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
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