It’s not often I get to dance with my stepper friends from other states at an all-weekend event in Virginia. This MLK weekend was a treat for my feet to dance. My soul reconnected with friends at StyleMasters 2020. I went to the Thursday night welcome, Saturday day party, and Sunday brunch. Here is my review for StyleMasters 2020.
Nyce Entertainment StyleMasters 2020 raised the bar for what a successful event outside of the midwest can look like. Real talk! Damon Rose and the team put together a weekend experience that was warm, inviting, and different. As Damon Rose said to his crowd, “I have to rely on a team of creative minds to keep the event competing in the market and keep steppers looking forward to this weekend.” They did that. The event offered me something different and did not overwhelm me with too much to do or see. Here are my weekend highlights.
Location
The Holiday Inn Newport News, Hampton was not too large or small a venue. The vendors were close to and/or inside the ballroom. The venue stayed at a good temperature no matter how many people were in the room. I did not complain about being hot a single time. It was conveniently located near a host of shops and restaurants. We were less than a mile away for food and other entertainment. The setting was beautiful. The tables were spread enough to keep us close but comfortably far enough from each other. Everyone had a seat and there were no empty tables.
Warm and Friendly Hosts
Lani Lucas at the front greeting guests was a plus! Her energy is always positive and uplifting, and she’s always smiling. Her good energy and positive attitude permeated the lobby. That’s what I loved most and everyone on his team followed Lani’s lead and sustained that energy. They were very “nyce.”
The Music at Stylemasters 2020
First, DJ Black Cool from Chicago was in the house. I am glad that VA steppers got a taste of him. He’s hot in music now in Chicago at Dave Maxx’s first Sundays The Get Down. He was on his musical game. Deejay Gnice, DJ Shorty Smooth and DJ Sampsonite kept it lively all weekend long. In between, Shorty Smooth had many “#shotsfired.” When Sampsonite played a line dance and then dropped us in a DC mood for a while, I forgot I was at a steppers weekend. He brought it back around eventually, but our DMV steppers went wild!
The Vendors
If there were 8 vendors I spent money with 6. There were good fashion, accessories, oils, and books to choose from. I liked that they were not all crowded together. Each had a clean inviting space to shop, look and buy.
The Fashion Show
This was brand new and the icing on the cake. On Sunday, the vendors from at least three or four fashion boutiques showed their fashion. A mix of professional models and steppers pulled off an organized showing of garments and accessories ready and available for sale right outside. It was beautiful with DJ Shorty Smooth capturing most of the moments on the runway and Kathleen Wiggins MC’ing the show. This was the first fashion show at a weekend event outside of Chicago that I’d seen. I am glad someone has finally brought this idea to life in the right way. Some revealing outfits walked down the runway and small children were present. I think if the host is aware of these situations, something will be thought through and done about that if the fashion show continues as a part of the weekend.
The Camaraderie and Dancing at Stylemasters 2020
I saw steppers from many cities and states – Chicago, Milwaukee, California, Ohio, New York, North Carolina, DC, Maryland, and, of course – Virginia. I am sure that this is not a full list of every area represented at StyleMasters 2020. Chicago surprised me with not just the instructors but familiar and known faces – Qiana ‘Q” Wilson from Will Q You Podcast, Pat Clay, another Chicago instructor, and other faces from the Midwest. It was hugs all day and there was no shortage of men to keep everyone dancing. I had good breaks to socialize and dance. I saw instructors, Tykmann and Charnice Simmons, stay on the floor with steppers at the day party and brunch and that’s always a plus! And Damon himself entertained his guests on the dance floor as well with a few dances as time allowed.
The Steppin’ History
We don’t have enough events that intentionally pay homage to the history of steppin’. I did not make it to the Saturday night event. I understand that Kathleen Wiggins, Charnice Simmons, and Tall Rick helped to celebrate the dance’s history. They recognized our steppin’ sisters that have passed recently – Ronda Burnett and Jannice Robertson. This was a nice and thoughtful touch. And, to honor the man of our steppin’ music, DJ Sam Chatman’s birthday was acknowledged and recognized.
I don’t know how Nyce Entertainment is going to top this one, but I am sure Damon’s got the team, mindset and drive to outdo himself and set a new bar. Get ready for the next StyleMasters in 2022. It’s every two years. I shouldn’t have to tell you this but plan to be there. It’s a weekend you don’t want to miss. I hope you enjoyed this review of StyleMasters 2020 and that it was helpful for you to plan for the next one. Be there!
