Without a doubt, the stepper takeover of the fabulous Marriott Marquis in Downtown Atlanta Feb 22-26 heralded the return of The Heritage Ball 2024 to its hometown. Steppers were ready to return to stepping with…
First, I saw his hat. A couple of years ago I saw him in a tall red hat and oversized glasses at the Heritage Ball. Immediate thought? “Who is that?!!” I did not see his full ensemble until a break between songs and steppers broke away from the dance floor. Then, after traveling a lot more to different cities for weekend events I saw him more and more. A feature post on Maurice Thomas is a great close out to LT8C’s January focus on fashion in the Chicago Style Steppin’ community.
Friends have urged me to write about this topic, but it has bothered me. Fashion and personal style is an individual expression. Far be it from me to judge how someone chooses to show or present themselves. As much as we watch and judge each others dance, we judge our looks and appearances as steppers as well. In LT8C’s month on fashion, it is apropos to discuss “fashion etiquette” so now I have decided to finally tell it!
Leisha Rutledge’s business card says “Seamstress – Tailor – Dressmaker – Designer.” Fashion is her business and the 60% of her work from the steppin’ community is growing!
When I started Chicago Style steppin’ I experienced new hair maintenance struggles. On 4-5 day event weekends, I needed a hair stylist after the first night because my ‘do’ would be ‘done’ from the welcome set and still — days to go. As much as I strived for perfect hair to stay put, survive the main event on Saturday, and be intact for Sunday’s farewell, my hair -relaxed or natural – was a struggle. For my natural sisters looking for ways to get your hair the way you want it for any day of an event weekend, it is possible. Alexis Perkins and Tyshawna Witherspoon present in their new book Kinks to Curls, how to maintain a natural lasting, curl pattern without chemicals.