When you ask me about the Sarah Teagle 25th Silver Anniversary in Atlanta, these 3 Cs come to mind – Customer Service, Class, and Contest. The weekend was about celebrating a commendable milestone in Sarah Teagle’s stepping journey but it was equally about honoring and holding on to traditions of the dance – Chicago Stepping.
Customer Service
Customer service matters most to customers like me when things go wrong or don’t go as planned. My insights begin from the point of purchasing a ticket. As a publicly recognized last minuter, I admit I did not buy my ticket until Monday, August 26, a day after website sales closed. When I reached out to Sarah, she allowed me to purchase my ticket online so I could be a part of the weekend. Thank you! When I arrived at the door, my name was not on the guest list. However, those tending the door, proceeded to put on my weekend pass armband while I looked up my proof of purchase by email. There was never a no or a hassle to be a part of the weekend and that matters to me. The welcome was warm and when there were roadblocks I got answers and a path forward quickly.
There were three things that I wish I had known earlier:
- that the contest was on Sunday
- the fee for parking and the process for ticket validation and
- the website link for tickets.
These details are critical to travelers, but I think they ironed out those details along the way at the event. I understand there was a live with Talking Tea with Tika that mentioned some details that were not printed on flyers but if you did not watch the live many key details were missed in communication.
Atmosphere of Class
To me, the 25th Silver Anniversary event team set a level or tone of class. I want to say that Atlanta sets the tone for dressy, elegant affairs when it comes to steppers events. It seems to be a mark or signature in this community for social groups that have been hosting bigger events here for more than a decade. I think the silver theme for Saturday night made it formal and elegant. Silver was a struggle for me but I learned how to accessorize and make it silver. The outfits were extraordinary and I hope everyone studied the fashion. I saw several potential contest outfits in the crowd. It was beautiful. I believe the Walking Contest added another element of elegance. On Sunday, contestants were dressed in beautiful gowns and long dresses for the walk.
I enjoyed the atmosphere and the vibe was mature and classy every day regardless of the dress code for the night. I hope to see more events like this staying strong. In true style, the Ivy Center and Sonesta Ballroom were comfortable without excessive heat. I am going to exclude Thursday because Ellery’s was packed and my skin was melting. It was crowded and I did not stay for long but Rodney Mack kept everyone on the dancefloor with his music. And I was glad to see that they fixed the floor quickly at the Sonesta for the day parties. How you market something also makes a difference. I think Sarah and her team could plug this event more on social media. However, let me focus on the flyer itself. It did not display a roster of faces on it. She featured two “Special Guests” Dr Reggie Miles and LC Henderson. I don’t see that on flyers often anymore and the design was refreshing and simple. I also loved the feature reel highlighting who the contestants were. It’s the small things that pulled this all together to be a classy affair.
The Walking Contest
I wondered why the contest was on Sunday, the day when many people would be traveling home. However, it is Labor Day weekend and on Sunday many steppers were still in the building and ready to watch the contest. All the contestants were prepared and well-dressed. I enjoyed the contest and seeing eight couples was palatable and not too much or too little for me. The contestants chose their music and I think DJ Myron the R chose the right song for that dance-off. The results are the results so I am not here to dispute the outcome. I wish however that the tie for third place had been broken after the dance-off. Why have a dance-off to have the contestants tie at the end of it? They made an executive decision instead of determining the winner by audience applause. Overall, the walking contest was great and the judges judged. Congratulations to all the winners and participants.
Walking Contest
- First – Tim Alexander and Yvette O’Donnell
- Second – Drewry Alexander and Christine Mays
- Third – Mike Bee and Shelly Holder AND Jonathan McDougal and Shani Johnson
Congratulations Sarah on a successful 25th Silver Anniversary and for achieving this milestone. The stepping community loves you and your presence has made a positive difference in the many lives you have touched through dance, fashion, and community.
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HELLO, I AM SONJI
I saw stepping for the first time in Virginia and fell in love with the dance. I started traveling in 2012 and fell in love with the people, culture, and experience. Chicago stepping has taken me across the nation chasing its truths. I enjoy the chase. It has stirred my soul and healed me. These are my travel stories about Stepping.
LEARN TO STEP
- Find an instructor
- Explore the culture
- Enjoy the music
- Chase the experience
- Travel and learn
