[8/20/2010 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Keeping It Smooth Running
By Markie Bee
National Chicago Style Steppers Day
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The Majestic Gents Pete Frazier and DJ Mellow Khris don't want a repeat of some previous years contest glitches when it comes to the music selections for the contestants. Those who remember the WLSC at Willow Brook a couple of years ago where the Gents favorite DJ was delayed because the contestants waited until the last moment to get their mix selections to him.
This year there will be no secrets or delays musically. There is a deadline for submitting musical selections to Mellow Khris for the 20th anniversary edition of the contest has been set for Monday September 13th and if the music is not submitted by the deadline it becomes the DJ's choice of music for the performance.
The only custom mixes this year will be made for the Trio and Masters categories all other categories will be mixed live from their selections of music. I'm not sure how it will work considering there will be two couples on the floor at the same time and I have my doubts Khris will mix six songs (three per couple) in three minutes.
Pete also posted up the annual no video camera statement to the WLSC site. Actually it's the no video recording device statement this year. Here's what's posted on the site: "All Video Recording is Strictly Prohibited At The Finals. Persons Caught Using Camcorders Or Cell Phone Video Recording Devices Will Be Escorted From The Venue. No Refunds Will Be Issued."
I pressed the issue with him asking him why even put up the statement if he has no intention of enforcing it (as in prior years) and he said

 

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in the past he didn't have time to enforce the rule but this year he will be putting up a big sign at the entrance and is instructing the security to strictly enforce the rule. (As a note of disclosure, I am not shooting video at the WLSC. I and an assistant will be shooting photos of the competition from ringside). So if you bring your video cam or raise that phone to shoot video you can expect to be escorted out of the building.
"With the number of contestants this year every contestant has to be ready to go when their number is called. If a contestant is called and they're not ready to perform because their outfit isn't right or if they're in the bathroom they will miss their chance to compete because we will move on without them." That's the word from Frazier in respect to timeliness of the contestants. With 85 couples competing this year there's no time to wait for anyone if the contest is going to run on schedule. "I don't care if they have to bring six extra outfits. If they aren't ready when they're called they won't make it to the stage. No excuses will be accepted." That's how the Majestic Gents CEO summarized his position.
Steppers Weekend Roundup Friday Edition
It's third Friday so J.E.P. Productions in Lynwood, IL, ATL Steppers Connect in Atlanta GA, the Caton Castle Club in Baltimore MD, and Tri-FeKtor Entertainment in Dayton, OH are having their sets. The Coastal Georgia Steppers are having their Meet & Greet at their 2nd Annual Steppers Event weekend in Savannah, GA as the Third Annual Dance Competition Meet and Greet is being held in Baton Rouge, LA.
All other events tonight are regular weekly events and can be found on the steppers perpetual events calendar page.
When asked if there will be a 2011 National Chicago Style Steppers Day Event, The short answer is yes it will be an annual event held on the weekend of the second Saturday in August. Overall, the event was a smashing success in that we managed to pull the whole thing off. Once we've had some time to digest and machinate what happened over the weekend we will have a teleconference (probably after the WLSC) to discuss what went right and what went wrong and to entertain ideas for next year.

The J.E.P. Productions Hotter than July steppers contest is now on sale and can be ordered online here. Or Right Here!

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