Our New Steppers

Yes you read that right (for all of those new people from last night 5 to be exact). First congrats on making the big decision to learn this dance, and Second, remember to always have fun with it. Now if you’re getting this email it’s because I could read your writing, and if you didn’t/don’t, well you’ll have to hear about me talking about your chicken-scratch. Man I thought Helen Keller couldn’t write. J I’m not going to mention any names, but it rhymes with Corvette. LOL You’re lucky I have your info from the other day, I see I’m going to have to cut you off early, no water for you. J OK, now for the good stuff, remember to practice. Do your best to practice it correctly, but if it’s not we can fix that. Most importantly, get that timing and beat down. Having that down, makes everything else easier. Men you also have to remember to keep your hands steady while you’re dancing with a lady. Oh yeah, STOP LOOKING DOWN! Yes, I saw that. J Oh and “Trouble” I hope your feet are doing better today. And to all the new folks, Good Job. You did very well considering all I threw at you on the first day. J So you should be proud, I am.

Good Info to Know

It’s that time again, time for another little helpful hint. And this one is special as I usually NEVER tell this one. I usually wait, or want the women to figure it out all on their own. So here it is, when you’re counting ODD numbers are ALWAYS on the LEFT foot, and EVEN numbers are ALWAYS on the RIGHT foot. I know, go ahead test me. Thanks apology accepted. J Men, that’s something that you SHOULD know as well, because it’s your job to give her commands at the right time. Also men, your count or footwork is different, depending on which basics you’re doing. Oh and don’t forget to keep counting when you hear music, trust me it helps. J Now here’s some things for you-all this weekend, as I will be in LA getting my dance on, stealing moves, and giving them to you. LOL

A LITTLE HELP

I have another little tip for you, something to help you get your timing down. Every time you hear a song try counting to it. Regardless if it’s fast, slow, or super duper fast, just put the count to it. As you begin to make that a habit, soon you won’t have to count as your brain will be trained in hearing a song and getting the rhythm, and beat already. If you do that, when you hear any song, you’ll be able to get that beat AND timing like you’re in the band yourself. J Have fun

NATIONAL STEP DAY

Good Morning Steppers,

Well another year has come and gone, and I had a good time at the National Step Day event. Although I was attending several events that evening, I managed to attend them all. I got a chance to dance with people, and got a chance to see some improvements within their dance too. Something I did notice is that, memory recall wasn’t the best with everyone. Because this dance is repetitious, I’ll work on getting folks to have that recall. So break out those “Move Lists”, and get ready to be DRILLED on those moves. Also, we’ll welcome newcomers John, Tashia, and Naomi this Thursday. I want to congratulate Ms Monique Sanders for her accomplishment in winning the beginners Step contest at the National Step Event this weekend. CONGRADULATIONS GOOD JOB!

Yesterday I was asked is there a wrong way to step? And the answer is Yes AND No. So let me explain, there ARE so many different styles of the dance, INCLUDING the different methodology it entails. There’s the OLD school style, then there’s the 4 count, and now the latest 6 or 8 count if you will. Now, if you know the difference and can adjust to how the woman is dancing then great, but if you don’t, then a hot mess is stirring on the dance floor. J OK, so as long as you’re having fun with your partner, and you both are doing the same style (method or version) of the dance, then more power to you, and enjoy. However, if the woman is doing one version, and the guy is doing something else, then yep you’re doing it wrong, and it’s going to look that way. Just ask, or watch----- Shoot uh hmm I mean to say………. LOL OK seriously, I’ll make it real easy for you, each method or version of the dance regardless of how new or old, has rules, and in order to have a good dance the men NEED to understand just what those rules are. For example you can’t use the rules of football, while playing basketball. It just doesn’t work. So men need to follow those set rules that apply to the particular style that the women is doing, and NOT follow his OWN rules currently being made up as he goes. You might as well be just regular dancing, trust me it will look better. J

Guess What

Well it’s almost time. J Let’s see, there’s class tomorrow at the Elk’s at 6pm, and now they’ve added 80’s night, along with steppin music there as well. There’s also steppin music being played over at Bobby C’s too, you decide. And Saturday is National Step Day, and the Steppin Ball along with several birthday parties, an anniversary party, Vegas steppers attending, AND a fun Steppin Contest for those steppers with 1 year or less. This should be a enjoyable night.

In addition, I have DVDs 1,2,3,4 of the It’s G Style combination list. The DVDs along with the list show you 40 different moves and combinations. These are steps that we’ve gone over in class, and some that I threw in there for fun. J

I want to wish everyone entering the contest Good Luck! And don’t forget to have fun.

Tips for you

Yes, I’m back from my New York trip, and I must say. I can’t wait to return. I had a pretty good time there, of course I wasn’t driving though:talk about crazy. Anyway, while I was there, I learned some new things, and it’s time to share. So I’ll see you at 6pm, and if not have a great weekend. Oh and if you can, you should practice a little.

First thanks to everyone that came out last night, I know we covered a lot. Don’t forget to add those moves into your rotation, and soon you’ll have a strong combo list. I also want to send a big CONGRATS to Mr. James and his better half on their beautiful new baby girl, which just happens to have the best name ever: Jasmine. Of course I don’t know how they’re spelling it, but that’s how my daughter’s name is spelled. See best name ever. I also want to welcome new stepper Richard from Chicago. And thanks for helping me with those new steppers Ms. Woody.

OK as everyone knows, I feel you should know and or have your basics DOWN-PACKED before venturing out and trying footwork. Now with that being said, ladies remember to practice those what 5 that we went over last night. Actually more if you count those variations that we did. So let’s start here, you have “The Rock” (which can be done on 6 78, or just on 78) then you have the “Shuffle” with a 78 cross cross walk up, and the “Shuffle” again with a “Rock” at the end of it. We practiced the “Sherri” which is a 6 78 step, and the “James Brown” with a left OR right turn, and lastly the :Allyiah” (Rock the boat) and don’t forget to get those 2 poses in. Hey maybe we can all get some practice with again tonight.