Learn about the community activities in steppin’ cities across the nation. Many organizations and groups within the steppin’ community help others in different ways. Some organizations raise money for scholarships, celebrate sobriety, raise money for non-profit efforts and to help other people on a journey to wellness. This is what community is about.
Reading Time: 4 minutes Kim Bowie, a legend in the Chicago Stepping community, gained his wings on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The announcement on Saturday sent a shockwave through our community. Videos, photos, posts, and interviews flooded social media to celebrate a man well-loved by many and acknowledge a life well-lived. The story of his life through posts centered…
Reading Time: 2 minutes INSPIRED BY: In the livingthe8count Facebook group, a member asked about establishing a Steppers weekend. Experienced event promoters shared insights and guidance, making it a valuable moment of mentorship. And now, I have something to say. February is Black History Month, but in the Chicago Stepping community, mentorship honors Black History all year long. It…
Reading Time: 4 minutes I did not attend the Inside Steppin’ DJ Forum in person on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. However, I watched and listened to the live broadcast on Facebook. Ambassador Kevin Nevels and Brian Forbes co-hosted. Panel guests for the forum were DJ Calvin, DJ Lady Love, and DJ Mellow Khris. The show was hosted in Chicago…
Reading Time: 4 minutes 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….
Reading Time: 3 minutes I pulled up to the Fifty Yard Line at 10:30 a.m. for the WGN TV shoot in Chicago.. This production was for a feature on the nostalgia of Chicago Stepping for Larry Potash, Anchor for the WGN Morning News. This showcase would be a highlight on his history show Backstory. The instructions for participating couples…
Reading Time: 2 minutes Jannice Robertson (RIP) would crack me up every time, with, “Don’t watch me. Watch TV!” Well, how about, “Watch me ON TV!” That’s right! WGN TV Chicago wants to highlight Chicago Stepping for their history show to contribute to a piece on nostalgia. Pete Frazier posted an open casting call on Facebook for couples to…
Reading Time: 8 minutes It’s been a year and a half since I moved to the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Let me tell you, it has opened my eyes to some amazing aspects of this Stepping community! It’s like seeing things from a whole new perspective compared to when I used to visit regularly. Can you believe the Atlanta Stepping…
Reading Time: 7 minutes When I set out for the conversation with First Lady Maddy B Haywood of De Ja Vu I was thinking about line dancing and how it fits with Chicago Stepping culture. Our talk went meant much deeper and I discovered Maddy B’s passion for social media, her contest and travel experience with Stepping Greg and…
Reading Time: 9 minutes Odette Bell has been someone I grew with in my Chicago Stepping journey. We started in the same state, in the same community just 2 years a part in our exposure to this dance. Since knowing her, Odette has lived in Hampton Roads, Virginia, California, and now the Chicagoland area. I thought this would be…
Reading Time: 7 minutes I want to make some points on the evolution of Chicago Stepping. Let’s first clearly define evolution: Evolution: any process of formation or growth; development When I think of evolution it’s not just about the dance – what I see on the wood. Evolution speaks to all of the Chicago Stepping experience. It can include…
Reading Time: 5 minutes Continuing our highlight for Women’s History Month, here are five women who show me what the work has to be now and what the road ahead can be when we don’t quit. They are constant reminders that even when it is not easy, you must keep going. And even when opportunities may be tempting, don’t…
Reading Time: 5 minutes This week, I highlight for Women’s History Month, individuals in the stepping community who to me exemplify the influence and power of a woman. During thirteen years of learning Chicago Stepping, I have met some pretty sensational, amazing people. Women across the United States are making history right before my eyes. They are game changers,…
Reading Time: 9 minutes To celebrate Women’s Month, we want to shine the spotlight on Michele Green, a woman taking the lead in the stepping community to spread the love of Chicago Stepping to the world. I hope you did not miss the light up of our Facebook feeds last week with Michele’s photos and videos of her trip…
Reading Time: 5 minutes To enjoy Chicago Stepping, trust is essential. It’s not just about trusting your dance partner; it’s about having faith in yourself. To learn and dedicate myself to stepping, I practice diligently at home and embrace every opportunity to dance with others. Experience built my confidence. I got comfortable touching different hands on the wood and…
Reading Time: 11 minutes Delores King is from Chicago and has been stepping for 20-plus years. She launched the organization Livin’ Through the Lenz NP and has a message for the stepping community, but who is Delores King? Delores learned to dance, going out with friends like Sherrod four or five times a week. They learned to step together…
Reading Time: 7 minutes Going to and learning in Donnie Davis’ class has been integral to my stepping journey. I have never lived in Chicago, but Donnie Davis’ class is where I go every so often to be in a class setting. It is the place for me to level set with Chicago, socialize, and meet other dancers who…
Reading Time: 8 minutes INSPIRATION: Stepper Set flyers that say “All Dance Styles are Welcome” and someone on the set asking me, “Why is he playing that music?” At the heart of our stepping community’s culture is the stepper set. On the stepper set, we meet other people who step, appreciate different but familiar music, celebrate ourselves, challenge and…
Reading Time: 3 minutes The stepping community mourns the passing of Willie “Casper” Perry and celebrates his life. The tremendous outpour of condolences and memories on social media from friends and family and on worldwide media showed the life of a Renaissance man. The Chicago Sun-Times wrote an obituary. He was an entertainer, stepper, skater, DJ and radio host,…