Welcome to St. Louis, Missouri & The Art of Chicago Style Steppin'!
Editor's Update: May 17, 2012
Editor's Update: May 17, 2012
Yvonne with Steppin' Partner Clark
Editor's Note:
Yvonne is one of St. Louis' own, a true Stepper in every sense of the word. Over the years I have watched her evolve into one of the best of the best in Chicago Style Steppin'. Her love of the dance shows in every move she makes on the dance floor. Here's a small profile of Yvonne's journey in becoming one of the best in our craft. She's smooth, sexy, classy with footwork that shows that Chicago Old Skool Flare. And yes, she can dress to impress!
In Her Own Words:
I have been Steppin' for over (7) years. I remember some (11) or (12) years ago being at Brioni Nites in St. Louis watching Chicago natives CEO & Founder: John Marshall Muldrew & Evaughn of Real Steppers S.C. Steppin' on the dance floor, they were the only couple Steppin' that night. I was inspired however, I had no interest in learning at that time. Some years later I attended another party this time there were many couples doing this dance called Steppin'. Now I wanted to learn! I asked Evaughn, she told me where the Steppers hung out in St. Louis, a place called The Loft Downtown St. Louis. There I met Delores "Ms. D." Mitchell. Co-Founder of Word of Mouth Entertainment, LLC she agreed to show me the basics. I was hooked, I then started classes at Stevens School instructed by another Chicago native: CEO & Founder of Word of Mouth Entertainment, LLC Iary Israel.
I guess I learned fast because I ended up with a few steady partners (i.e. Lil Johnnie & Clark). My biggest influences or steppers that I really admired their skills were Lajuana Williams, Nicola (Nicky) Thomas, Iary Israel, John Marshall & Evaughn. Having a chance to step with St. Louis heavy hitters the likes of Iary Israel & John Marshall really enhanced my skills and motivated me in becoming the best I could be.
As I improved "Ms."D." later asked me to teach Steppin' Basics at Stevens School. That was a great opportunity for me to truly enhance my skills, I been teaching basics every since.
About (4) years ago I started branching out into the World of Steppin' by attending Out of Town Sets (i.e. Chicago, Memphis, Atlanta and most recently Ontario, California. I am humbled and really appreciate the fact that I am now known not just in St. Louis but other cities as a true Old/New Skool Stepper! Going to Chicago more and more I have found steppers that I have met and admired as well as inspired by some of the ones who are considered the best of the best in Chi Town such as, Dre, Drewry, Sunshine, Lady Margaret, Ty Skippy, Taboo, Donnie Davis, Tyk man, Tori, Nikee, Donna and my best friend Maurice "Reese" Thomas, just to name a few.
My next big step is Walkin' I love Walkers! I want to thank Chicago so much for letting the world in on their secret "Steppin'"! Thanks to all the St. Louis Steppin' Organizations for showing us the way and the love. Steppin' is my dance now, yes, I own it! Evaughn always told me "Make this dance your Own" and that's exactly what I did!
My dream, my goal is to see our Steppin' Community grow in St. Louis
Bigger & Better!
Yvonne Collins-Meyers
