It is always great to meet a new stepper that “really” enjoys traveling to step. My friends who don’t step are still trying to figure out what motivates steppers to go everywhere just to dance. There are more than a few of us crazy travelers. I officially met Rene Ragland last year and had a long conversation – of all the places – at the airport, while waiting for our flight to return home from maybe Philadelphia or Detroit. I can’t keep up with all the cities where we have seen each other. I am in her neck of the woods often steppin’ in DC. The best way to keep up with Rene is on Facebook because she is “everywhere” and takes a lot of photos. We have been steppin’ cohorts, keep in touch and always talk about where we will see each other next. I always tell new steppers travel as much as you can, as much as your life and situation allows. You will never get an understanding of the dynamism and creativity in this dance until you go away from your city and experience steppin’ Chicago style not only in Chicago but in other cities. Meet one of the steppin’ community’s most active, traveling, glamorous, fashionista ladies and find out where she is in her journey! Meet Rene!
How long have you been stepping and how were you introduced to the dance? I have been steppin’ for two years and two months.
Where are you from? I am from Washington DC, born and raised!
It seems like you’ve been bit by the steppin’ bug. What do you love about stepping? I absolutely love the music, I had not heard a majority of the music being played. The dance along with the music makes my heart sing!! I can dance all night!!
What are your favorite cities that you have visited and why? I don’t have a favorite city yet. I have enjoyed each city that I have visited. At that moment the city that I am in, is my favorite.
Where do you want to visit that you haven’t been to already? I have my sight on two cities right now, Long Beach and Las Vegas.
You have been to Chicago already I see. How did you plan for that trip? I knew I wanted to go to Chicago the first time I watched a video on YouTube of the 50 Yard Line. I did not have a definite plan in mind, but one day I heard Eric Gordon on Facebook Live talking about his upcoming birthday party and although I did not know him, I decided to go. So happy I did. I had a blast!
What was your favorite thing about Chicago? My favorite thing about Chicago was watching the dance!!
If there is anything you could change about your experience as a stepper so far, what would it be? The only thing I would change would be time. Meaning, I would have learned this beautiful dance a lot sooner.
What is your advice to anyone that is starting to learn to step? I would say relax and have fun. Don’t take your mistakes or missed steps so serious.
What is your next planned weekend steppers’ event? My next event is this weekend, “I Love Steppin” in Detroit. I went last year, even though I was very, very nervous because it was my first steppin’ event out of town and by myself I had a blast!
Thank you Rene for sharing your experience with us. I know I’ll see you on the dance floor somewhere soon and a note on Vegas,… it’s fun! I will see you in Detroit this weekend for I Love Steppin’ at your out of town anniversary. I hope they’re ready for both of us!
