What is Chicago Steppin'?
Chicago steppin is a traditionally African-American swing-related dance that developed in the Chicago area decades ago. From its roots in the Jitterbug craze of the 1930s, steppin has evolved over time into the dance it is today - a smooth fashioned dance that is a combination of technique and style. Steppin is defined, not only by the dance, but by the style of fashion, the feel of the music, and the feeling of community when people from all across the country gather for sets in various cities. It's a sense of community that crosses lines of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and even racial lines and joins people together on the passion for the dance that flows through their veins. For some, it is just a dance. For others, its the very beat of their heart.
There are many misinterpretations/misconceptions of Chicago steppin.' Steppin is not kicking your feet on a two count rythm (two step), following repeating simple instructions (line dancing), a series of turns and dips on any beat (some other dances), or bouncing while moving around the floor. Chicago style steppin, aka Chicago step, consist of two or more people dancing as partners in synchronized step to a six (6) or eight (8) count rythm. Steppin involves disciplines such as lane control, smooth movements, strides, and footwork.
There are 5 Cornerstones to Steppin (Provided by Charnice Simmons)
History
Integrity
Etiquette
Style
Grace
Steppers usually range but are not limited to the ages of twenty-three (23) to sixty-five (65).
Now, Chicago Steppin has become popular in cities throughout the country thanks to the entertainment industry and instructors (usually from Chicago) whom teach classes in different places such as Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Carolinas, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Delaware, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Huntsville, Indiana, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Montgomery, New York City, Oakland, Oklahoma, Phoenix, Seattle, Tacoma, and Virginia Beach. If one invests time and effort into learning from steppin instructors, they will be able to enjoy Chicago style steppin and even compete in Chicago Steppin competitions to win cash prizes. Just watch the instructors in this video. One can dance just like them with classes and practice! In order to truly understand and appreciate the entire culture of the dance, it is necessary not only to learn the dance itself, but also to learn the history of the dance. For more information on the history of Chicago Steppin, please visit http://www.steppershistory.org