SteppersUSA

6/28/2009 From The Bar

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:59:16 -0500

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clubsteppin.com will be broadcasting live from the UIC Pavilion on Sunday July 19th as the Chicago sky vs. San Antonio stars will a after game steppers set. go to clubsteppin.com for more info.

Markie Bee 6/28

I created the Facebook group "Chicago Style Stepping" all are invited to join.

Markie Bee 6/27

6-25-2009 Photos from Orbies Steppers Contest Semi-Final are now online in the photos section

Markie Bee 6/27

Added to Events Calendar: 79th St. Reunion & Finale Of The Dungeon Reunion Chosen Productions Gentle... More »

Markie Bee 6/26

Added to Events Calendar: Elite Firemen Annual Denim Set The Lexington House 7717 W. 95th St. Burbank, IL

Markie Bee 6/26

Chicago Steppin at the 1st National Steppers Convention. Kammal (Steady Steppers), Dena (NC Triangle Steppers), and Suave Shaun (strictly steppers)

Markie Bee 6/25

"Added to Events Calendar: Chicago style Steppin Meets The All-Star Weekend February 11 - 13 Geno...
on SteppersUSA.Com 6/25/09

6/26/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:58:32 -0500

[6/28/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News]
News Delivery at the Speed of Light
By Markie Bee
Send The Best Stepping Photos: BestPhotos@steppersusa.com
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Contact Markie Bee: webmaster@steppersusa.com
I'm still pondering the speed of delivery of the news over the internet, have been all weekend long MJ's story isn't the only case of course as this is happening with virtually every news story. Even the situation in Iran is being reported by citizen journalists despite their ruler's displeasure with the fact. Twitter gets it out fastest (the 140 character limit works toward speed); then people discuss it on Facebook (sometimes to death). Of course the biggest difficulty as I see it is being to ferret out the rumors, planted stories, photos that went through Photoshop and outright lies from the truth. We have many of the same problems in the Chicago style steppers community (these are usually fueled by greed, avarice or anger, or envy). The question is how to leverage the power of the "new media" on the web for the good of the dance. I came up with one way to bring more events, class listings and workshops to you using Facebook. I created a new global group called Chicago style stepping (Join the group!). The fact it's called a "Global Group" is important... Continued

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6/26/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:49:19 -0500

[6/26/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News]
R.I.P. Mike and More Contest News
By Markie Bee
Send The Best Stepping Photos: BestPhotos@steppersusa.com
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Contact Markie Bee: webmaster@steppersusa.com
With the immediacy of today's new media, I really wonder… Why do we need three months to promote an event? I'll dig in to that a bit later. I mentioned in a previous article that Facebook reminded me of the old Yahoo! Clubs of about ten years ago. This was proven to me yesterday as the news of Michael Jackson's collapse, stroke, coma and eventual death. I'm always suspicious of news that comes from many of the "new media" outlets on the web because all too many times, a photo has been "Photoshoped" or sensationalized through some sort of exaggeration. I watched the story evolve on the major classic news outlets like CNN, MSNBC, ABC, and CBS as I watched and participated on Facebook in the "delivery of the news". Once the news hit the wall on FB, at around 4:30 CST with the report of his cardiac arrest to the first report of his death at around 5:00, it took until almost 6:00 for the major news outlets to confirm the story. News travels fast, and... Continued

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6/25/2009 From The Bar

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:53:52 -0500

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Chicago Steppin at the 1st National Steppers Convention. Kammal (Steady Steppers), Dena (NC Triangle Steppers), and Suave Shaun (strictly steppers)

Markie Bee 6/25

"Added to Events Calendar: Chicago style Steppin Meets The All-Star Weekend February 11 - 13 Geno...
on SteppersUSA.Com 6/25/09

"Added to Events Calendar: D.R.D. Productions Birthday Celebration For Reggie Of DRD 1200 W. Glen...
on SteppersUSA.Com 6/24/09

"Added to Events Calendar: B4YoAzzWaz Steppin (Second Sundays) Golden Rule Lodge #129 636 Junctio...
on SteppersUSA.Com 6/24/09

"Added to Events Calendar: New Guys on the Block DJ Harris B-Day The Pines 7204 W. Harrison, Fore...
on SteppersUSA.Com 6/24/09

"The 40 and Up category is back as the Majestic Gents decide not to use 45 and up as the category."
on SteppersUSA.Com 6/23/09

Workshop added: Date: Saturday July 18, 2009 Dominique Robinson Workwshops John H Jackson Community ... More »

Markie Bee 6/23

Cable Access TV Show Chicago: "Can I Step with You" airs weekly on Chicago's Cable Access TV. Soul Train wasn't the ONLY Dance show originating in Chicago. Stepping is a form of Mid-tempo Dancing popular in the Midwest, and especially in Chicago, IL (USA). Also referred to as "Boppin' " or Bopping. Some groups and Radio Stations hold monthly or annual "Steppin; Contests". Video taken in June-ish 2009, although it looks like it could have been decades earlier---given the outfits. Funny how old playas get younger women. We like that more than one guy will hold his woman's purse while she dances. Who says romance is dead? See website: cantv.org

Markie Bee 6/23

Added to Calendar: 1yr Anniversary Celebration Orange County Stylistic Steppers Orlando, FL

Markie Bee 6/23

6/25/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:52:32 -0500

[6/25/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Hot Off The Web
By Markie Bee
Send The Best Stepping Photos: BestPhotos@steppersusa.com
To send a plugger or Flyer Click Here
Contact Markie Bee: webmaster@steppersusa.com
I get a lot of information from the web and newsletters, because for some reason people aren't telling me so I can pass it on to you. One such piece of information comes from an interview by Denise Barrow from SteppinB.com with club owner Lonzo Williams in LA… "Now that you are no longer at the Hollywood Park Casino what is your new clubs plans when it comes to Steppin?" Lonzo: The Boom Boom room and the Loft picked up where Club Hall of Fame left off. Steppin' B and I have started a new set every Saturday from 3-8pm called 50 West. The Steppin 4 a Dream committee, Steppin'B and myself will be starting a once per month Friday set at the Loft. Brian will be teaching Chicago Steppin' classes once per month before the set starts."
On July 11, 2009, there will be a casting call for actors and actresses with experience in, singing & dancing (stepping is a must, all styles of stepping welcome) At the... Continued

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6/24/2009 From The Bar

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:52:16 -0500

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"The 40 and Up category is back as the Majestic Gents decide not to use 45 and up as the category."
on SteppersUSA.Com 6/23/09

Workshop added: Date: Saturday July 18, 2009 Dominique Robinson Workwshops John H Jackson Community ... More »

Markie Bee 6/23

Added to Calendar: 1yr Anniversary Celebration Orange County Stylistic Steppers Orlando, FL

Markie Bee 6/23

Added to Calendar: Goodtime Productions Tim Rific B-Day Marmon Grand 2230 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL

Markie Bee 6/22

Added to Calendar: Rock City Unique Steppers Ultimate 4th of July Celebration! JT's Bourbon Street G... More »

Markie Bee 6/22

Added to Calendar: United II Step (3rd Fridays) Hosted by: Class Act Steppers, No Half Steppin, & Th... More »

Markie Bee 6/22

I created a Facebook Profile with a small photo album you may want to check out.

Markie Bee 6/20

Virginia Beach Steppers 2nd Annual White Party & Steppers Contest July 17, 18, 19 added to Calendar

Markie Bee 6/20

6/24/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:50:50 -0500

[6/24/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Around The Web
By Markie Bee
Send The Best Stepping Photos: BestPhotos@steppersusa.com
Email Address for Pluggers and Flyers: pluggers@steppersusa.com
Contact Markie Bee: webmaster@steppersusa.com
Facebook reminds me of the original Yahoo Clubs of around nine, perhaps ten years ago. I had several tech related clubs back then with many "members" (today they call them friends on Facebook). Cutting edge technology at the time as they claim it is today. The more things change, the more they stay the same. So many of the names are recognizable from our community, even a few from my list of those I thought would never embrace technology! After three days, I now have 225 friends on Facebook… I've joined a few groups, and lent my support to a cause ( "Step & Go Green America"). It's all cool (Just like it was ten years ago on Yahoo). Chicago style steppers do much more than dance; they put stuff out on Facebook! Speaking of worthy causes, the "Step and Think Pink" newsletter went out last night (early in the am). If you want information about what Chicago style steppers are doing about breast cancer awareness, jump to the site (StepandThinkPink.Org)... Continued

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6/22/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:46:08 -0500

[6/22/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News]
My Rant & Going Green
By Markie Bee
Send The Best Stepping Photos: BestPhotos@steppersusa.com
Email Address for Pluggers and Flyers: pluggers@steppersusa.com
Contact Markie Bee: webmaster@steppersusa.com
Steppers are customers too. One thing that has always bothered me about clubs and bars and other places Chicago style steppers go to dance is the attitude of the staff, managers, and owners of these establishments toward their customers. You can't blame it on the recession, because I've seen the attitude for years, and years. Steppers (customers) don't drink; steppers (customers) don't buy enough of this or that… We've heard it all before. Is the problem really with the Chicago style steppers (customers) or is the problem with the attitude of the businesses? Remember the anthem "We work hard for our money"? Well, I feel too many businesses have the attitude if I open the doors they will come and spend (up to and over some sort of an inflated, calculated, expectation) even if a place is dirty (unclean and in disrepair, bathrooms stink), hot (poorly air conditioned) and otherwise less than acceptable to general standards for a place of... Continued

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6/21/2009 From The Bar

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:06:58 -0500

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I created a Facebook Profile with a small photo album you may want to check out.

Markie Bee 6/20

Virginia Beach Steppers 2nd Annual White Party & Steppers Contest July 17, 18, 19 added to Calendar

Markie Bee 6/20

The 19th Annual Worlds Largest Steppers Contest dates are now set, the categories have had a minor change and a new/old category has made its appearance. Starting with the new… the rumors were true; there will be a "Masters category" this year. The category is limited to any male or female who have placed in the WLSC in the original category only. So if a "master" has a partner who has never placed in the original category, they will have to dance with someone who has placed. The next change is to the former 40 and over category… It's now the 45 and over category. Original New Skool Steppers, Beginners, Trio, and Walkers all remain the same. In a surprise move, the finals have moved back to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago from the Willow Brook Grand Ballroom. Info and tickets are available at WLSContest.com & MajesticGents.net

Markie Bee 6/19

Workshop Added Saturday July 4, 2009 Sarah Teagle Instructor Skate Ranch 5300 Fayetville Road Raleigh, NC

Markie Bee 6/19

Lost the venue for first fridays at Dance Manhattan in NYC They are looking for a new venue. We will keep you posted.

Markie Bee 6/18

6/21/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:05:48 -0500

[6/21/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Contest Roundup
By Markie Bee
Send The Best Stepping Photos: BestPhotos@steppersusa.com
Email Address for Pluggers and Flyers: pluggers@steppersusa.com
Contact Markie Bee: webmaster@steppersusa.com
IWith the release of the details of this years World's Largest Steppers Contest (WLSC) schedule, categories, and rules (www.WLSContest.Com or www.majesticgents.net) I thought it would be a good time to do a bit of a contest roundup. I'm going to do this in chronological order as much as possible. The Chicago area has loads of contest happenings including the ongoing $2,500.00 Orbies contest where the finals are July 9, 2009, and the Giovanni's $1,800.00 Steppers Contest which will have it's finals on June 28, 2009. The Montgomery Steppers Beginners contest is on June 27, 2009 in Alabama. July 10, 2009 at the 3rd Annual Cleveland Steppers Ball in Cleveland OH There will be a WLSC Semi-Final. On July 15th the WLSC Chicago semi-finals get started and it runs through most of August on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The Virginia Beach Steppers 2nd Annual White Party & Steppers Contest happens on July 18th. On July 24th, the... Continued

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6/20/2009 From The Bar

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:57:03 -0500

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Virginia Beach Steppers 2nd Annual White Party & Steppers Contest July 17, 18, 19 added to Calendar

Markie Bee 6/20

Markie Bee 6/19

Workshop Added Saturday July 4, 2009 Sarah Teagle Instructor Skate Ranch 5300 Fayetville Road Raleigh, NC

Markie Bee 6/19

Lost the venue for first fridays at Dance Manhattan in NYC They are looking for a new venue. We will keep you posted.

Markie Bee 6/18

Event Added - Sunday June 21, 2009 Fathers Day BBQ Shine Entertainment at Orbies 142 Rimbach Hammond, IN

Markie Bee 6/18

6/20/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:54:28 -0500

[6/20/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Contest Roundup
By Markie Bee
Send The Best Stepping Photos: BestPhotos@steppersusa.com
Email Address for Pluggers and Flyers: pluggers@steppersusa.com
Contact Markie Bee: webmaster@steppersusa.com
IWith the release of the details of this years World's Largest Steppers Contest (WLSC) schedule, categories, and rules (www.WLSContest.Com or www.majesticgents.net) I thought it would be a good time to do a bit of a contest roundup. I'm going to do this in chronological order as much as possible. The Chicago area has loads of contest happenings including the ongoing $2,500.00 Orbies contest where the finals are July 9, 2009, and the Giovanni's $1,800.00 Steppers Contest which will have it's finals on June 28, 2009. The Montgomery Steppers Beginners contest is on June 27, 2009 in Alabama. July 10, 2009 at the 3rd Annual Cleveland Steppers Ball in Cleveland OH There will be a WLSC Semi-Final. On July 15th the WLSC Chicago semi-finals get started and it runs through most of August on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The Virginia Beach Steppers 2nd Annual White Party & Steppers Contest happens on July 18th. On July 24th, the... Continued

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6/19/2009 WLSC EXTRA

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:01:35 -0500

[6/19/2009 SteppersUSA Daily News EXTRA]
WLSC 2009 EXTRA EDITION
By Markie Bee
Send The Best Stepping Photos: BestPhotos@steppersusa.com
Email Address for Pluggers and Flyers: pluggers@steppersusa.com
Contact Markie Bee: webmaster@steppersusa.com
The 19th Annual Worlds Largest Steppers Contest dates are now set, the categories have had a minor change and a new/old category has made its appearance. Starting with the new; the rumors were true; there will be a "Masters category" this year. The category is limited to any male or female who have placed in the WLSC in the original category only. So if a "master" has a partner who has never placed in the original category, they will have to dance with someone who has placed. The next change is to the former 40 and over category; It's now the 45 and over category. Original New Skool Steppers, Beginners, Trio, and Walkers all remain the same. In a surprise move, the finals have moved back to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago from the Willow Brook Grand Ballroom. Info and tickets are available at www.WLSContest.com & www.MajesticGents.net I would get those tickets now because they will go fast.