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How do I contact The Steady Steppers™?
Thank you for visiting the official website of The Steady Steppers™.
Please use our contact form to email us or you
may phone 734.716.1480 to reach Larry Collins or 248.808.2397 to reach
Kammal Smith.
Or write to us at:
The Steady Steppers™
42015 Ford Road
P.O. Box 163
Canton, Michigan
48187
What is Stepping?
Stepping is an urban, partnered dance art form that is indigenous to
Chicago, Illinois. Steppin’ should not be confused with fraternity and
sorority Greek stepping which is very popular on college and university
campuses throughout the country.
What are some of the
teaching methods of Stepping?
For instructional purposes, counting methods (generally a 6-count or
8-count) are used to teach synchronized movements during which times
partners clasp hands and face each other. Steppin’ is done to smooth
sounds of Jazz, Soul, Funk, R&B, or Rap music.
What is the difference
between the 6-count and 8-count method of teaching?
The only difference between the two counting methods, as long as the
pattern is the same, is the way you count. The foot movements, that is
the foot strikes, are the same. With the 8-count method the count is
1,2,3 …4,5,6…7,8 and this is a numeric count. With the 6-count method
the count is 2,Step,3…4,Step,5...6,1 and the count is an alphanumeric
count. In both methods you are putting a count, being it numeric or
alpha, to each foot strike to the floor. Once you learn the art of
Stepping, there is no count.
What are some of the rules and definitions of Stepping?
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The ‘Follower’
is defined as the person who is lead by the ‘Leader’. The
‘Follower’ dances in an ‘imaginary lane’ and, for instructional
purposes, in a North-South direction.
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The ‘Leader’ is
defined as the person who leads the ‘Follower’, in the ‘imaginary
lane’, through various movements, transitions, combinations, spins
and turns in the execution of the dance. The ‘Leader’ dances the
majority portion of the dance perpendicular to the ‘Follower’ and,
again for instructional purposes, in an East-West direction.
“The ‘Follower’ owns the ‘imaginary lane’ but the ‘Leader’ owns the
dance!”
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The ‘Follower’
starts their movement with a left foot lead. The ‘Leader’ starts
their movement with a right foot lead but will alternate their lead
with either a left or right foot lead dependant on the movement.
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The ‘Follower’
begins the dance with a left foot lead and on the beat. The
‘Follower’ dances their entire dance in the ‘imaginary lane’.
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The beat is defined
as the finger snap or handclap to the music.
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The ‘Leader’ begins
the dance with a right foot lead and may alternate back and forth
with a right foot lead and left foot lead. The ‘Leader’ leads the
dance by opening, closing and crossing the ‘imaginary lane’
These are the basics, but the individual
better defines Stepping by the improvisational style and creativity that
he or she displays on the dance floor. |
