Chicago Steppin'
Why it Should Be Added to "Dancing with the Stars"
What is Chicago Steppin'
Well, according to www.SteppersExpress.com, Steppin is currently one of the most popular aspects of America's social climate. It is a dance consisting of two or more people dancing as partners in synchronization to a 6 or 8 count beat to musical sounds of Jazz, Soul, Funk, R&B, Neo Soul, or Rapp music.
Why Steppin'
With the popularity of the show "Dancing With The Stars," couple dancing has seen a resurgence and Steppin' has had the same effect across the nation. It was most recently popularized by R & B Singer R. Kelly with his hit song, "Step In The Name Of Love" and since then, parties and clubs have not been the same. There has not been a social event that I have attended in recent years that the DJ could not get everyone dancing with this song. Also, I am a firm believer that if a couple can establish non-verbal communication (which is essential with this style of dancing) then, the other parts of their relationship might benefit. And quite frankly, with divorce rates way up, couple dancing might help to bring back some much needed healthy partner dialogue.
Brief History of Steppin'
Steppin' originated in Chicago's African American Community and comes from dance forms like The Cakewalk, The Jitterbug, The Swing, The Offtime and The Ring Shout. In recent times, the dance has gained such momentum that clubs and all night dance sessions have been created by and for dedicated lovers of Steppin.' Just the other day, I received an email from a Charlotte, NC based group called the PURPLE CHARLOTTE STEPPERS looking to begin weekly steppin' sessions at a local venue, The Café Room.
How Do You Step
The exciting part about this dance, is that once the basic steps are learned, each individual can create their own style around it. So basically, according to the R.Kelly song, it goes a little something like this: "Step step, side to side, round and round dip it now, separate, bring it back, let me see you do the love slide." If you still haven't gotten it yet, feel free to check out the many websites dedicated to this dance form. They include (and are not limited to) You Tube, www.Clubsteppin.com ,a 24 hour steppin' radio station or SteppersUSA.Com which is described as a national clearinghouse for all things related to Chicago Steppin.' I believe there is even an Inside Steppin' Magazine.
How Do You Dress For Steppin
I have learned that the style is referred to as Steppers Sharp! In other words, think zoot suits, ragtime, flappers and early 20's chic which coincidentally is a period in fashion that I absolutely love!
Have I Stepped
Heck yeah! I love Steppin' and after that R.Kelly Video with all those "Happy People" dressed in crisp summer white linen on the yacht, I could not wait to try it out. My first experience was a few years back at my daughter's dance school where the parents where enlisted to learn the dance as part of the finale performance for the yearly dance recital. What a fun experience! Our Instructor was straight out of Chicago and smooth as silk. What's more, Steppin' not only looks beautiful, it is a great work out as well.
My Closing Statement
I hope that after examining my case for Steppin,' the Producers of Dancing With The Stars, consider adding this wonderfully historic dance style to their line -up. Hey here's the added incentive: Audience numbers will definitely go up because Steppin' is contagious and has the unique ability to unify people.
Just listen to the last lines from the R.Kelly song "Love brought us together so keep on steppin! because
Love goin last forever! Clap in the name of love! Lets step out, hit the floor, deejays rockin it's all for us, if anybody asks, why we're stepin, tell em!!!....we did it for Love!"
Still not convinced
I submit this video at http://www.steppersexpress.com/contents.htm from a showcase in Atlanta featuring a trio of dancers which in my opinion exhibits true "Dancing With The Stars" potential. Not sure how to implement it, I say try it out on Laila & Heather...they can tackle anything!
Published by saba,ink
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14 Comments
Post a CommentFirst off steppen is not about Chicago we can safely say that detroit memphis and St.louis all have a great steppin history%21 Its has grown so much as of late that there are atleast 12 or more states doing steppas sets on the regurlar%21 If any thing us Chicagoins pride ourselves for keeping it going%21 R. Kelly helped to reveal it to the world%21 You said you are a steppa well if you really are then you would no that it is more then worthy of dancing with the stars%21Step ya Stepp game up shortie%21
put so well, "We dance around in a ring and suppose. But, the secret sits in the middle and knows." The ancient traditions and customs of black people live in Stepper's Set (Bembe:Party of the Ancestors).I am currently writing it's history. From what I call the Nubian Swing 'til the present Step. And would love to meet with those folks interested in learning the history of Stepping. Saba,God bless you, Lil' Sis. If our loved ones didn't past-on we'd depend on them forever.It's is our ancestors who are the mediators between us & God. Remember, what they have taught you for your own strength to endure.
Great article. I was born and raised in Chi-Town and was pleased to find that people are steppin' here in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area where I currently live. Whether or not it's ever recognized as a legitimate dance form on national television, steppin' holds a special place in the hearts of many. Thanks for taking the time to write this piece!
see thats where people got it wrong ,stepping is more than just a dance.thats why people are so serious about in the chicagoland area.there are lots of folk out there trying to teach it in lots of major cities.young folk is even starting to pick up on it.
All I'm saying is for the dance to take baby steps. How about "So You Think You Can Dance." I haven't seen any steppers there. How about some of those contest winners to try out on that show. Or how about even "Soul Train." I saw a brother and a sister dancing salsa to r&b on soul train once, an yet no steppers. NOT ONE! The salsa looked lame because the timing is different for both dances, but they were still there doin their thang.. At least now there is one national radio disk jock talking about stepping - love lust lies. Hopefully he doesn't fake it 'cause I heard somewhere that he's not really about steppin and can't really do it. We'll see....
Interesting comments Red. Perhaps if there was a true recognition of the dance..ALA Dancing With The Stars folks would feel more secure and focus on the art of the dance....Sometimes it does take time to focus on the BIG Picture...The art of STEPPIN'
I actually don't think that steppin should be added. I've learned how to do it, and don't live in chicago and I'm very disappointed. The dance is beautiful and fun but the folks from chi-town still act like it's a simple "round the way" bar dance. Where is the organization behind steppin? Where is the respect for those who don't come from chi-town who can do the dance. There needs to be one or maybe even two organizing bodies behind the dance. Look at salsa. Why do you think it's survived for so long and has grown. It's because the salsa dancers are so organized with a major salsa congress. So are the swing dancers, and all the other dancers for that matter. Steppin is the only dance out there that has such a lack of unity. Most of those guys are afraid that someone is going to steal their moves. I think they need to realize that all the moves have been done already by other dances. No one's going to steal your moves.
Saba, sorry about your father, by the way. I'm listening to Duke Ellington on your MySpace page. You sure do like a variety of music. *bopping in my seat*
My cousin is so mad at me because I'd rather go to a skating rink than the stepper's club after our family reunion in August. My mother used to drag me on the floor to step all while I was little, so I hate doing it now. Ha, ha, ha. She still drags me out to the floor to step to this day and I suck at it (but I'm a really good dancer). Learning to step with professionals is hard though; they already know what they want to do and you're falling on your feet. But oh! I like the video you showed. You know who I loved to see step though? Nia Long and Larenz Tate in "Love Jones." Tate was juking!
This is wonderful! I'm new to AC and have lived in Chicago for 13 years. Steppin' is definitely one of the most fascinating aspects of black life in The Chi!
Good lookin' out, and I'll check you again soon. ;-)