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[3/3/2010 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Manipulated Choices?
By Markie Bee
National Chicago Style Steppers Day
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Today's Steppers Beat column is sponsored by: DMD Entertainment's Steppin Idol Contest with $1000 Cash and Prizes with prelims in Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Rockford, Milwaukee, and Minnesota.
Several recent conversations brought me to today's column because in many ways some of the potential reasons disturb me at some level even though at other levels I can say I completely understand.
The part I understand
One thing I can say about many steppers who have been around for more than a minute is many of them don't really like change in their party routine. They live their lives according to the routine they have established as a comfortable balance consisting of work, family, and recreation.
Stepping has become a part of that recreational routine as they go to their favorite sets week in and week out with a big party or event occasionally. Of course the routine varies with each 

 

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individual and their situation. It's wonderful these people have added the dance to their routine and a large percentage have been at it for decades.
They've seen sets come and go, they've been to the biggest most successful parties and they've seen their share of flops, ill-conceived, and poorly planned events too. The bottom line is they want to be able to relax party and enjoy their free time and stepping provides a great pathway to achieve those goals.
The part I don't understand
When a new event is presented to the community some people jump right onboard and are ready to enjoy the party and all it has to offer while others sit back and wait and wait and wait and watch.
It's like they are waiting for the sign to come down from the top of the mountain telling them that it's OK to go to the party and enjoy themselves. It's like waiting for someone to say Simon says or checking to see if it's alright to go out after completing the household chores or doing homework... comparable to a child waiting for parental permission.
The whole process is mind boggling that some adults would give up their freedom of choice to some imagined power would have to "bless" an event before they could express any personal enjoyment or excitement about a concept or a party invite.
You may say these things don't happen because people in this 21st century of enlightenment people won't let themselves be manipulated. Therein lays the problem as I see it. There are people out there within and outside of the Chicago style steppers community who have attempted to manipulate and mold the dance and its patrons to fit an image that would benefit them (usually financially). Perhaps that's why people defer their choice making to others but I'm not really sure.
Does anyone have any idea why this happens? Let me know what you feel.
 

 

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