[7/1/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Smoke and Mirrors
By Markie Bee
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As a continuation to my story about how venues treat the Chicago style steppers community (Customers) (See this article) I wanted to share some of the discussions I have had since then. Of course the main response I seem to get from promoters, bartenders, DJ's, and bar owners alike is the same refrain; "steppers don't drink so that makes my job hard." I guess if it were easy it would be called "going to fun" instead of "going to work". Let's explore the individual roles for a moment so we can reach an "ah ha moment". The responsibility of the promoter is to devise, set up, advertise, and carry out events which are designed to bring people into an establishment. That's the short story, but in a nutshell, that's what they do with a whole lot of steps in between. Basically, they get the people in the door. I'll talk about the DJ next. The DJ's job in a nutshell is to entertain the people who come to the establishment. In each case, the promoters and the DJs generally do their jobs with pretty decent results in most cases. The people come into the place because the promoter informed them of the party or set and the DJ entertains them and this is evidenced by people dancing and having fun. The third part of the equation is the venue. Some are better than others as evidenced in the previous article, but when it comes right down to it their job is to sell their product. When I hear a bar manager, or owner complaining that Chicago style steppers don't drink, this goes through my mind… What a stupid statement! The promoter got the people in the door; the DJ is doing their job, so it's the venue that isn't doing their job. Their job is to sell. If people aren't buying alcohol, find something the people will buy. The saying goes, "the willow bends with the wind" which means change with the times. It's not just steppers who are drinking less. You have the government, M.A.D.D., the police, and every other mothers son telling people you shouldn't drink... so yes people are drinking less (in the clubs and bars). Do they need to be hit on the head with a mallet to get the point? Sell us something we are willing to buy or go out of business! Everybody drinks SOMETHING. It doesn't have to be alcohol, so why not expand the non-alcohol menu? Why not enforce a drink minimum? Those who wouldn't buy anything anyway would leave and everyone involved would be happy. Of course there are those greedy individuals who want more and more, but they will complain about the Chicago style steppers anyway and shouldn't be in the business in the first place. It's called the hospitality business in the first place, not a game of smoke and mirrors. It can be a win-win situation if people let it. What do you think?

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Smoke and Mirrors 

 


Sunshine Stepping at Club 142 in Hammond, IN with a variety of the stars of the Chicago style stepping community including Steppin' James, Carlos, Dominique, Johnny (JC) Carter, Royce Banks, Swan, and G. Porgie. The video was shot freehand by Markie Bee (SteppersUSA.Com) live and unscripted after Sunshine's Ladies Styling class.

 

Earl & Robin at the 219 Contest Finals

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Steppers History

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.

Steppers Community Definition Added
Cross Reference Word Index Added
Multiple Definitions Added Definitions Page
2006 3-G's Contest results added Timeline Updated
Steppers Compete 2003 Timeline Updated
The Dungeon in Chicago in the 1970's See the Personal Recollections Page

A Message To All Steppers (Click Here to View)

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.

Thank You for your time!

Markie Bee
The History of Stepping Project

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Wednesday July 1, 2009
 

 

Wednesday Steppers Set
Gentle Persuasion
8959 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL
6pm - 2am
Free
773-430-6572
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50+ Classic Steppers
Chez Roue
5200 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL
5pm - 11pm
Free b4 7 $3 After
708-606-1221 deborahbrooks14@yahoo.com
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DBJ Productions Wednesday Night Steppin'
The Archive Lounge
6406 N. IH 35 Suite 1600 Austin, TX
7:30 pm - Midnite
$5.00
dbjproductions@yahoo.com
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Back In The Day Afterwork Set
Cailym Banquet Hall
2225 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, IL
6pm - 12am
773-552-0213
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One G Steppers
El Forgo
3636 Frankford #300, Dallas, TX
8pm - 1am
312-804-4278 www.onegsteppers.com
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757 Steppers Connection (Every Wednesday)
Tropical Delights Restaurant & Lounge
6220 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach, VA
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
757-467-1025 757-366-9855
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