Winter Session Begins Soon!!!!

Hello All, 

Let me first say THANK YOU for all the Birthday Wishes!! We had a great time in DC....make plans to join us next year!

Winter Session begins soon!!!! This Session is only 7 weeks so... 

• Registration ends Nov. 16th --

​I have TICKETS to the following events!!!!!!!

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Happy Birthday -- to Kelly!

In a couple more days...

KELLY

TALL RICK ARTICLE -- The Second Review: "From the Mind of a Judge"

Take a moment to read the article about Pratt's interview with one of the judges, Tall Rick, at the 25th World's Largest Stepper Gala and its dance contests.  The Chicago-based major event held in September, at Tinley Park Convention Center, is comparable to the Oscar or Grammy ceremonies for the Steppin' industry. 

Tall Rick, who is also a Chicago-Steppin' instructor, asked readers to Google BET's Celebration of Gospel 2014 performances from last March.  Performances by Zacardi Cortez and Lalah Hathaway and Jonathan McReynolds and India Arie help provide a vibe that sets the tone for his take on the silver anniversary observances of participating steppers, as hosted by ChiSteppers.  

According to Tall Rick (Pratt, October 5, 2015), the Stepper(he or she) is to find songs that are supposed "to inspire, motivate, and move" the stepper some kind of way. The stepper is encouraged to LISTEN to the music while participating in the Stepper dance community. 

Additional notes will be shared in my classes about respecting the DANCE of Steppin'. Steppers must take the time to "L-EARN your place on the dance floor," “feel” the music, and entertaining your partners--not your would-be spectators....





"It is not necessary to have a 'hard beat' or 'cadence' just to start a dance" -- Tall Rick

REMINDERS -- Events this Week

There is dancing this evening at 

Puckers Bar and Grill!!

...on Saturday there is a workshop and after party

See you on the dance floor....

REMINDERS -- Class Assignments

Hey All,

I hope everyone enjoyed their Monday OFF last week....

Welp--we are back at it tomorrow (lol) 

Assignments this Week:

I have only received a response by one (1) Beginner's class of three (3) songs and a couple of submissions by the Beyond the Basic's class that each of you will dance and sing to during your session. 

• Don't forget to submit your song(s) soon.  
• Contact me by e-mail or via comment on the earlier post.

Also, if you still need to make payments please do so.

We will NOT have class 

10/19/15!!   

Activities this Week - 

1. Third Thursday at Avalon (Columbus), and 
2. Third Friday at Cognac (Dayton). 

We have six weeks to go!!!!

REMINDER -- LABOR DAY: No Classes

Blacks for the most part see Labor Day as another vacation/holiday before the end of summer. It can remind us of the difficulties that many modern Blacks endure while trying get work at a decent pay. It is said that "many of us have been locked out of unions, accused of taking jobs that belonged to whites, are under-paid, not promoted as quickly as whites, and even now we are still the last hired and the first fired." -- The African American Lectionary.

and 

"Make sure you are not only a laborer forever — set out to own valuable assets as well." -- Lawrence M. Watkins |

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While there are no Steppin' UP classes on Monday, September 7, 2015, there is homework!

The student assignments are --

Beginners - Select three (3) songs to which you practice by the next class

Beyond Basics - Pick a song with words or lyrics. Practice this song that you will want to sing to and dance to during weeks 10-12 classes. 

• Notify me of your choices by emailing me, tagging me in the comments below, or bring to class at the next class.  
• Week Six classes resume on September 14, 2015. 

See comments below on suggested site to find music....

After completing this task, consider stopping through at Columbus Upscale Steppers event posted below-- 

Events of Note - Additional promo

Come celebrate my Birthday with ME in October!  I have Tickets!!

FALL GEAR-UP -- Events of Note

There are several upcoming events and workshops that are on our CALENDAR...

These two events will be held in our city.  Let's support Columbus' own....

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​Contacts listed on the hotcards reference event host.   

EVENTS -- Week of August 16th

So, here are a few event reminders for a good time this weekend.

On Thursday--every third Thursday--there is Columbus's Marcel Nowden's Steppin into the Weekend, at Avalon.  All students--beginners and those beyond the basics--are encouraged to attend.

Outside C-bus, every third Friday, Southwest Ohio’s Mr. Tony Rome hosts StressFree Fridays at Cognacs Bar and Grill, in the Dayton-area at 6504 UNION ROAD, NORTH, CLAYTON, OH.

Tony is promoting two dates for August 21st and another for September 18th. Admission is said to be ABSOLUTELY-POSITIVELY FREE. Plans to visit this venue between 8P-2A! (The chicken and waffles are supposed to be good....)

In addition, the Dayton Urban Ballroom Group are promoting a mix of Ballroomers, Steppers, Salsa and Chair dancers, at their a "party in the park", called Ballroom and BBQ this Saturday.  Soul singer Carmichael MusicLover and activities will be featured at the large shelter in Triangle Park, 2500 Ridge Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45414.  

If you're coming, guests are asked to bring something for the potluck that everyone can enjoy.  (They will provide the ribs, cups, and soda pop!) Definitely, bring a folding or lawn chair for your comfort....

and you know I will expect to see ya' somewhere on the dance floor!

INSTRUCTORS -- Chicago Steppin'

In your journey with me, there are a few industry names that I follow.

By now, you should be aware of my Chicago steppin' mentor Ms. Charnice Simmons.  She is also known as "Drill Sargent". 

Ms. Charnice Simmons, One Step Promotions, LLC, Chicago, IL

Some of you were introduced to Kevin Dockery and Sunshine Hayward, who were hosted by local instructor Aki Carter, during the July 4th weekend. 

S. Haywood, K. Dockery, A. Carter, July 2015

BTW:  I mentioned one of Charnice's students in class last week.  Shawn Bandy was interviewed by T. Pratt of Chistepper recently.  Here's the Bandy interview from earlier this year.

National Chicago Style Steppers Day -- SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015

The National Chicago Style Steppers Day celebration team is coordinating an annual group meet in multiple cities simultaneously, on the second Saturdays of August. It is the year to recognize its sixth year, since inception by Markie Bee of SteppersUSA.Com.

The National Chicago Style Steppers Day event idea grew from the thought based on the idea there wasn't a day where all people who step could celebrate the dance they love, and the people who make up the ever-growing community where ever they are across the United States thus taking it beyond the limits of Facebook, community groups or other webpages.

Chicago steppers broadcasting their events will be observed globally. Participants are asked to to use modern technology via Laptops or smart phones to upload photos or video from their event.

Columbus fans:  It sounds like a great idea!  

Let's consider doing something like the Canton, OH,  Rhythm Ryder's event, on August 8th!  

RESPECT THE DANCE--A Stepper's Sermon

There is an article to read that concerns the state of Chicago Steppin'.  A recognized male stepper in the industry known as Tall Rick shares his thought on his basic concepts to understanding steppin.' He suggested that a love for steppin' means always acquiring the SKILLS to be stepper.


Rick said:

"The men don’t want to consider taking all of their steps to get better in the dance and the women get bored too fast and too easily."  

You should expect to hear this as a beginner who is learning steppin' as well as one who is beyond the basics.

Tall Rick believes --

"Everyone learns differently. Some learn under pressure, while others need more repetitive movement. Some analyze and some feel." 

His opinion is a valid one that can be summarized that an inspiration for steppin' comes from a musical flow.

The link to Tall Rick's message is here at the jump:  TALL RICK’S STRONG MESSAGE TO STEPPERS!

I will echo this: Be hungry to learn, and remember steppin' should be FUN!

Come learn on the floor with our new series of classes starting August 3rd!!

FALL REGISTRATION -- Open Session

Hello All,

I hope everyone has had a great summer!! Because it's almost time to put on your dancing shoes and join us in for the Fall Class.

I am excited about the upcoming session as we have extended it from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. This is all in preparation for the return of my mentor Charnice Simmons, in November.


(You will notice that the cost of class has increased slightly after 5+ years...we thought it was time.)

WE'RE BACK!!

Kelly Roberts Steppin' UP is our updated page from the former Freshin Up Fridays! site.  The aim is is to expand our market and work our brand to serve our local dance fans.

  SO...WELCOME!!

Formal Steppin' UP Mondays instructional activities will resume in August, on Monday, August 3, 2015, at our base in the St. Dominic Catholic Church Parish Center, Columbus, OH.  

In the meantime, enjoy your summer respite, and be sure to Freshin' UP by visiting some of our dance partners in the area and beyond.  

See you on the dance floor...!