Welcome to St. Louis, Missouri & The Art of Chicago Style Steppin'!
Editor's Update: May 17, 2012
Editor's Update: May 17, 2012
STEPPER'S HISTORY:
Let's Start with Chicago's World's Largest
Steppers Contest
The beginning: The first WLSC at the Westin Hotel on N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois in 1990. The contest was sponsored by Rodney Burk of Anheuser-Busch assisted by Graelin Woodley of Anheuser-Busch and a Old Skool Master Stepper along with Merry Green, Promotions Director for WVAZ Radio. Rodney Burk committed $300,000 of his market budget. The largest dollar amount committed to an ethnic promotion before or since by a corporate entity. Rodney Burk took a risk that turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Chicago's Black Community. Thousands came out dressed to impress to watch the contest. The Black Community had embraced a dance they could finally call their own. Some of us back then wasn't sure what to watch first the contestants or the outfits the audience wore to the event.
The purpose of the WLSC: To showcase a part of Chicago's black entertainment history in a mainstream ballroom competition complete with the style, grace and elegance that is expected uniquely with Black Chicago Flavor.
WLSC 1st Stepper's DJ: The Legendary Sam Chatman, our homeboy from St. Louis, Missouri. The first Winner in the World's Largest Steppers Contest was Recording Artist and Song writer: Marzette Griffin & Ms. Dimples
After several years Anheuser-Busch no longer the sponsor, the contest was picked up by Pete Frazier (also a winner in WLSC) and the Majestic Gents, Chicago, Illinois. Pete's dedication to Steppin' brought the contest to mainstream recognition all over the country.
There are many generations over the years who have learned the Art of Steppin' with different versions, styles & moves Freestyle, High Steppers, New Skool, etc. The elegance of the original Old Skool Steppin' was lost. However, never forgotten Old Skool is truly making its way back to the forefront as more and more of the older generation started realizing Old Skool Steppin is more conducive to their style. New Skool is wonderful to watch, however everyone can't or won't do it.
More to come "Steppin' The Beginning" watch this site.
Let's Start with Chicago's World's Largest
Steppers Contest
The beginning: The first WLSC at the Westin Hotel on N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois in 1990. The contest was sponsored by Rodney Burk of Anheuser-Busch assisted by Graelin Woodley of Anheuser-Busch and a Old Skool Master Stepper along with Merry Green, Promotions Director for WVAZ Radio. Rodney Burk committed $300,000 of his market budget. The largest dollar amount committed to an ethnic promotion before or since by a corporate entity. Rodney Burk took a risk that turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Chicago's Black Community. Thousands came out dressed to impress to watch the contest. The Black Community had embraced a dance they could finally call their own. Some of us back then wasn't sure what to watch first the contestants or the outfits the audience wore to the event.
The purpose of the WLSC: To showcase a part of Chicago's black entertainment history in a mainstream ballroom competition complete with the style, grace and elegance that is expected uniquely with Black Chicago Flavor.
WLSC 1st Stepper's DJ: The Legendary Sam Chatman, our homeboy from St. Louis, Missouri. The first Winner in the World's Largest Steppers Contest was Recording Artist and Song writer: Marzette Griffin & Ms. Dimples
After several years Anheuser-Busch no longer the sponsor, the contest was picked up by Pete Frazier (also a winner in WLSC) and the Majestic Gents, Chicago, Illinois. Pete's dedication to Steppin' brought the contest to mainstream recognition all over the country.
There are many generations over the years who have learned the Art of Steppin' with different versions, styles & moves Freestyle, High Steppers, New Skool, etc. The elegance of the original Old Skool Steppin' was lost. However, never forgotten Old Skool is truly making its way back to the forefront as more and more of the older generation started realizing Old Skool Steppin is more conducive to their style. New Skool is wonderful to watch, however everyone can't or won't do it.
More to come "Steppin' The Beginning" watch this site.
The Legends of "The Art of Chicago Style Steppin'"
So you love this dance called Steppin' then you need to know it's history and all the Old Skool Steppers and DJ's that made it all possible. I've heard too many of our New Skool Steppers saying Old Skool is out, New Skool is in. Wrong! Without Old Skool and all the people who made it happen there would be no New Skool.
Here are just a few of the faces of the History of
Chicago Style Steppin':
Herb Kent - Urban Radio Pioneer. Voice of the community, father, friend and living Icon of Steppin' History. The King of the Dusties.
Radio Personality WVAZ.FM Chicago
Television Host: Chicago " Steppin' @ Club Seven"
Sam Chatman- Legendary Chicago Steppers DJ
For those who don't know Sam Chatman
gave Steppin' its name in the 70's
Black Mary of Chicago
Icon Original Old Skool Stepper (right) with this Editor
Mary is CEO/Founder of one of the 1st Steppers organizations in Chicago
Old Tymers Presents Steppin' Chicago Style
Victor (Don Vic) Harris
Group Hyperdelic Soul 1971
Steppers Hall of Fame, Steppers Icon & Promoter
Chicago Icon's of Steppin'
From Left: Donnie, the late George Macaroni, Ice Ray,
Lonnie Clark, Zack & Calvin
The Late (Bus Stop) Charlie Green
Brought the original Line Dancing to the Steppers Scene
Jessica (Dimples) Bickham
The very 1st Winner in Chicago's World's Largest Steppers Contest
with then partner Recording Artist: Marzette Griffin
(20) years later took 1st place again in the 2011's Chicago's World's Largest Steppers Contest
Dimples (Left) with this Editor
Oh no, I'm not finished just yet, more Icon's to come watch this page!
So you love this dance called Steppin' then you need to know it's history and all the Old Skool Steppers and DJ's that made it all possible. I've heard too many of our New Skool Steppers saying Old Skool is out, New Skool is in. Wrong! Without Old Skool and all the people who made it happen there would be no New Skool.
Here are just a few of the faces of the History of
Chicago Style Steppin':
Herb Kent - Urban Radio Pioneer. Voice of the community, father, friend and living Icon of Steppin' History. The King of the Dusties.
Radio Personality WVAZ.FM Chicago
Television Host: Chicago " Steppin' @ Club Seven"
Sam Chatman- Legendary Chicago Steppers DJ
For those who don't know Sam Chatman
gave Steppin' its name in the 70's
Black Mary of Chicago
Icon Original Old Skool Stepper (right) with this Editor
Mary is CEO/Founder of one of the 1st Steppers organizations in Chicago
Old Tymers Presents Steppin' Chicago Style
Victor (Don Vic) Harris
Group Hyperdelic Soul 1971
Steppers Hall of Fame, Steppers Icon & Promoter
Chicago Icon's of Steppin'
From Left: Donnie, the late George Macaroni, Ice Ray,
Lonnie Clark, Zack & Calvin
The Late (Bus Stop) Charlie Green
Brought the original Line Dancing to the Steppers Scene
Jessica (Dimples) Bickham
The very 1st Winner in Chicago's World's Largest Steppers Contest
with then partner Recording Artist: Marzette Griffin
(20) years later took 1st place again in the 2011's Chicago's World's Largest Steppers Contest
Dimples (Left) with this Editor
Oh no, I'm not finished just yet, more Icon's to come watch this page!
About Us!
Real Steppers Social Club, St. Louis, Missouri
Founded by Chicago Native, Steppin' DJ & Icon:
John Marshall Muldrew in July 2002.
Real Steppers Social Club, St. Louis, Missouri
Founded by Chicago Native, Steppin' DJ & Icon:
John Marshall Muldrew in July 2002.
John Marshall with Wife & Steppin' Partner Evaughn Muldrew
Members: Evaughn, Cynthia, Kim & Ada
Members: Evaughn, Cynthia, Kim & Ada
Steppin' over (30) years, John Marshall & Evaughn made the winners circle in Chicago's Worlds Largest Steppers Contest 1992. Semi-Finalist every year from the 1st WLSC through 1995, relocating via job transfer to St. Louis, Missouri 1996. Strictly Old Skool Steppers the dance brought them together. To this day Steppin' has always been a major factor in keeping a strong family life, something we can always do together.
Steppin' Contest (Steppin' for the Money) back in the day was their thing. Known in Chicago as the couple to beat!
DJ & MC in Chicago for over 20 years, John Marshall was one of the Original Stepper's DJ's. (i.e. Family Den, Artiss' Lounge.)
Musician: John Marshall played Conga's behind singing group "The Brighter Side of Darkness".
Evaughn was one of the original old skool steppers 1968. Budland, Grand Ballroom, Guys & Gals, Glass House, etc. Steppin' before Steppin' got it's official name.
St. Louis, Missouri
Arriving in St. Louis we were in culture shock. No Steppin'! Partnering with St. Louis' then Kiss 100.3 Radio personalities Bryan Anthony & Pam Oliver we had our first Steppers Set in St. Louis @ the Cassaloma Ballroom 1996. The set lasted about (6) months. St. Louis was Boppin' strong and wasn't quite ready for change.
Tired of commuting to Chicago to get his Steppin' groove on John Marshall wanted to try it again in 2002 forming Real Steppers Social Club. with members: St. Louis Bopper: Ada Malvin, Chicago Stepper: Janice Rankin, St. Louis Slider: Cynthia Whitaker, later adding St. Louis
House DJ: Kim (Ms. Kim) Dodds with Honorary Member: Steppin' Instructor: Andrew (Drew) Jones
The Place Every Thursday Night Old Tymers Night Club the longest running steppers set in St. Louis thanks to owners Steve Sloan & Letha Sloan.
It was a long hard road, do to John Marshall's hard work, dedication, strong support from Real Steppers Members and the love of the dance the club finally came into its own along with the support of other newly formed Steppers Clubs. i.e Word of Mouth Entertainment, LLC, Next Generation Steppers, JET Productions to name a few.
More on About Us & Bio's on our members to
follow watch this page.
Steppin' Contest (Steppin' for the Money) back in the day was their thing. Known in Chicago as the couple to beat!
DJ & MC in Chicago for over 20 years, John Marshall was one of the Original Stepper's DJ's. (i.e. Family Den, Artiss' Lounge.)
Musician: John Marshall played Conga's behind singing group "The Brighter Side of Darkness".
Evaughn was one of the original old skool steppers 1968. Budland, Grand Ballroom, Guys & Gals, Glass House, etc. Steppin' before Steppin' got it's official name.
St. Louis, Missouri
Arriving in St. Louis we were in culture shock. No Steppin'! Partnering with St. Louis' then Kiss 100.3 Radio personalities Bryan Anthony & Pam Oliver we had our first Steppers Set in St. Louis @ the Cassaloma Ballroom 1996. The set lasted about (6) months. St. Louis was Boppin' strong and wasn't quite ready for change.
Tired of commuting to Chicago to get his Steppin' groove on John Marshall wanted to try it again in 2002 forming Real Steppers Social Club. with members: St. Louis Bopper: Ada Malvin, Chicago Stepper: Janice Rankin, St. Louis Slider: Cynthia Whitaker, later adding St. Louis
House DJ: Kim (Ms. Kim) Dodds with Honorary Member: Steppin' Instructor: Andrew (Drew) Jones
The Place Every Thursday Night Old Tymers Night Club the longest running steppers set in St. Louis thanks to owners Steve Sloan & Letha Sloan.
It was a long hard road, do to John Marshall's hard work, dedication, strong support from Real Steppers Members and the love of the dance the club finally came into its own along with the support of other newly formed Steppers Clubs. i.e Word of Mouth Entertainment, LLC, Next Generation Steppers, JET Productions to name a few.
More on About Us & Bio's on our members to
follow watch this page.
