**Somehow this article from 2018 was resent with a website update. Well, happy reading, but this was an error. A new 2023 article goes out this week.”
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 from Coalition members. Some instructors that many times in the past hugged me, greeted me, and danced with me, now looked straight ahead when they saw me or said no if I asked for a dance. “No” replies ranged from they aren’t dancing anymore to physical ailments such as a charlie horse. I have my answer. Actions speak louder than words.
A few remain neutral. Thanks to those who have stayed steady. Other coalition members called me and addressed my comments directly and argued about the situation. After fruitful, lively conversations our dialogue tickled me because it was obvious from all angles that everyone, including myself, was shaken up because we love Chicago steppin’ SO MUCH. None of us lost our temper, although we agreed to disagree on some things. It was good to air opinions politely on the Coalition announcement and what led up to it. Thank you for that. A coalition member advised me to share one nugget with Choc James. I will share it publicly.
A Nugget From Experience
In summer 2016 when I was ready to launch livingthe8count.com, I called Terrance “T Pratt” Pratt. I did not know how our call would end but I believed he should know. It was not about asking for permission but, respectfully letting him know this little goldfish was about to jump into his pond. T Pratt has the most popular, long-standing blog in the Chicago-style steppin’ market, chistepper.com. Our conversation went well. He gave me key advice and lessons learned from his blog experience. T Pratt even sealed his okay with a launch announcement for my blog on chistepper.com. I didn’t have an established rapport with him per se but had in the past attended the WLSC pre-party that he co-hosts. The little I knew of him was enough for me to recognize an approachable, agreeable, down-to-earth person. I did not hesitate and reached out to T Pratt on the same day I thought about calling him.
We can all say what we want now or describe a different way for both Choc James and the Coalition to go about all this. Hindsight is 20-20. I hope for this dance to flourish. I believe and agree that despite our self-centered acts today, this dance is bigger than any of us and will stand the test of time after we have passed through this life. If the Coalition and Choc have the clout to rectify things in a good way with good-spirited intentions, I want them to succeed and grant some relief from the negativity clouding the community since the announcement. There is room and love for all of us in the steppin’ community.
To all steppers near and far, I am here to step and share great moments. See you on the wood!
