I have been to Stepaganza for five consecutive years. In 2019, the event’s 10th anniversary, I arrived excited to step. After 6 days, on Tuesday, I was not ready to leave. I already look forward to next year. I plan months ahead for this event as a part of my birthday gift to myself. Now I book flights early. I don’t want to drive for 15 hours from Virginia for Stepaganza as I did in 2016. I enjoyed Stepaganza this year as much as my first year in St. Louis.
8 Reasons I Enjoy Stepaganza 2019
The power of the $60 All Weekend Pass 
To see Virginia home girls in a faraway city 
This DJ lights up the Embassy Suites lobby every year 
The event vendors with stuff I want to buy
Meeting new people 
Local steppers who make me dance until my last hour in St. Louis 
Meeting the Quake Styles – author of Human Earthquake 
Knowing the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients
What More Could I Ask For?
First and foremost, I have “no complaints.” I have three suggestions from what I saw at Stepaganza 2019.
- Plan the day parties at one hotel instead of splitting the crowd between the Marriott and the Embassy. I had many conversations on Thursday with steppers trying to figure out if the crowd was better at the Marriott or the Embassy Suites. We called stepper friends back and forth between hotels hoping to find the party with most steppers present.
- When I think of Saturday night as an Awards Ceremony where steppers get some time to step, instead of as a steppers’ event with an awards segment, I enjoy Saturday night more. I wish the awards ceremony was formally orchestrated. Maybe a new room set up might help. I enjoy seeing people I know acknowledged and celebrated. I believe it should and could be a showstopper where the audience really pays attention no matter how long the ceremony lasts.
- Keep the picnic on Saturday. This was a good change of pace. After dancing all day at the picnic, dancing less on Saturday night works for me. Last year at the Sunday picnic, my feet were so tired as it was almost at the end of the event schedule.
About Stepaganza
Stepaganza is planned for every stepper to have fun and something to do at most times for seven days straight. The formula works and makes Stepaganza very different from other weekend events I have experienced. I can attend unique workshops focused on the dance, not an instructor, bowl, skate, eat, step, laugh, pool party, picnic, socialize, game, and celebrate those who have made an impact in the community. I love a full agenda. Thank you Iary Israel and I don’t think anyone can pull it off quite as successfully as you and your team already do!
