[9/22/2008 SteppersUSA News]
WLSC 2008 Review
By Markie Bee
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Today I would like to reflect on my "ringside perspective" of the
contest on Saturday night. And for all of those of you who sent
pluggers, updates and new events... Keep them coming, I'll get to them
once I finish processing and uploading the photos from the contest (that
will be later today. I've already processed 1800 shots with about 600
more to go). Now for my impressions...
It was great to see a capacity crowd at Willow Brook (perhaps it's time
to move back to the Hyatt downtown next year to accommodate a larger
crowd). On the down side, it was too bad there was no raised floor this
year. It made viewing from non-ringside seats difficult to say the
least. Of course I heard the usual muttering about the fairness of the
judging. Now, I've mentioned this before, but It bears repeating... Get
some computers (you've heard of those things, the portable kind they
call laptops). plug one of them into the video array (can be done at the
DJ Booth) and key in the scores as soon as the judges get them...
There's already someone keying the scores in to a calculator, just
exchange the calculator with a computer and you have instant totals that
can be seen by all right away. None of this low tech showing sheets of
paper with numbers on them, slowing down the pace of the contest. The
increased role of the "out of town" category and the number of people
who traveled to the Windy city for the contest was impressive to say the
least. I think the web has something to do with this. This is really a
tribute to the "steppers evangelists" who travel from city to city
teaching the dance as well as those who have carried the torch handed to
them by those "steppers evangelists" in each city. (I've never believed
in the statements like people who are from out of town don't know how to
step... who the hell taught them???) If someone from Chicago is teaching
the dance wrong from Chicago, then it's up to the people in the home of
Chicago style stepping to check their game (Both the people who are
allegedly "doing wrong" and those who are "doing right" via
certification.) The poll done on SteppersUSA in July showed that over 60
percent of the respondents indicated If we want stepping to be
recognized as a National Dance Art Form certification needs to happen.
The contest itself...
Once the contest got started (It started a little late for a variety of
reasons, they caught up somewhat by doubling and tripling couples on the
floor in the second half of the contest) most of the dancing was good by
anyone's standard with the greatest improvement seen in the out of
town category. Drew Alexander proved that he is "all that he
can be" and danced up to the level where he managed to match all of the
hype and praise thrown his way as part of the future of stepping. In
short, He and Sherry Gordon got their step on and enjoyed themselves
doing so. There will be many more contest wins in the future for Drew,
especially dancing with a seasoned pro like Sherry.
In the beginners competition, (Remember I predicted this one back
during the semi-finals) Jay and Ann Williams took the crown. This couple
was taught by Moe (I remember when Jay couldn't dance a lick). I watched
this couple grow into a great dance couple Ann, has been referred to by
Tykmyn, Moe and Michael (Westside Mike) Bush as a (dancing beast) which
is a great compliment... She proved them right on Saturday night with
solid basics and great control in turns and footwork.
In the Original 40 & Over Category It was great to see Ken
Hilliard get the recognition he deserves as a master of the footwork as
he paired with Yvette O'Donnell with a great turn on the floor. They
danced like they have been dancing together for ages... Sometimes it
just takes chemistry. Darren Ulmer and Tori Williams brought real energy
and Royce Banks and Cheryl Powe showcased Royce doing what he does so
well, elegance and grace on the dance floor. Walkers Category Magic Mike Thomas and Patina Wilson did
everything exactly the way walkers should in this category that is
representative of the true style of the dance... Nuff said. Original New Skool Category Tyk Myn and Lady Margaret Fisher
lived up to my personal expectations (I know there were those who said
they were a mis-match) as seasoned, experienced champions rising to the
occasion and dancing better than many people expected. That's how you
win contests. I feel the putting multiple contestants on the floor at
the same time worked to their favor as they made their way to the center
of the floor and stayed there... Tyk is a master at strategy if you
haven't guessed by now. Westside Mike and Alexis Bush were pinned up and
looking better than ever, but I think Tykmyn's decision to dance in the
middle of the floor may have hurt this dynamic dancing couple. G. Porgie
was just a guest on Real Talk on
www.learn2step.com
and this self-proclaimed "casual dancer" grabbed third place with his
unique style while dancing with "Tee Tee" Nash. They were really
entertaining.
Tykmyn has owned the Trio Category for quite a while now,
and this year was no exception. This year, Tykmyn danced with Lady
Margaret, and Candace Hinton and his choreography brought them first
place honors. This was the only category where I felt there was some
real originality and innovation in the whole contest. Tomorrow I'll tell
you why I feel that way.
Classic Steppers Music Key to the
World L J Reynolds
If you or anyone you know has any photos, footage or information about
or from any Steppers contests for the
History of Stepping Project,
I'd love to add it to what we have. It's Your History! OR If you have a personal recollection concerning stepping or if you care to help
with the
in any manner, please
Send us an email.
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Click Here to view the listing
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classes and workshops, Daily events, weekly events, monthly events,
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most complete listing of Steppers information available anywhere. Send
your submissions and pluggers or flyers to us at
webmaster@steppersusa.com TODAY!
Please copy the message below and send it on to as many steppers as
you can please!
This is an open message to ALL steppers. Please share it
with as many people as possible.
As many of you may already know I started a new web
site for the benefit of the greater steppers community. It's called
History of Stepping Project. I wish to encourage you to add your
knowledge to the timeline. If you know anything about stepping, please
share this with the public on this site. We are looking for all
information related to stepping from it's beginnings to the present. The
information literally includes everything from clubs and bars which held
steppers sets and parties to contests and the participants and results,
to when different steppers organizations and classes started, who the
instructors were and are; Musical bands, and artists, DJ's, radio and
television personalities, Movies, videos, and photos… literally
everything stepping.
Creating an accurate historic timeline will go a long
way toward helping the community take the next step in its logical
progression as it continues to grow nationwide and will become a
valuable resource for all in the future.
Your input, your knowledge and your effort have made the dance what it
is today. Don't you feel your place (and your organization's) in the
timeline is well deserved? I do!
Please send an email to your members or readers inviting them to
participate. Place a link on your web site also please. All support is
appreciated!
The effort requires more than just posting the
information. The need for fact checkers, people willing to do some
research exists in this important ongoing project. Just a few minutes a
week can make a difference.
The
winners list from the WLSC is posted on
