[7/19/2010 SteppersUSA Daily News]
The Reason For The Day
By Markie Bee
National Chicago Style Steppers Day
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People want to know the reason for the day and an email I got from Atlanta's Lamont Coy does a nice job of summing it up...
National Chicago Style Steppers Day Our Best Foot Forward
"The reason and purpose for such a day is to develop unity among steppers both locally and nationally. It is also a time to celebrate not only the dance, but the individual of the dance and that individual is you. From the beginner who has just had his/her first lesson to the pioneers who started it all, this day is as one of the city representatives put it, a day to celebrate "All things stepping." It is a time and once again an opportunity to celebrate a rich, diverse history and heritage of which we are all a part. It is also a period of introspection and reflection where we begin to look at where we've been, where we are now, where we want to go, and what we should look like during the journey. This day represents a moment in which we as one common body introduce ourselves to the rest of the nation and the world and invite everyone in to partake of something special and unique."

 

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As I sit and think about what it really means to celebrate National Chicago Style Steppers Day, I can't help but notice a central concept that seems to define what we're doing on a somewhat deeper level. I would describe this concept as a first attempt at putting our Best Foot Forward and will call it as such because of its comprehensive nature.
Within this concept there appear to be four underlying aspects that so eloquently express and display the big picture and I'm hoping that everyone at some point will pause, back up, and take enough time to see it. The first and most obvious of these is the development of unity. This is by far the most essential of the four because without unity there's nothing to deem as worth the effort, no one to work with, and no reason to even give it thought.
To put it plainly, it takes more than one person to celebrate. The second aspect is the celebration of the individual stepper. Now I know that many would argue that it's really the dance that we're celebrating, but understand that since you and I are the main ingredient to any dance we perform, what everyone else sees is merely a by-product of our expression in that dance and therefore we ought to celebrate each other.
The third aspect is the celebration of the history of Steppin'. It is generally known that in order to gain a better appreciation for something one must at least know where it came from. What is the value of knowing the stories behind this dance? Many would say priceless because they understand that this dance was born out of the expressive hearts and souls of so many that came before them and have become better dancers for having explored it.
Ask any one that's visited Chicago and they will tell you that history is more than just a word. It is what grounds us to the essence of who we are as a people and what we love as Steppers. It also causes us to reflect not only on the past, but the present and future of Steppin', or should I say Steppers.
This brings me to the fourth and last aspect which is celebrating the introduction of Steppin' to the rest of the nation and the world. In coming out to celebrate it is only fitting to invite in those who are fascinated by what they see. After all, sharing is the quintessential method by which the Steppin' community grows. I'm sure that we can all agree that there would be no better time than on National Chicago Style Steppers Day to share this dance. So let's put our Best Foot Forward in unison as we celebrate our history, each other, and those that would join us!

Lamont Coy
Atlanta Representative & National Communications Director, NCSSD

As I said it sums it up. Do you have any thoughts to share about National Chicago Style Steppers Day? Please share!

What are you doing on August 14th? Please let me know!
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