2016 17th Annual Steppers Black and White Ball
I had a great time in Atlanta, Georgia last weekend. Sarah Teagle and her committee were awesome hosts. This is the type of Chicago Style Steppin' event that made me fall in love with Atlanta. I know it takes a lot for a team to plan and execute an event like this well and on its 17th year, it was clear to see that everything was thought through and deliberate and when things needed to change it happened in good time. Thank you for the hard work Sarah and team.My ratings are from 1 to 5 stars with 5 stars as the highest rating.
LOCATION, SETTING | The Crowne Plaza Ravinia was beautiful. From my first step into the lobby, the lush greenery and sounds of the trickling waterfall created a peaceful and warm, welcome. This was a nice change from the hubbub and traffic of downtown. Best of all there was "free parking" and I was minutes away from Perimeter Mall. Plus! Plus! Plus! | |
FLOW AND LOGISTICS | Club Ellery's, the VFW and the host hotel were not close to each other but I had my own transportation. Music was playing when I entered any set and that's what mattered so there was no break moving from party to after party. There was signage even in the elevator to indicate where to go in the hotel. The weekend schedule was on Facebook. I don't know if there was a handout, but I did not get one. I still found everything easily. | |
| MUSIC AND SOUND | On the first night club security kicked us out of Ellery's because the DJ forgot the club closed at 3 a.m. Ha! We got some extra minutes in. It was a good kick off night. Every night after I danced until my feet hurt. I heard some songs I had not heard in years. With six DJ's the weekend is what I expected it to be musically. I appreciated all the musical hosts that kept me steppin' - DJ Shorty Smooth, DJ Allusion, DJ New Wave, DJ Samsonite, DJ Rodney Mack and LC - Thank you for your work and for no down time or blown speakers. | |
| ENTERTAINMENT | The WLSC prelims were short but impressive. Sunday's contest changed from the Masters Contest but when the revised contest landed in a tie between Feo, Candace and Ronnie B, Ronda, I was on the edge of my seat for what I saw as a new school versus old school heat. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The musical performance was not memorable for me and it was a good, short performance. I appreciated the jewelry vendors and I didn't leave without buying something. | |
VIBE | Each set had a different vibe. Ellery's reminded me of the small, stay in your lane spaces in Chicago clubs, the host hotel nights were glamorous and tables set up closely enough for people to connect. VFW was cozy but extremely hot, intimate still, with great food. I saw more local faces at the VFW who were not at the other event nights. I loved the different energy of each night. | |
| WORKSHOPS/INSTRUCTION | I didn't make it to the workshops personally, but I heard workshops were all in the same room with everyone grouped by level of experience. Instructors Yvette O'Donnell, Sherry Gordon, Andre Blackwell and Timrific Alexander worked with an assigned group. Sarah Teagle and LC Henderson worked collaboratively across groups to make sure every student got it! I missed it but I had my chance on the dance floor with instructors helping and coaching me but still keeping it fun. The instructor showcase was a great add on. Thank you for that. However, I was dismayed by the hallway instruction taking place right after the organized workshops but what can you do? | |
| SOCIAL | I felt the love at the welcome table. When the host still makes the time to hug and greet her guests, it makes me feel good. I danced with and met many people from different cities - all beautiful people. The event was small enough for me to remember the people I met. Although there were reserved tables most people blurred any social lines instead of just sitting at an assigned table. I stayed on the dance floor and there was no shortage of men for a dance on most of the nights. It was a smaller crowd than expected but still a great time. | |
| PHILANTHROPY | It was good to hear Sarah announce that the raffles had helped her meet the set charity goal for a community member seeking support in her search for an organ transplant and to see the beneficiary there with us to be a part of the success. And when there was a surprise add on to the donation, I almost cried. This is what the events should be all about - giving back where it is needed. | |
