Reggie Miles on The Three Dimensions of Chicago’s Social Dance
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Reggie Miles on The Three Dimensions of Chicago’s Social Dance

BySonji

Reading Time: 9 minutes After this interview with Reggie Miles I started to look at Chicago Style Steppin’ differently. Mr. Miles shared a lot and I could write a book. Since our interview, I watch more than I dance when I am in Chicago and I take in a whole lot more. Thank you Tony Adway for introducing me to this Chicago icon and legend, Mr. Reggie Miles, and for making our conversation possible. I hope this moment shares an eye-opening perspective for any reader. Enjoy the interview!

WLSC Trivia
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Trivia About the World’s Largest Steppers Contest?

BySonji

Reading Time: < 1 minute 2018 is the 28th anniversary of the World’s Largest Steppers Contest (WLSC).  There is a lot of history across twenty-eight years. How much do you know about the WLSC in the history of Chicago style steppin’? Here is the first livingthe8count.com WLSC trivia crossword puzzle to test your knowledge.  Good luck!

5 Things Westside Mike Said Made Me Say “Oh!”
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5 Things Westside Mike Said Made Me Say “Oh!”

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes I made a promise to myself to visit Chicago this year on a week when there was no World’s Largest or major event going on in the city. So said, so done. I spent five days in Chicago in the middle of March and there is so much to say about that time. During my trip, I had a chance to sit and talk with Michael “West Side Mike” Bush.

Creativity. Andre Blackwell on Adding Personal Style

Creativity. Andre Blackwell on Adding Personal Style

BySonji

Reading Time: 4 minutes In one of the first workshops I attended, while watching me do the basic eight count my instructor asked me “what is with all the hip movement?” I said I used to do salsa so that is probably why I do that. She said, “Kill that! This is steppin’ not salsa.” Early on I struggled with doing too much too early and being over eager to make a different statement than what people wanted to see. Even now, six years later, I still feel I struggle with treading a thin line to make the dance my own. If you can relate, this article may be for you as well. It was refreshing to hear the point of view of someone who changed the game in Chicago Style Steppin’ regardless of what anyone else said or told him to do – Andre Blackwell.

Fueling Your Creativity. Hear It From Andre Blackwell
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Fueling Your Creativity. Hear It From Andre Blackwell

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes In one of the first workshops I attended, while watching me do the basic eight count my instructor asked me “what is with all the hip movement?” I said I used to do salsa so that is probably why I do that. She said, “Kill that! This is steppin’ not salsa.” Early on I struggled with doing too much too early and being over eager to make a different statement than what people wanted to see. Even now, six years later, I still feel I struggle with treading a thin line to make the dance my own. If you can relate, this article may be for you as well. It was refreshing to hear the point of view of someone who changed the game in Chicago Style Steppin’ regardless of what anyone else said or told him to do – Andre Blackwell.

Did Contestants Make WLSC 2016 Something For Steppers to Talk About?
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Did Contestants Make WLSC 2016 Something For Steppers to Talk About?

BySonji

Reading Time: 6 minutes I went to Chicago for the 2016 World’s Largest Steppers Contest (WLSC) Weekend looking for answers. I have seen and watched videos of the prelims in different cities and read the controversial feedback on Facebook from contestants and the hoi polloi. I was both curious and excited to see how the performances would evolve to the final stage. My last time in Chicago was in 2012 for WLSC so I had some expectations but still was excited to realize the difference after four years. Who would walk away as winners with money in hand? Well, you’ll see a thorough recap on the details and results from Terrance Pratt on Chistepper.com and many of the videos of the performances on Facebook. Yet, the end results answered only twenty percent of my questions about the contest.

Looking Forward to the 2016 World’s Largest Steppers Contest – WLSC
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Looking Forward to the 2016 World’s Largest Steppers Contest – WLSC

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes Many people have stirred up lively conversation on social media about the World’s Largest Steppers Contest prelims. There have been many choice words of reviews and defenses from the general public, previous contestants, current contestants from the prelim videos that have been posted on Facebook. Reviews all slant to the notion there isn’t much to be expected at this year’s contest and there aren’t many new faces making a good, lasting impression. But, does all the commentary really make anyone decide not to attend the contest? On the contrary, for me.