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Yanni’s Perspective on Dating in the Steppin’ Community

BySonji

Reading Time: 6 minutes When I first started learning to step Chicago style and going to socials and sets in Virginia, I met many new people quickly and thought the steppers community was an ideal dating scene. I still think it is. The social atmosphere is a definite upgrade from the clubs and lounges I was going to locally with friends. I immediately tried recruiting all my single friends to start steppin’ with me and to meet new people. However I also learned along the way that many steppers did not date openly in the community or just didn’t date within the steppin’ community at all.

Cynthia Reaches A New Milestone In Her Stepping Journey
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Cynthia Reaches A New Milestone In Her Stepping Journey

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes Cynthia Catoe-Warren has been steppin’ Chicago style for a year now and is one of the steppers in my local area Hampton Roads, Virginia.  I was thrilled when she told me she made it to her first weekend event in Arlington, Virginia at Steppin’ In Our Nation’s Capital Steppers – even if it was just for one day.

Choc James Chicago Stepper
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Choc James on Chicago Steppin’. Being Your Own Cheerleader

BySonji

Reading Time: 8 minutes Choc James piqued my interest because his name is popular on Facebook whether in videos, at an event, on a flyer, or his name is a controversial part of a group conversation. And, he is everywhere. I tried to find out more about the mystique of this man and his love for steppin’ Chicago style.

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Steppers In Virginia. We Step Chicago Style Too

BySonji

Reading Time: 4 minutes At Big Al’s 2012 Steppin’ 4 Life Charity Ball when they did the state roll call I insisted on over the mic recognition of Virginia presence. I was one person in the crowd from Virginia hooting and hollaring. From that moment, many steppers called me Miss Virginia and I answered to it proudly. I got used to traveling solo and made friends in every city I visited but since 2012 there has been amazing change in the Virginia Chicago style steppin’ community.

The Stepping Community, A Place for the Squares and Now the Bums
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The Stepping Community, A Place for the Squares and Now the Bums

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes Not until 2017 did I hear the terms “squares” and “bums” used in the steppin’ community. I have always loved how this community attracts “different” people. I hope in years to come, we can all find a place on the dance floor with each other and still enjoy ourselves and have a good time although we are different.

Breaking the Silence. I am Back.

Breaking the Silence. I am Back.

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes In the last two months I stopped blogging and several steppers have asked me what is happening with the blog. In the five years that I have been steppin’ and involved with this community, this is the first time that even my thoughts were so overshadowed by what other people were saying or doing. One thing hasn’t changed and that is my love for steppin’ and so for good reasons, I am breaking my silence.

Why Tony Butler Asks The Questions No One Else Does
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Why Tony Butler Asks The Questions No One Else Does

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes Antoine”Tony” Butler’s daily questions on Facebook have stimulated controversy, nostalgia and conversation. Tony you have caused quite a stir on social media with your questions and I’m curious what happened, what’s your motive and where do you think this will take us as a community?  Let’s talk – real talk!

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A Polite Plea for Proper Steppers Paparazzi Protocol

BySonji

Reading Time: 2 minutes When I saw Jewell Booth immediately turn her back to someone casually passing by and stopping to take her photo with his camera phone, I was puzzled.
“Wasn’t he just taking your photo?” I asked Jewell.
“Yes, but without my permission! That is a topic you should write about on your blog.” she responded.

Etiquette Header
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Etiquette 7, Be The Person People Want to See Again, But Be You

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes I thought about writing this article for a long time. I tried to write other topics but my mind wouldn’t let me. This isn’t directly about the dance itself but it is a topic rooted in etiquette and I believe just as important. Two weeks ago I said to my niece, “Shanice if you ever need a hug, go to a stepper set or class.” On the start of my 2017 Midwest tour I have met many people in Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit. And, I am learning some things the hard way but still learning. Maybe this article is more a point of record for me but I will share my thoughts.

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.

Ronnie "B" Burnett
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Ronnie B and the Story of His Music

BySonji

Reading Time: 5 minutes I met Ronnie B in Atlanta for the first time and I had been exposed to his music from videos I had watched on YouTube. It is hard to forget watching this man and his beautiful wife Ronda steppin’ in his music videos. You can hear most of his music on his albums, Hopeless Romantic, So Mental, or Get Away and see his videos on YouTube. In Atlanta I hear his music quite often played at Ms. Mary’s Saturday Set.

10 Memorable Moments From The 2017 Heritage Ball
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10 Memorable Moments From The 2017 Heritage Ball

BySonji

Reading Time: 3 minutes I think I have finally recuperated from this year’s Heritage Ball weekend because it is truly a “no sleep weekend.” There are tons of gorgeous photos and videos from the event all over Facebook. I had my special moments – some caught on camera and others not on camera that made the 2017 Heritage Ball a memorable time for me.