I have never met and spoken to Markie Bee face-to-face, but I have seen his work. On my first visit to Chicago, I saw Markie Bee, and I watched him record videos and take photographs for the prelims and contests for the World’s Largest Steppers Contest. Not sure if Markie Bee would do an interview with me, I was hesitant, because he seemed to enjoy being behind rather than in front of the camera. I took a chance, conjured all positive thoughts, and reached out to him in February 2020. His interview is one of the interviews I was fortunate to get before he passed from health issues.
Brief Bio
Markie Bee hailed from Chicago.
“I was a Deejay, set promoter, videographer, and photographer.” – Markie Bee
He started capturing footage in the Chicago Steppin’ community in 1996. Markie Bee admitted. “I step very poorly. I prefer watching others step.” Although he has not been out, he has always been in Chicago. “Been mostly home ridden (opposed to bedridden) having had heart attacks, stage 4 COPD, and not coming close to rebounding as I want.” Markie Bee did not remember the first person he captured on film, and isn’t sure why he became so renowned in the steppin’ community. Yet, many people recognize his name immediately and know how much Markie Bee has contributed to capturing the images and videos; and compiling history and opinions, within the Chicago dance community.
Markie Bee is best known as the founder of SteppersUsa.com and the “Steppers Music” Facebook group, dedicated to educating people about Chicago-style steppin’ through curated music lists and shared videos. The group is still very active today on Facebook. He has created a significant community for learning and listening to steppin’ music.
The Interview
- What attracted you to start capturing videos and stills of the steppin’ community? I love the dance and the dancers.
- What do you consider the most valuable/memorable videos (top three) that you have recorded? They’re all valuable and memorable to me. None stand out more than others.
- What have you learned about steppin’ from behind the camera? How to observe the dance and enjoy what I’ve observed.
- Were there any surprises along the way as you started this journey to capture this history? None
- How are you preserving all the footage you’ve captured? Locked away.
- Was there any stepper(s) that you particularly enjoyed capturing on film? Every stepper is a treat.
- Where can people see your work? SteppersUSA.com and Facebook.
- What do you want to be remembered for? Being a good person.