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[2/11/2010 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Recreate The Wheel
By Markie Bee
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Today's Steppers Beat column is sponsored by: WORD OF MOUTH ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. THE QUAD CITY STEPAGANZA Memorial Day Weekend 3rd Annual Fashion Show and Benefit May 27-31st, 2010
How do people outside of Chicago style stepping that know about the dance look at the dance and the people who make up its community? Generally I feel Chicago style steppers consider themselves to be normal (for the most part), well adjusted (for the most part) members of society.
Some people look at steppers and say to themselves, "these people are dance fanatics; it seems like everything they say and do has to pertain to stepping". Although this may be true in some of the most hardcore cases; Chicago style steppers hold down jobs in all strata of society, have families and a personal life away from the dance floor.
The reputation is there… steppers are pimps, pushers, gangsters, and hoes (and wolves) as recounted in some print media. But this is a new age and the statements aren't true

 

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for the vast majority of steppers anymore. The question is what are the people in the steppers community doing to change that (dated) perception?
History is just that… history and the past can't be changed. There's nothing wrong with what it was but we need to deal with today and the image of the dance today.
Most people don't know what Chicago style stepping is and that is not necessarily a bad thing because we have the opportunity to introduce them to the dance as it is today.
We spend so much time talking to and about each others accomplishments on the dance floor; we tend to forget most people (including steppers) don't know anything about the people themselves.
When you look at "social websites" you will notice they ask you to fill out a profile by telling people a little bit about yourself. Some sites require only a bare minimum of information while others ask you to share more.
Along with the steppers information about their accomplishments within the genre, there is a need to share a glimpse into who the people are behind the dance so others will feel more of a personal connection, respond emotionally, and create a bond.
I remember reading this in a blog and it stuck with my subconscious because it' rings true at this point in the evolution of Chicago style stepping. Brand message is no longer the thing that sells. Experience sells. If the intangible pleasure, emotion or meaning we seek can be made tangible through the use of story, narrative, and information sharing.
The dance itself IS every bit of what our brand is and we need to make it just as personal for the masses as we manage to do for ourselves so they can feel the wonder of Chicago style stepping.
Friggin' Snowmageddon
Here I go with the damned weather again! We know the Northeastern part of the country got slammed with snow and there have been some steppers event cancellations and I would assume there will be more. Be sure to check the events calendar and call the organization or the venue before trying to go to an event. The nastiness of winter is sweeping through the south and from what I've seen on TV there's even snow happening from Dallas to Atlanta. If you plan on traveling be sure to check road conditions and for air travel be sure to check with your airline for cancellations. Hey it's cold and sunny in Chicago!
 

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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

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317-329-2939 www.Ambience317.com  

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Thumpin' Thursdays! A Chicago Steppers Set in Los Angeles
"Townhouse" Supper Club
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www.celebritysteppers.com

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