Reading Time: 2 minutes It’s going on six months since our dance world as a community has pretty much come to a screeching halt due to the coronavirus. So, I wanted to do a coronavirus check-up with my steppers. What have you been doing with yourself? I’ve been reconnecting with old friends, eating well, playing the piano, and dancing…
Reading Time: 3 minutes Quick thoughts on dance safety. As of today, the last time I stepped with someone was Sunday, March 8 at Hero’s in Chicago. I want to faint just thinking about how long it’s been since I have danced with someone or even held hands. COVID-19 has surely interrupted my monthly Chicago trips. I wonder what…
Reading Time: 6 minutes When I first heard the name Rainie Wells, I was watching a video of her and Westside Mike steppin’ in one of his classes. She was dancing in flip flops and made it through every turn and move flawlessly. Although we never met in person, I came across the story of Rainie Wells and her…
Reading Time: 2 minutes I have never met Markie Bee in person but I have seen his work. On my first visit to Chicago, I saw Markie Bee but did not meet him personally. I have watched him in action recording videos and taking photographs for the prelims and contests for the World’s Largest Steppers Contest. Not sure if…
Reading Time: < 1 minute It is time to celebrate the women that are steppers. In the last month, I have been very excited about the growth in readership for livingthe8count.com. I am enjoying and the feedback from readers. Thank you. My goal is to keep this a platform with purposeful information. Posts should help others in their steppin’ journey….
Reading Time: 3 minutes Yesterday, conversations on the coronavirus had me pause for a moment. Just pause. Not that I haven’t seen the news or read many posts on Facebook for weeks already, but between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. yesterday, I had at least five different conversations about the coronavirus. Some business colleagues have canceled trips to conferences,…
Reading Time: 7 minutes Terrance Pratt and Chistepper.com have been treasured resources to me and now something has changed. I had a chance to interview Terrance Pratt to learn more about his motivations and where to next.
Reading Time: 7 minutes Cheryl “Sugarfoot” Powe is from Chicago. She resides in Atlanta now which she considers her second home and lived in Atlanta for 20 years. Several family members introduced Cheryl to steppin’ at a very young age – ~10 years old. They would turn on the music and say “Come dance with me.”
Reading Time: 3 minutes Like family and any community, we want to take care of each other and plan for the longevity of good circumstances. In this segment of our interview, Randall Avery addresses personal financial planning.
Reading Time: 3 minutes Every contest teaches me something and stretches me to face certain challenges head on. I have to admit though I know I don’t conquer every challenge. And, my biggest challenges are often before the contest.
Reading Time: 6 minutes Here is my recap of the StyleMasters 2020 Weekend Event in Virginia hosted by Nyce Entertainment. It’s taking steppers weekend events to a new level on the east coast.
Reading Time: 5 minutes Who is DJ Sam Chatman? A lot of out of town steppers I have talked to do not know a lot about Sam Chatman. I believe the best way to celebrate DJ Sam Chatman’s birthday today, is to share what I know about him.
Reading Time: 3 minutes I met Randall Avery on the steppin’ dance floor in Atlanta. He started steppin’ about 11 years ago and his first class was with Sarah Teagle at Several Dancers Core. Randall is a financial advisor and in our interview he recognizes the steppers’ economy and unveils opportunities for steppers.
Reading Time: 3 minutes This week has been a really tough one in the steppin’ community in Atlanta, Chicago and Detroit especially. Two beautiful souls have transitioned to dance in another realm – Jannice and Ronda.
Reading Time: 3 minutes Dione Barnes, my fellow Virginia stepper, talks about her trip to Chicago.
Reading Time: 3 minutes My fondest memories of any WLSC are usually the surprises. Any stepper in this contest should condition his or her mind to be flexible and stay relaxed and focused when faced with the unexpected. What were the surprises?
Reading Time: 2 minutes A moment at a Sadie Hawkin’s set and a casual conversation with a stepper friend stirred up some realizations and revelations about responses to how women dress on the set.
Reading Time: 3 minutes When a family has a rich legacy in music and dance, and a respect for art, the younger generation is born into a duty and responsibility of teaching and paying it forward whether or not they know it. What someone chooses to do with this duty is determined by his/her affect, character and sensibility. Meet Tony Dow.