This page is only to discuss issues surrounding our St. Louis Steppers community per their questions to me! In order to gain a better understanding about the history, community, partnership, rules of Steppin’ and any misconceptions
surrounding St. Louis Steppers.

As there have been so many questions I decided to answer via the Web.

 Let’s talk straight about St. Louis Steppin’

Suggestion: BEFORE YOU READ Q&A CLICK ST. LOUIS STEPPERS HISTORY

Answer:
Because it's new & exciting and the new St. Louis Steppers did not know the two clubs relationship, their beginning their bond or their commitment to each other because they did not know  St. Louis Stepper’s History; how it began!  You, the new St. Louis Steppers (if anything happens out of the ordinary) you assume!  It’s not good to assume, assuming without facts causes controversy.

Stepper's controversy  is old news in Chicago, they went through this (25) plus years ago, I know, I was there.  The clubs later got it together and moved on.  Now all the clubs in Chicago have what they call intermission and ask any club in the house to bring up their flyer or plugger so the MC can announce it to their attendees.  They  now support each other.  The Stepper's Market grew in Chicago do to the increase in Stepper's Clubs and classes!

I know I can speak for Word of Mouth Entertainment on this one, none of us want controversy in Steppin’.  We (our clubs) still hold dear our original commitment to support one another.  If at anytime our pack is broken by one club or the other, we as adults will communicate among ourselves and not through the Stepper’s Community.  Any critical issues that our clubs may have and need addressed are private and will not be discussed with our Stepper’s Community.   You don’t need to know!  You are out to have a good time and enjoy your new found dance.

Our Stepper’s Community is just beginning to grow. St. Louis is small group right now compared to other cities.  Both clubs need your support.  You need to be apart of and take pride in St. Louis’ Stepper’s History the good and the bad.  No History is all good.  You embrace the bad and move forward.  We want nothing more then for you to come out and enjoy the art of Steppin’ without controversy.  Without your support our clubs would die.  Don’t take Steppin’ so seriously that you forget to have FUN!

Note: Let me say this, and I will not address this issue again; Real Stepper's S.C. will not ever boycott, bad mouth, talk and/or discuss negative issues against any other Stepper's Club.  It is absolutely not what we are about!  Those who know us will tell you that.  We will always support all the club sets if we are able and it does not interrupt our personal commitments (i.e. jobs, home life, family, emergencies, etc.)

Just like you, we are committed to our Stepper's Community however, we have a choice just like you, if we miss a set or two then you should take it to a positive and not a negative.  We expect our friends and community to understand and not take it to a negative.  We all need to be more positive it truly would make far less controversy.

Example: Positive Thought - Real Steppers members did not come out for the other club's set Saturday or Sunday, something must have come up because they are normally here.  Negative Thought:  Real Steppers members did not come out for the other club's set Saturday or Sunday they must be boycoting!

To the person who came up with the Negative Thought, we thank you, we did not realize how much you missed us not being there.  However, you really should relay the positive not your negative thoughts to our Stepper's Community.  The positive makes good public relations.
 
None of us are perfect, we all have occasion to say something we really did not mean or what we say may have been misunderstood then we're sorry because it caused controversy. We just get over it and move on.
 
Steppin' for us is fun, relaxing and relieves some stress of our everyday lives.  Steppin' is not our only life it is our recreation.  Then again, there are some who have made it their lives, which is okay, just don't expect everybody else to do the same.

For some people gossip and controversy is fun!  However, in today’s economy and many of us have a life outside of Steppin.  Gossip & controversy equals STRESS.  Who needs STRESS, just ask our new African American President?  Steppin’ relieves STRESS.
Stress is not apart and cannot be apart of Steppin’ then it is no longer fun and/or enjoyable!

I am a loyal stepper but it seems like everybody is starting to divide.  Either you are loyal to Word of Mouth or loyal to Real Steppers. 

Answer:
You said it right, "I am a loyal stepper" that's what you are suppose to be loyal to Steppin'!  Steppers should have a Steppers Set they are loyal to because they enjoy the DJ and his music or they like the atmosphere of the set.  In Chicago I have sets that I am loyal to and DJ's I prefer to hear their music.  However, that does not constitute divide, it's called preference.

What does it accomplish to divide our small Community? Absolutely nothing!  What does it accomplish to hate on one club for another club? Nothing!  Not unless the club you are loyal to is paying your bills and putting food on your table and the other club refuse to.  Then yes, by all means your loyalty to one club only is justified.  Or maybe you dislike (I don't like using the word "hate" it's not in my Lord's Vocabulary) the people in one club and love the people in the other for one reason or another.  You have the right, remember it's your choice. Together we conquer, to divide we fall. 

Understand, there will always be the first major Stepper’s Club according to St. Louis Stepper’s History, however, there will be more Stepper’s Club being formed.  That is suppose to happen.  That’s how Steppin’ grows! 

The different Stepper’s Clubs are offering you, the new Steppers, a choice that’s all, a place to come and step almost every night of the week at your convenience.  If you can’t get out on Tuesday then there’s Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, etc.  Every major city has far more then one Stepper’s Club & set as it should be, as should St. Louis.

In Chicago's history , the first major Stepper's Club is "The Original Old Tymers" all other clubs formed in Chicago fall under them.  In St. Louis, the first major Stepper's Club is "Word of Mouth Entertainment" all other clubs fall under them.  No one club can or should be the only Stepper's Club.  The first major Stepper's Club should always have the utmost respect of all Stepper's for being the forerunner.

Why should I pay to go to a Stepper's Set?

Answer:

You don’t!  That’s the reason for choosing which set to go to.  In Chicago or other cities (and yes! I know this is not Chicago or any other city this is St. Louis) but there is not one Stepper’s Set you can go to without paying.  The Stepper’s clubs all have expenses.  We all need someway to pay the bills.  Every time you come out and a club sets out food, it’s a big expense.  Every time we give you an appreciation or a thank you for your support set or Stepper's BBQ it’s a big  expense.  When our clubs do give-a-ways or door prizes it's a big expense.  Every time you see our clubs advertising it’s a big expense, it's not free!  Each club has its own way of generating monies.  Word of Mouth Entertainment generate monies via Stepper’s Classes, Real Steppers S.C. generate monies via once a month we charge at our Sunday set etc.

I have been to Real Stepper’s Sunday Set and seen people not pay at the door but I have to pay, why?

Answer:
Because you can afford to.  Here’s how we, Real Steppers operate:  Those people who did not pay at the door wanted to come in but were short on cash, they asked, we don’t turn anybody away because they can’t pay right then.  And we don't run around telling anybody who will listen this person can't pay, it's a private matter. And they do appreciate it.  Whenever we give something later they are first to ask if they can help us!  We allow our club member’s one guest every first Sunday.  If someone can't pay at the time we make them a guest of one of our members who does not have a guest! And on several occasions our members just pay for the person out of pocket.

That's how we operate!  We give back to the community, no matter if you are celebrating a birthday with us we will set it out for you, or someone ask us to donate to their church or community organization, we always support our Stepper's Community.  Those who have asked will tell you we never turn anybody down!  It is very sad that I even have to say that because we don't brag we just do it. If you do not want to pay it is your choice.  You may think because the clubs make most of the sets Free to You that it's Free to Us?  Think again!

To the person who asked this question, from me to you, if you are that concerned and feel you need to watch our door we would love to have you as a member, but be ready to pay dues.  Most of our clubs expenses come out of our member's pocket as a donation to Steppin'!

Most people don't mind at all donating and/or supporting  something that they enjoy be it a vacation, movies, social events, church, stepper's sets, music CD's, etc.

Why should I have to pay for Stepper's Classes?

Answer:
Simple: You are paying for a service.  The classes are high energy your instructors deserve payment for their time and hard work and some of their students absolutely need more instruction then others, that means more work.

Why is there so much controversy over a new Stepper's Class being formed?

Answer:
Good question, I personally think it's a fear factor!  If one Stepper's Club only source of monies for club expenses is only generated through classes, could be they don't want to lose their clientèle' to a new class.  However, I personally don't see it that way.  Share, bring in new Steppers, keep the ball rolling and promote the other classes.  That's how Steppin' grows.  When I get tired of teaching classes, and many of my students know I get tired, I will shut my class down and refer them to another Stepper's Class it's just that easy.  It's not about the clubs, it's about generating new Steppers!  

Fact: I would say maybe a quarter of Word of Mouth students over time were referred to them by Real Steppers S.C. and most of their instructors learned their basics from John & Me.  We don't dislike them for moving on.  We encourage them and are proud of their accomplishment.  They have moved on to become excellent instructors.

What about Steppin’ Classes, Who has the better class?

Answer:
Steppin’ classes are meant to teach you the basics and some classes will teach you more advanced moves as you progress.  It depends how far you want to go with it.

Example: Word of Mouth Entertainment. – New Skool & Old Skool Steppin’ has a variety of classes under one roof.  Classes are structured.  You move from beginner level and up.  If you feel more comfortable in a very large group setting then this is the place for you to learn.

Drew recently started a class  – New Skool Steppin’ designed the same however, in a smaller group setting offering the best in Chicago Style New Skool Instruction.

Candy started a class - at her church, to promote exercise to people that do not want to go out clubbing but want to learn how to Step.  Steppin' in a spiritual mode, what an excellent twist for St. Louis.  I recently attended her church in which she led her students in a Steppers Program with the approval of her pastor and church family.  The program was outstanding, it was absolutely wonderful to see, very moving and motivating.  The whole church gave them a standing ovation.  So up beat so very inspirational.

Note: Chicago has always incorporated Steppin' in the Church.

Real Steppers Evaughn - Strictly teaching Old Skool Steppin' basics that's my expertise!   I am not a New Skool Stepper. I leave that to the pros Iary, Drew and John. My experience is from over (40) years of Chicago Style Old Skool Steppin'.  I do not go to Chicago for the "How to formally instruct classes", I do what comes natural, experience is my teacher.

Why? Would you say Drew's Class is the best in New Skool?

Answer: Oh! Oh! Controversy!

Let me explain please, Word of Mouth offers a variety Of Old Skool and New Skool Steppin’ instructions.  Iary has mastered the art of Old & New.  Drew has put in a lot of time, effort and money with trips to Chicago in order to perfect the art of New Skool Steppin'.

His class is tailor made New Skool basics and advance in a smaller setting.  Got it! It’s what you prefer.  Personally I am an Old Skool Stepper but I love to watch New Skool Steppin’.  Just can’t or won’t do it.  If I did, there would be a new’s flash out, woman dies on dance floor while spinning and turning! John Marshall (Real Steppers, CEO) can do both Old & New makes him no difference.

What’s the difference between Old & New Skool Steppin’?

Answer: Energy!!!!!
In my observation if you are New Skool, its higher paced, continuous spins, twist and turns, less footwork.  The man is profiled more so then the woman.  He is her lead there is no independent move she can make without him.  The man is in complete control.   Hand signals exposed.  Dress of course to impress.  Very high energy! Evolved in the 90’s to present day Steppers.

Example: I recently studied a couple out of Chicago via video in the art of New Skool Steppin’.  I guess I had to play it back about (10) times, just counting how many times they turned.  Conclusion: the man turned or should I say walked around his partner (10) times each time with his hand up in the air, signaling her to turn or spin and she turned and/or was spinning approximately (28) times! They turned together only (4) times.  That was all on one song.  And you better know your steps without counting. Timing very important.  Like I said very high energy! Absolutely wonderful to watch.

If you are Old Skool, lower paced, laid back, know your steps without counting, turns are casual and few, Steppin’ with ease and the woman (i.e. footwork) is profiled as much as the man.  Dress to impress, hand signals hidden.  The man will on occasion let the woman's hand go, she is independent for a moment to give her time to regroup and profile her style a little.  You find yourself watching both the man and the woman, more romantic.  Old Skool is from the 60’s to the 90’s.  You’re never breaking a sweat.  It’s for the older generation. 

What’s the Right Count in Steppin’?

Answer:
Remember it’s whatever you prefer.  All the classes are good ones!  When learning Steppin’ via counting whether it be 4, 6 or 8 count none of it is wrong!  It still comes out the same on the dance floor there is no wrong in counting even numbers.

Example:
8 Count = 123,456,78 ( No Pauses) repeat
6 Count = 1,2, Pause, 3,4,Pause 5,6 Pause then repeat
4 Count = 1, Pause, Pause, 2, Pause, Pause, 3, Pause, Pause, 4 then repeat

Note: To all the guys, you are the lead you must learn the (8) count first in order to master the 6 & 4 count! 

What’s a Pause?

Answer:
Hesitate! Hold the count. The pause is in your head the count is in your feet.  Once you have mastered your basics you can mix up the counts and pauses (i.e. Footwork)

I learned my (8) count basics when do I learn footwork?

Answer:
If you asking to learn footwork then you don't know your basics yet.  Footwork I personally feel can't be taught.  Footwork comes with practice, practice, practice.  Watching other Stepper's, you see a move you like, go home and practice it until you perfect it.  Put your own style and flavor to the move.  In Chicago it's called "Stealing a Move" personally I can't teach footwork.  Footwork depends on how creative you want to get.  In Chicago, Steppin' is called a "Thinking Man's Dance".

And by all means please Steppers once you have the basics down try and perfect your own style!  Footwork will come with time and practice.  I just hate to come to a stepper's set and everybody is doing the same thing.  They look like robots.  You need to stand out from the crowd that's what Steppin' is all about flare, unique styles, attitude, confidence, etc.  Learn from your instructors, watch them and learn from watching not just practice.

And all Steppers need or should go to Chicago and watch the different styles and at least do a class, you'll come back a different kind of Stepper with more understanding of the dance, believe me. 

Who do you think has truly mastered the art of Steppin'?

Answer:
Oh Boy! this question is loaded, but you asked and I am bound to answer all questions.  Here goes: as far as women, Laquanna, Barbara, Yvonne, Ericka, Tracey, Beverly, Thelma, Ada, Linda, Jackie, Jerry, Teryl, Paula and Candy to name just a few off the top of my head. The men:  of course John Marshall, Iary, Drew, Leonard, Frank, L, George (a little crazy but good), Ralph, JC and of course Reggie, Laquanna's better half, Johnny C., Al, Linda's better half and young Johnny he's an old man in a young man's body, new skool is got to be Sherman, he has so many turns but is always in step just to name a few.  Lastly, St. Louis best bopper/stepper "Mr. Johnny Hatcher" 

Lastly, Where are the guys?  St. Louis needs more men Steppin'!  In Chicago there are so many guys out there Steppin' its a cool, smooth dance for the fellas, they don't work nearly as hard as the woman.  We have all these ladies and the few guys we have are working overtime.

In closing, thank you St. Louis Steppers for all your past and future support of all our Stepper’s Clubs old and new.  Watch for coming events, watch this new web site I know you will enjoy it.  A Blog will be attached to this site in the near future.

YOUR STEPPER'S CLUB GOALS:

You know what I take pride in?  I am the senior Old Skool Stepper in St. Louis, and yes, I'm bragging!
Even senior to my forever partner John Marshall. 
Wait until he reads this line I know I'm going to get a rebuttal from him.

Hoping I have answered some of your many questions to your satisfaction? 
If not too....bad, I'm open for rebuttal but not for debate. 

If you would like to comment or you have a rebuttal on the above article or you have new questions
please feel free in contacting me personally
as the above is my personal views and not all is that of Real Stepper’s S.C.

Much Love to all, ENJOY YOUR NEW FOUND DANCE & God Bless!

Evaughn Muldrew - Editor stlouissteppers.net