Steppers love the spirit of competition and the community makes an effort to support steppers and foster the place to dance and win. Whether it is on the social scene or the big stage, steppers love to “show their stuff” and compete in Chicago Stepping contests. There are stepper contests nationwide, from the World’s Largest Stepping Competition in Chicago to other cities like Milwaukee, Detroit, and Minnesota. Several steppers compete in contests regularly every year. Still, there is always some new face that pops up. There are contests for every level of experience from beginners to seasoned steppers or Masters.
Stepper Contests in Different Cities
- There are different types of contests. If you’re ready or thinking to compete, don’t hesitate, find a partner and do it.
- Contests for steppers over the years include: The Get Down in Chicago, Milwaukee’s Steppers Contest, World’s Largest Steppers Contest in Chicago, Ed Watson Red Steppers Affair Contest in Indiana, DarkKim Contest in Chicago (Summer), and Champions of the Dance Floor in Detroit.
Contest Categories
Original Category
Emphasis will be placed on fancy footwork, pulling the female dance partner in close while steppin, and overall style and rhythm. Turns are acceptable but dips and drops will result in deductions. Timing, style, footwork, close dancing, and slow bopping are all elements of original style dancing. Routines are frowned upon.
New Skool Category
Emphasis will be placed on turns, dips, and drops. These techniques are not required or preferred over creative dancing. Routines are acceptable as long as the basic pattern of steppin’ exists. Judged by steppers who began dancing after 1995.
Beginners Category
Steppers that have less than 1 1/2 years of total dance times. Beginners are judged on the Old Skool Original rules. Emphasis will also be based on the initial development and/or foundation of a unique style.
Trio Category
Executed with 3 partners dancing together in unison. Coordination, rhythm, timing, and creativity are important elements. The lead in a trio dance can change and the basis of this dance is for the lead to keep his or her partners continuously involved in the dance. Turns, dips, and drops are allowed. Limited routines.
Masters (Titan) Category
For steppers who have previously placed either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in an Original category. Both partners have to have placed in the WLSC previously to be eligible for this category. All contestants must walk for the first minute of their performance.
Walking Category
Surprisingly, there are no official written rules for the Walkers category at the WLSC.
Different Contest Challenges
- All-Star Game. This was a competition of mastering skills – catching the beat, spins, staying in your lane. At the Heritage Ball.
- Blindfold. One of the dance partners is blindfolded. Sheila and Riq are dancing in a Blindfold Jack and Jill contest.
- Ladies Lead. In this contest Ladies take the lead and usually the partner selected to follow is a man.
- Jack and Jill or Grab Bag. The competing couples are the result of a random matching of leaders and followers.
Contest Perspectives
Interviews and conversations about different contests captured from the blog – contestant interviews, contest reviews, and conversations with the judges.