Fueling Your Creativity. Hear It From Andre Blackwell
I met Andre Blackwell in 2012 on my first trip to Chicago. He was introduced to me as “the Godfather of Steppin’.” Years later, I heard him called the “Master of the Spindrift.” If you ask Andre Blackwell who he is, he says simply, “I am Andre Blackwell, a humble being, a God-fearing man who loves life, and loves to step and loves to dance as well.” This was a great conversation that kept me excited about learning New Skool and creativity.
Dre, as he is affectionately known by most steppers, has made a significant impression on Chicago Style Steppin’ and has gained the respect of many steppers – old and new. He is known for his creativity and energy – and for winning. When I found myself in a quandary on how to put a personal stamp on my dance and make it my own, Dre was my best go-to person. I needed his advice and perspective on being creative and I wanted to understand what fuels Dre’s creativity.
What motivated you to change what you saw in Chicago Style Steppin’ when you were learning to step?
I was young and very creative and sometimes I get bored when I do the same thing repetitiously. If I get really bored, my creative glands kick in tremendously. The dance was really slow and for the old folks. I was young – in my mid-twenties when I started to step – so I had a lot of energy to utilize. I wanted to change the slow music to be more up-tempo music – rap, R&B – something faster to dance to. That’s all.
Did you expect others to embrace your changes and how did you know if they would?
I didn’t expect the older folks to embrace my vision. I was trying to bring in new blood, young blood – the same age that I was. And, at the same time, build my own dynasty where people would embrace me and what I want to do.
What do you consider your biggest challenge at that time?
Getting the DJs to play what I wanted to hear. I tipped the DJs, rubbed shoulders, and got cool with them in order for them to play what I wanted. Fortunately, I had my own DJ – DJ Cross. DJ Cross established himself as a steppin’ DJ and he played the music I enjoyed and wanted to hear.
What do you think about steppin’ will appeal to younger folks?
Here in Atlanta, a lot of older folks don’t want to go with the change, or don’t want to change or don’t want to let the dance evolve. Here in Atlanta it is not really interesting because this community hasn’t really seen me get down the way I want to. We still have a way to go. Just give a little more up-tempo music – hip hop, R&B in steppin’ and I think the young people will catch on once they see it.
What do you think about steppin’ as it evolves will still appeal to older folks?
You will still hear old-school music that appeals to the older folks because it is smooth. It is slower. It is not that much sweating and not that much movement. A lot of older people saw us step. They said, “Oh wow I can do that and that is what they love.”
Credit for photos: Facebook: Photos AnnetteNewborn
You said what I thought this dance was. I love it. I wish I learned it earlier in life. I was hand dancing and doing other dances then. I’m waiting for you to come to Virginia. We all need help here. I would love to take a lot of classes from you. I’m hungry, real hungry. I would for you to be my instructor. I don’t care if you’re hard on me. I will work harder. I can’t wait till you get here to Virginia in January. Oh my word, I’m so happy Damon is asking you to come. We welcome you. 🙂
I remember Dre’ telling me that story about practicing next to the cans/dividers at the MLK weekend with Nyce Entertainment. Changed my perspective on mistakes/learning. I appreciate his energy, and I appreciate you asking him some questions that have been on my mind. Great article!