I went to Chicago for the 2016 Worlds Largest Steppers Contest (WLSC) Weekend looking for answers. The comments on videos of the prelims in different cities show the controversial feedback on Facebook from contestants and the hoi polloi. I was curious and excited to see how the performances would evolve to the final stage. My last time in Chicago was in 2012 for WLSC so I had some expectations but still wanted to see the difference after four years. Who would walk away as winners with money in hand? There’s a thorough recap on the results from Terrance Pratt on Chistepper.com and many of the videos of the performances on Facebook. Yet, the end results answered only 20 percent of my questions.
WLSC Then and Now
“What would be different about WLSC between 2012 and 2016?”
In contrast to 2012, I stayed far removed from the hubbub of contestants in preparation. I observed from general seating. Arriving late, I missed the nervous energy in the air and shuffling of the contestants doing final preparations. However, I had a clear view. I could still see distinctively who’s who since the setup was perfect for viewing from any corner of the room. From the lengthy contestants’ list, I was prepared for a “long” night. Still, they managed to move through performances steadfastly and quickly. It was after midnight when the winners were announced but time flew.
I was a bit confused when contestant numbers and names were mixed up by the MC. That was straightened out eventually. I wish they had used the projection screen to help guide us along. When they announced the winners, I was unsure of who won for what category. I was not sure which categories had more than just a first-place winner. In 2016 there was less glitz and glam than in 2012. It was unlike the ostentatious and glamorous attire of the crowd in 2012. This year more people were casually dressed – some even in jeans. Note to self for the next time. My most pleasing difference for the contest was to hear a Shaggy’s dancehall song during the performances. Finally!! I was proud as a Jamaican to see contestants at WLSC steppin’ Chicago style to dancehall music on stage! That’s a whole other post.
Performances from Contestants I Love
“How are long-standing contestants going to be original and creative and not give the crowd the same old same old?”
It is clear that long-standing contestants, especially the winners, face the challenge of maintaining their reputation in performance. Most contestants realized the importance of drama in presentation and a concept or a strong message that everyone connected to. I saw this actualize mostly in the trios category. The most memorable for me were Nikee, Paris, and Tori. Their sexy, leather attire and knee-high boots had the audience applauding before the music even started. The performance was complete with – recognizable music – new and old- that told the scandalous story of their performance. A man and his woman and “the other woman.” Drama? Check! Paris’ jump split at the end also helped. I had to revisit the contest rules because I thought both feet were not to leave the floor. However, I see that trios are one of the exceptions to this rule.
The Message in Performances
Candace, Feo, and Keesha made a statement with black hoodies. The message resonated within every black community and they made a strong connection with the audience. But this trio must remember that now that you have everyone’s attention like that, your performance better bring it. When the audience didn’t see the clean-cut, precise execution they expected from their winning reputation, it was disappointing. I liked Drewry, Ann, and Richard’s sharp, coordinated attire. Drewry has really set a high bar for himself to show us something different, original, and unique. Especially in trios, who knows what he will do next no matter who is on stage with him. I am going to put my neck out there and say this. Although this performance was high energy with blinking lights on the shoes, it lost a feminine touch. Although Ann kept up with Drew in this routine I missed the graceful wiggle and pointing of her fingers. Ann’s small feminine reminders that I’ve seen her bring to this dance – even in trios.
Memorable New Skool Performances
Winners in the New Skool category, Ed and Amanda, had a winning combination of performance showing choreography and freestyle, awesome presentation with the Coming to America attire, and entrance with technicality and clean performance. And, most impressively was Amanda’s ability to get down with footwork, but still keep it feminine, and clean. I did expect to see more from Royce and Christa as I’ve always been a fan, but his performance was less than I expected. Royce gave his own evaluation on Facebook that I wholly agree with.
The Challenge for First-Timer Contestants
“What will first-time contestants do to shine and make a statement?”
I didn’t see enough wow from new contestants or maybe I should say I expected more. I believe competing at the World’s Largest Steppers Contest level takes hard work, verve, and nerve to get up on this stage and do this for the first time, so I am just going to say this “again”. Even on your first time, do some homework to see what it takes to win and put your best foot forward. Don’t be afraid to be different and shake things up even your first time on stage. I defer to my previous article, “Still Looking Forward to the 2016 World’s Largest Steppers Contest” and my mention of Paris’ and Shawn’s performance. In my opinion, Paris still understands why grandstanding is necessary to win – years later. I am one of the general populace rooting for the dark horse that comes out of nowhere to shake things up and gives those that have it in the bag a “run for their money.”
“Will Marcus Reynolds and Cheri Lily still include that lift in their performance?”
They did. SMH
Performances to Be Remembered
“Who will give the most memorable performances?”
For me, Sebrina and Rich’s performances. I met Rich for the first time at the Stepaganza picnic this year and even had a chance to dance with him. He put me to work. I really enjoyed this couple’s prelim performance that I had a chance to see on video on Facebook. They still brought it to the final stage. I loved the entire presentation – the outfit coordination, the connection in their dance, and just how much fun they seemed to have to compete and dancing with each other. By the way, Sebrina was killin’ it with those legs. This couple kept it classic and stone-cold flawless in every move.
“From the results what did it take for contestants to win and how should a contestant prepare for next year?”
From the results, it takes a special combination to win the judges over despite the political rumblings I hear about sometimes. I don’t think the judges were wrong in any of their choices this year. To win, contestants need to know how to achieve that delicate balance between creativity and showmanship. Show originality but still, keep steppin’ the fundamental of the performance. The key to realize is, the performance starts before you get on stage. Ed’s royal garb and Feo’s black hoodie were certainly conversation starters. And at the end of it all, “dance” and don’t let the show take over. I am going to point out Lionel Foote’s performance to make this point because I didn’t see him step.
What It Takes to Win
- Give the crowd what they are looking for. A show, talent, technicality, authentic fundamentals of steppin’, and signs of thorough preparation.
- Make it a dance that the performer and the audience don’t want to forget after it is over. Moreover, connect with the audience through the music or a message.
- The reminder is the right combination and balance between all of these factors. If you go overboard in any of these – show, talent, technicality, being relatable, or preparation – it sends a message. Your chimerical performance may distract from others that followed the rules. You’re not really dancing or you just should have stayed in the audience and watched others perform.
- If you make the connection and fail in the rest. You got my attention. And now what?
Another Great Weekend in the Books for WLSC
Contestants, the planners, and promoters for Worlds Largest Steppers Contest 2016 put on a great show. I am thankful for the extraordinary efforts of Pete Frazier and the Majestic Gents, Andre Blackwell, and Terrance Pratt. Their teams made this an unforgettable affair. Chicago was great and there is so much to say about all three days. I wish I could have been there longer. My friends Vince Barnes and Al Bowmen were there and enjoyed the weekend too. I didn’t have to take back all or anything that I said. Congratulations contestants on your wins and/or your gumption. I hope you walked away with the intent to come back – win or lose – ‘cause you’re on record now with the steppin’ community. I want to see what you have in store next. It definitely won’t be another four years before I am back in Chicago.
