Old School Steppers. I Really Love Mondays with DJ Sam Chatman
Reading Time: 3 minutes This year, St Patrick’s Day was my first time going to the Fifty Yard Line Sports Bar on a Monday to groove and step to the music of the legendary DJ Sam Chatman.
“Human Earthquake” For Steppers Seeking to Understand
Reading Time: 5 minutes I interviewed Ramon Darnell an author from Chicago who wrote the book, Human Earthquake – a story about Chicago. Steppers seeking to understand steppin’ should take the time to talk to older steppers in Chicago, do research and read the book Human Earthquake. Now the interview.
What Dasen Learned About Steppin’ After Moving To Chicago
Reading Time: 4 minutes Dasen Moore, a new transplant to Chicago, moved to the windy city a little over six months ago. In my trips to Chicago I see him out all the time and I already see a change. I had to sit and talk to Dasen about his big move to Chicago.
A Different Reason to Step. Meet Stepper Al Bowmen
Reading Time: 4 minutes The best part of meeting Al Bowmen is knowing where he is coming from. I met Al a long time ago in Virginia Beach at a stepper set. He is one of the most understanding, patient people I know and my ace boon coon.
Stand Your Ground When Dancing With the Stars
Reading Time: 2 minutes On a weekend in Chicago sharing the dance floor with the heavy hitters, masters and stars is not unusual. Don’t be intimidated. There is room for everyone on the dance floor even when dancing with the stars.
In Memory of Art “DJ Art of Noyze” Thirus
Reading Time: 3 minutes I met DJ Art of Noyze in 2012 when I first entered the steppin’ community. Over the years I have known him we had great camaraderie. I am still stunned that he is no longer with us. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Donate to help Maiys Miracle research a cure for DIPG
Reading Time: 2 minutes Help Maiy’s Miracle raise $20,000 to support DIPG Research. Proceeds benefit Lucille Packard Childrens Hospital to fund the Maiyanna Marie Antoinette Clemmon’s-McCarthy DIPG Research Student Scholarship. Maiy’s Miracle Fundraiser has made 84% of their goal. I am writing to every stepper to ask for a donation great or small.
My Final Thoughts on This Coalition Business
Reading Time: 2 minutes In my Facebook post addressing the Coalition announcement on WLSC Weekend, I asked what “recognize individuals” means. At recent events and in Chicago I have received a mixed bag of reactions.
Trivia About the World’s Largest Steppers Contest?
Reading Time: < 1 minute 2018 is the 28th anniversary of the World’s Largest Steppers Contest (WLSC). There is a lot of history across twenty-eight years. How much do you know about the WLSC in the history of Chicago style steppin’? Here is the first livingthe8count.com WLSC trivia crossword puzzle to test your knowledge. Good luck!
Find Independence In Your Dance. Be You.
Reading Time: 3 minutes The general sentiment I heard from all directions on the Indiana contest performances was that everyone looked and danced the same. In the spirit of the 4th of July, find independence in your dance.
Steppers Get On the Contest Floor to Get Ready
Reading Time: 2 minutes Contest season starts again in the Chicago steppin’ community. Although there are several contests in the community, to me “contest season” means getting ready for the World’s Largest Steppers Contest in September each year. For…
Steppers Are Just Going to Have to Make A Choice
Reading Time: 2 minutes At the announcement of the Black & Bling fire sale, I learned that I Love Steppin’ 11 Anniversary and the fifth Annual Black and Bling are scheduled for the same dates – April 25-28, 2019. I approached Devin Smith about the conflict and our conversation ended with “Next year, steppers are just going to have to make a choice.”
Rene Ragland. Steppin’ Out Of Her City
Reading Time: 3 minutes It is always great to meet a new stepper that “really” enjoys traveling to step. My friends who don’t step still don’t understand what motivates steppers to go everywhere just to dance, so like-minded steppers make me appear not so infatuated. There are more than a few of us crazy travelers. Meet one of the steppin’ community’s most active, traveling, glamorous, fashionista ladies and find out where she is in her journey! Meet Rene!
Going International. Steppin’ Chicago Style in Brazil
Reading Time: 3 minutes I wanted to know how steppers in Brasil started steppin’ and where they are in this dance. I met Evandro Ontiveros, one of the steppers in Brasil trying to strengthen the popularity of Chicago Style steppin’ in a country all the way in South America.
What Is DIPG? Will You Dance 4 DIPG?
Reading Time: 3 minutes I consider this one of LT8C’s most important posts. When I coined the slogan “love, live, step” a cause such as “Maiy’s Miracle” was at the heart of “love” and “live.” Steppin’ has helped and supported people in our communities by donating through dance. Today find out how you can help a worthy cause and “Dance for DIPG.”
Hats and Boots 2018, When I Can’t Wait To Get There
Reading Time: 3 minutes After a late afternoon departure, my roadie, Miki Peden and I, made our way to Charlotte, North Carolina for our very first Hats & Boots hosted by Smooth Stylz of Steppin’. We were already late and Miki kept pointing out the photos already shared on Facebook for the event showing who’d already beat us to Charlotte and were dancing the night away. I couldn’t wait to get there!
Who Do You Love? When Do You Love?
Reading Time: 3 minutes First, thank you Cynthia Bean for sharing Pete Frazier’s comments in “Cynt 2 Cents” yesterday. If it wasn’t for reading your newsletter I would have missed Pete Frazier’s post entirely. These new algorithms on Facebook are making it hard to stay in touch with everyone.
Maurice Thomas Is “Not Your Fashion Icon”
Reading Time: < 1 minute First, I saw his hat. A couple of years ago I saw him in a tall red hat and oversized glasses at the Heritage Ball. Immediate thought? “Who is that?!!” I did not see his full ensemble until a break between songs and steppers broke away from the dance floor. Then, after traveling a lot more to different cities for weekend events I saw him more and more. A feature post on Maurice Thomas is a great close out to LT8C’s January focus on fashion in the Chicago Style Steppin’ community.