make anyone decide not to attend the contest? On the contrary, for me.

Ballin’ on a Budget for Stepping in the Summer and Fall

Ballin’ on a Budget for Stepping in the Summer and Fall

BySonji

Reading Time: 2 minutes As much as I enjoy traveling state to state, my bank account is always my reality check. Between airfare, hotel stays and event passes the lifestyle can be very expensive. After doing this for some time I’ve learned how to save some money, plan for spending and know what to expect. Here is what I do to ball on a budget – obvious but sometimes overlooked.

Etiquette Header
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Etiquette #1 “Please… Respect My Level”

BySonji

Reading Time: < 1 minute Well, this lady has spoken. Gentlemen, the ladies in the community have a few expectations of you on the dance floor. I appreciate and admire the social graces and etiquette of steppin’ that are lost everywhere else. It is one of the reasons you will hardly see me in a club anymore over a stepper’s set or event. To some men social graces come naturally but sometimes gentlemen I just want to remind you of some of the simple things that make all the difference to the ladies.