Chicago – A New and Fresh Perspective From Dione
Dione Barnes, my fellow Virginia stepper, talks about her trip to Chicago.
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2019 World’s Largest Steppers Contests (WLSC) Was Full of Surprises
My fondest memories of any WLSC are usually the surprises. Any stepper in this contest should condition his or her mind to be flexible and stay relaxed and focused when faced with the unexpected. What were the surprises?
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Tony Dow. Rooted and Reputed in Chicago Style Steppin’
When a family has a rich legacy in music and dance, and a respect for art, the younger generation is born into a duty and responsibility of teaching and paying it forward whether or not they know it. What someone chooses to do with this duty is determined by his/her affect, character and sensibility. Meet Tony Dow.
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Reggie Miles on The Three Dimensions of Chicago’s Social Dance
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!
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Tony Adway. Making Waves With Serious Talk. Part 2.
I heard about Tony Adway and learned more about him through his Facebook Live show. In Part 2 of our interview I found out how that show came about, people’s opinions of him and the future of Chicago style steppin’. Here goes.
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Tony Adway. When You Have A Second Chance
Tony Adway tells it candidly – straight no chaser about his intentions and what really matters to him. Here is Part 1 of my interview with the man behind the smile.
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The Introduction. Who Is Reggie Miles?
I had a chance to meet and talk to the legend, Reggie Miles about many things. There are many facets to his personality and so we talked for a while. I listened and learned a lot. I had to segment his feature into more than one part. Here is Part 1.
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Words With The Contest Winner JB Burns
On June 8, 2019 stepper JB Burns and his partner, Kelly Roberts, won first place at the 12th Annual Bo Watson Red Steppers Affair Steppin’ Contest walking away with trophies, $1,000 prize, and bragging rights….
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When I Just Want to Dance, I Stepaganza.
I had a great time at Stepaganza on my fifth year attending this event. In 2019, the event’s 10th anniversary, I arrived excited to step and did not want to leave. There were a couple of changes that made the event better and I had many reasons to enjoy this time in St. Louis.
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What Dasen Learned About Steppin’ After Moving To Chicago
Dasen Moore, a new transplant to Chicago, moved to the windy city a little over six months ago. In my trips to Chicago I see him out all the time and I already see a change. I had to sit and talk to Dasen about his big move to Chicago.
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A Different Reason to Step. Meet Stepper Al Bowmen
The best part of meeting Al Bowmen is knowing where he is coming from. I met Al a long time ago in Virginia Beach at a stepper set. He is one of the most understanding, patient people I know and my ace boon coon.
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Trivia About the World’s Largest Steppers Contest?
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!
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Steppers Are Just Going to Have to Make A Choice
At the announcement of the Black & Bling fire sale, I learned that I Love Steppin’ 11 Anniversary and the fifth Annual Black and Bling are scheduled for the same dates – April 25-28, 2019. I approached Devin Smith about the conflict and our conversation ended with “Next year, steppers are just going to have to make a choice.”
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Rene Ragland. Steppin’ Out Of Her City
It is always great to meet a new stepper that “really” enjoys traveling to step. My friends who don’t step still don’t understand what motivates steppers to go everywhere just to dance, so like-minded steppers make me appear not so infatuated. There are more than a few of us crazy travelers. Meet one of the steppin’ community’s most active, traveling, glamorous, fashionista ladies and find out where she is in her journey! Meet Rene!
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Going International. Steppin’ Chicago Style in Brazil
I wanted to know how steppers in Brasil started steppin’ and where they are in this dance. I met Evandro Ontiveros, one of the steppers in Brasil trying to strengthen the popularity of Chicago Style steppin’ in a country all the way in South America.
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What Is DIPG? Will You Dance 4 DIPG?
I consider this one of LT8C’s most important posts. When I coined the slogan “love, live, step” a cause such as “Maiy’s Miracle” was at the heart of “love” and “live.” Steppin’ has helped and supported people in our communities by donating through dance. Today find out how you can help a worthy cause and “Dance for DIPG.”
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Maurice Thomas Is “Not Your Fashion Icon”
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.
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livingthe8count 2017 Year In Review
Here is the 2017 Year in Review/Recap. I decided to put together a video this year since it’s time for an upgrade. I hope you like it! Please leave your feedback in the comments or vote for the video.
