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| Instructors Donnie Snow, Sheronda and Derrick Glass |
No one seems to know how it got started, but most believe
that “Steppin” got its start in the Windy City of Chicago. In Chicago they call
it Steppin’, or Chicago Style
Steppin’ in other parts of the country
they call it Jazz dance, The Cakewalk, The Ring shout, The Jitterbug, The
Swing, Jazz.
Stepping is an urban dance that continues to evolve defining
its unique style and culture within the context of mainstream Swing dance.
Stepping has gained popularity, particularly but not limited to the urban
neighborhoods of America. Stepping makes reference to other urban styles of
dance found throughout the United States larger enclaves in cities such as
Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore and Washington DC.
In Racine, Donnie Snow, a local elected official, and
husband and wife team Derrick and Sheronda Glass, has emerged as Racine’s top Steppin promoters as DSD
Steppers. DSD says that stepping now days are catching on with both the young and old. The groups weekly dance classes attract individuals of various ages; 20 to 70 years of age. It
is also enjoyed by more than its traditional audience of
African-Americans.
Snow said that his passion for Stepping comes from his
remembrance of when people danced together as
couples.
The Glass’ started dancing after
they attended a birthday party back in 2007 in Milwaukee at ARJ’s. They saw a couple dancing and asked
what type of dance they were doing. They found out about classes at that time
being held at Vipers (now closed) conducted by the steppin’ group MSBU
(Milwaukee Steppers and (Boppers) Ballroom United). The Glass’s
states that “It was one of the best things they have done as a couple. Everybody is always smiling. They go on
to state that the dance is a very romantic dance.”
At their classes Snow said that individuals are taught the
basics of Steppin, using a simple 8-count step pattern that easily translate into any
style of improvisation that a dancer wants to use to be creative.
Classes are held each Monday at 6:30 P.M. at the John Bryant Center, 601-21st Street and
every Wednesday, at Gerald’s Smokehouse, 1501 Washington Avenue, at 7:00 P.M. The trio also hold a fun pack social event
each second Sunday of the month. Steppin-2nd Sunday is held at
Gerald’s Smokehouse, 1501 Washington Avenue, in Racine from 5:00 pm until 10:00
pm.
To join the step in class I would like to join the stepping class
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jeff Thompson I would like to join the step in classes 😃!
ReplyDeleteWhat name is Jeff Thompson and I would like to join the stepping class can anybody tell me where and how to sign up?
ReplyDelete