Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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--