Tag: Steppin’

Miami Beach Welcomed Back The Adult Steppers Spring Break

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I attended the Adult Steppers Spring Break. I have to honestly say, I have mixed feelings about the event.  Aesthetically, it gives you what all visitors expect when they embark upon Miami, sun, sea, sand and salt and the steppin’, well, thats always the bonus.  There were a  lot of unfamiliar faces and they were executing turns with great precision. The glow up for the Adult Steppers Spring Break was real but one thing for sure is this, if your event is in Miami, folks are going to come, why because it’s in Miami and then if you throw in the beach and a hotel on the sand, a sure winner.   There was something in the air and it hovered over the dance floor like an illegal drone breaching air space. We all have our instincts and without hesitation, our gut will zero in on something that our eyes can’t see.

I had a good time.  I also had a fucked up experience with a man I had one dance with and I had the unfortunate luck of sitting at this muthafuckers table. If you saw were I was sitting those who saw me know who I’m talking about.  Don’t DM me with any questions because I’m not answering.  Why, because I’m not getting into that bullshit.  I paid to sit there so my ass was stuck.  Now on too brighter things and dimmer lights.

I attended the sets on Friday and Saturday only.  Friday I was bored but I danced more on Friday than I did on Saturday.  The DJ’s had the dance floor packed both nights. If  Friday was the oldies night then for sure Saturday was the turn up. The music catered to the steppin’ classics and a lot of it on Friday.  When I hear the oldies and when I watch seasoned steppers do their thing it cast a light on why we step. That’s the music steppers will never be able to get away from, it gives the dance and the hardwood we glide on life and validation.  Some steppers were singing and steppin’ as the classics moved them.  And all I could do was watch and learn.  I made every attempt to get into it but I couldn’t. I wasn’t familiar with many of the songs played so after a couple of hours I was out. As I was enroute to the valet stand, I caught the beat of  Biggy’s Hypnotize and if my feet could skid you’d see black marks embedded in the hotel lobby carpet. So I wound up in the lobby bar not exiting until 2:00 AM and then stopping by my favorite 24 hour Cuban bakery on 163rd Street for two ham croquets, a media noche and a Cuban coffee to sober me up for the drive. The only thing I’m going to say about Saturday night is that I was able to learn that reggae line dance.  It was easy, I got that shit.

The extra activities,  like the pool party and jump rope competition, not sure what they were about because I didn’t attend either. But this is what was posted on social media, “the jump rope competition judges were Bonita Williams, Sabrina Crawford, Michael Bennet and host Herschel Smith.  The jump rope contest winners were John Lucas (1st place), Feo Duncan (2nd place).  The double dutch contest winners were  Lawanda Williams (1st place), and Rachel Knight (2nd place). ” This info I lifted from the Adult Steppers Spring Break Facebook page. The Newport Pier Resort is a nice hotel but they did some crazy stuff, on Friday they valet parked my car but on Saturday, they did not. I pulled up and I was motioned to and directed to park across the street, wait, what.  So I had to walk in my heels to the hotel from this gritty space for parking and heading back it was unsafe to retrieve my car.  The lot was dark and undesirables was lurking and hanging out.

The thing about steppn’ is that it leaves no visible bruises. The Adult Stepper Spring break is the type of event that does just that.  Come as you are, be who you are and just have a good time and if the set isn’t doing it for you, head down to south beach.  Always an option.  If your able to mix it up with a Miami local stepper, the history of the dance locally is an interesting and exciting one.

There is so much more to Miami than steppin’ when you attend the steppers spring break.  We have a really unique history of African American art, entertainment and the culinary scene is expanding which is what takes you beyond the beach.  The next time you make your way down to step, check out some of the local stuff that’s for us and by us.  If for nothing else, do it for the culture.

I can’t say I had a great time but I can say it felt good to be out.  It felt good to see old steppin friends that had me steeped in a steppin’ family reunion.  It was the steppin’ that brought me out.  Whats has tripped me out is that for the past couple of years we are left with the question, are they doing it next year or not?  From the last post I read on social media, they may do it next year or they may not.

 

 

 

Steppin’ Women Who Rock By Being About The Business of Steppin’…

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What defines a mega steppin’ event? I believe it’s the team and the sum of its parts. But there are times when I also think that there are some scenes that don’t play out in-front of you. Everything has a back story and in the steppin’ business for me there’s a code of ethics that’s not seen by the naked eye. It’s a secret society that houses the blueprint that defines the success of some and the demise of most steppin’ groups who try to put on mega steppin’ events.  Maria Cephas and Dena Morrison have brought to the steppin’ game a skill set that has their events atop of most I’ve seen.  How am I measuring that, well, it’s in their  numbers.  Both women have risen from mere obscurity. Maria Cephas, Fort Lauderdale, hosts the annual Red and Black Affair. Dena Morrison, North Carolina, hosts the Adult Steppers Spring Break in Miami. These two professionals are about the business of steppin’. Women in business is real and successful women in the steppin’ business is rare. These two ladies have the numbers to show for their successes respectfully. I asked six women in the steppin’ business to be a part and these two showed up.  Here’s a small peek into the world of women in the business of steppin’, enjoy.

MARIA CEPHAS – STYLISTIC STEPPERS, LLC., FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

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1. Steppin’ as a business, what makes your business tick? How do you make your steppin’ business thrive?

First and  foremost we place God first.  He’s first in our business when we make everyday decisions to praying with our students at the end of each class.  It’s a welcoming feeling to know that He’s in charge as we step out on faith.  I also accept the responsibility that I am in a people business that requires heavy customer service at all times.  Whether at a weekend event around the country or locally, I am connecting with people.  It brings great joy knowing that the person I just stepped away from feels like we are family. I am a Certified Professional Life Coach, that comes into play when handling various types of personalities and issues. One has to stay open, receptive and positive to all possibilities that surrounds us. Staying aware that this business is not about me.  I have a job to do that comes with a platform to transform lives through dance. My job is to seek and bringing out the best in them. The other factors in making our business tick is team work.  My business partner, Dru Smith,  and those that support  the Stylistic Steppers, LLC., are passionate and love what we do. Ok, I did say it’s not about me, but I do believe that my personality is a huge factor.  I believe that a person is responsible for the energy that they bring into a room. I love to hug people when we address each other, funny how contagious hugging can be. If you approach people with open arms, they naturally respond with extended open arms.  That right there brings a little more comfort into the room. We also have to stay aware that at the end of the day we are a business, and decisions have to be made that are best for the business  and the customer.  We  strive to find ways to make it a win win for both sides.

2.  The Black and Red was a small event that attracted only the south Florida local steppers and a select few out of towners. How were you able to grow it into a major event with hundreds of attendees from all points of the country?

The thing I had to do was remain focused on what we were building and why we were building it. We set out to build a legacy and it just so happen to come in the form of dance. It was and still is important that whether we had one person or 30 people in a class everyone is there to learn and we were there to instruct/share our passion for the art of Steppin’ Thanks for asking about the Stylistic Steppers Annual Black & Red Affair (Red & Black) . Thanks to Jim Berry and friends for launching steppin in South Florida. We joined forces with Jim in 2005 to increase the awareness of Steppin and in doing so he wanted to celebrate his birthday in conjunction with a Steppers Set. We were very instrumental as committee members and we assisted Jim with the events. I remember it being a one day party.  We had the vision for a full weekend of Steppin fun. In 2008 we co-hosted a workshop with out-of-town instructors during the day & celebrated Jim’s birthday that evening with a Black & Red Set. 2009 we hosted a Meet & Greet Set and by that time we had earned love and respect around the country.  That’s when the decision was made to invite out-of-town steppers. They came out and heavily supported us.  It was and still is much appreciated. What was so amazing was the heart-felt comments from all those that attended.  Steppers are still talking about one of our weekend highlights.  The Saturday morning steppers set which sail’s down the peaceful waterways of Ft. Lauderdale. It’s an ultimate experience and it’s absolutely breathtaking to enjoy a dance that you love, while viewing some of the world’s most magnificent homes. This year we have stepped up and we are steppin’ on a yacht, and I’m excited about that!  With the blessings of growth came the challenge to find a venue that was conducive to our needs. Combining all of those factors and more leads us to this year’s event which is going to be held at the Broward County Convention Center.  If you would like more information on this, please check out our website at www.stylisticsteppers.com.

3. Why Steppin’ as a business?

Let me say this, it’s definitely not about the money.  For me it is so much bigger than that because it is a social lifestyle type of business and it allows me to live out my purpose which is to serve people. I use the platform of steppin’ to reach the masses.   The art form of dance has so many benefits to it including overcoming shyness and it also increases self-confidence. The beauty and the payback for me as an instructor is when I see these benefits come out of those I instruct or have instructed. It’s like watching your baby learn to crawl, walk, then run. To be an organization that is responsible for sharing the art of  dance throughout the state of Florida is awesome.   To see our advanced students pursue other avenues as instructors and promoters is another benefit knowing that we helped make that possible for them.

4. I am a firm believer that love is in the details. Pick one thing that makes your steppin’ business stand out from the rest.

I do not believe that there is one particular detail that makes my business stand out from the rest. If I have to choose I would say it’s my love for capturing and sharing beautiful memories of people through photos. My personality and sense of humor relaxes most people so they can really cut up in a photo. I strive to do the right thing by people in photos, by looking at the details of a photo before I post it….I do have a law that I would like to share if I may? If at any time I take a photo of someone and they are the only one in it and they feel it is not the most flattering photo, I will remove it. HOWEVER if you are in a group shot & you don’t like the before picture, it stays and that goes for me also!

5. Do you consider your business a brand?

Yes, branding has always been a top priority for me.  Before we had the name Stylistic Steppers, my partner and I were branding ourselves locally and traveling to national events.  By doing this the steppers were able to put a face to the names of Dru & Maria from Miami, Florida. I stepped up the branding when I contacted WAK (Kevin A Williams) the best-selling artist in the African-American print market for permission to use his painting Swept Away as our official logo. As the Vice-President, I am one of the faces of the company.  I wear the company name on t-shirts and dress shirts.

6. How do you market your steppin’ businesses and does social media play a role in getting the word out about your business?

I market my steppin business via word of mouth and as I go through my day I hand out business cards. Years ago I implemented a referral policy for our students that works well.  We have  a monthly newsletter, a company website, and cross-marketing.  While also fitting in dance demo’s throughout  South Florida. Yes, social media does play an important role.  It allows you to reach a mass amount of people in a short period of time.  That information gets shared with others. If someone hears about you from someone else, they have the luxury of going to your page to get a better feel of who you are and what your business model is all about.

7. Which do you prefer Facebook or Twitter?

I prefer Facebook.  I’ve been on it for years.   I’m comfortable with it and it’s a fun way to share  and market my business.

8.  What was the best advice ever given to you as it relates to your steppin’ business?  Step out on faith and everything else will fall into place.

9. Where do you see your steppin’ businesses in the next five years?

I love working with the youth.  We had great success a few years back when we were contracted with Palm Beach County middle schools.  I instructed steppin’ as an afterschool program. I’m on a continuous mission to move forward with the vision and once the new project comes to fruition I will share it with the Steppin community

Bonus Question, One word to describes your steppin’ business style?

Passionate.

DENA MORRISON – NORTH CAROLINA TRIANGLE STEPPERS, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

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1. Steppin’ as a business, what makes your businesses tick? How do you make your steppin’ business thrive?

What makes the North Carolina Triangle Steppers thrive is the passion we have for the dance.  We show integrity by going that extra mile.  We make sure our students achieve what they desire.   What makes the Adult Steppers Spring Break thrive,  the people.  The fun, fellowship and family bond that has been created and continues to build makes for a wonderful and cohesive group. It’s not just about steppin its a vacation.

2. Why Steppin’ as a business?

I chose steppin’ as a business because I believe if you love what you do, you will work hard to make it successful.

3. I am a firm believer that love is in the details. Pick one thing that makes your steppin’ business stand out from the rest.

We are consistent in our teaching style. We believe the way that we learned works great for us.  We follow that format.

4. Dena, The Adult Steppers Spring Break is a master event, meaning, it is something that has grown from the weeds. What did you do as a promoter to ensure that the quality of the event would go unscathed.

We keep our guests best interest at heart. Keeping our hotel rates and ticket prices as low as possible while providing a positive atmosphere.

5. Do you consider yourself a brand?

I do believe that the North Carolina Triangle Steppers is a brand name. I place my business loyalties on that fact.  We are  event coordinators,  steppin’ instructors, we create instructional dvds, and perform dance demonstrations.  All of our steppin’ goods and services are produced under the North Carolina Triangle Steppers umbrella.

6.  How do you market your steppin’ businesses and does social media play a role in getting the word out about your businesses?

We market the North Carolina Triangle Steppers using Meetup, Constant Contact, and our website.  When you Google search Chicago  Steppin’ in North Carolina our website is one of the first sites to pop-up.   I market the Adult Steppers Spring break differently.  Our strategy is very simple Facebook and word of mouth. If your event or business is a success, your guests and students will tell others.  Paying it forward is a good practice.

7. Which do you prefer Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook.  It has proven to be an outstanding tool in keeping the Adult Stepper Spring breakers abreast of up to the minute updates and changes.

8. What is the best advice you can give to a person starting a business in general?

Advice to someone starting a business: 1. A quick buck is not a long-term business solution. Work on customer satisfaction which will lead to referrals and ultimately success. 2. Invest in a website and that will market your information to people all over the world. 3.Make your business plan bigger than your expectations. Never underestimate the power of the website. Be prepared for the over whelming response that will come.

9. Where do you see your steppin businesses in the next five years?

I believe Chicago Steppin is becoming saturated and will eventually disappear in all places except Chicago. We plan our business one year at a time. As long as there is a market for it, we will continue to provide a service.

Bonus Question, One word to describe your steppin’ business style?

One word to describe the North Carolina Triangle Steppers business is Integrity.  One word to describe the Adult Steppers Spring Break is Positivity. For more information on the North Carolina Triangle Steppers check out our website at www.nctrianglesteppers.com or The Adult Steppers Spring Break at www.nationalchistylesteppers.com.

Maria and Dena have a firm grip on their successful businesses.   That is what encourages steppers to return year after year.  My favorite quote by our First Lady Michelle Obama is this “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” I believe that this quote equates to Maria and Dena, why, because they both have a character trait one in the same that’s in this quote and that is courage.

DJ Shorty Smooth, The Man Behind The Box

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DJ Shorty Smooth is a champion as a DJ in his own right.  I say that because of his numerous successes and one being overcoming drug addiction.  He is nationally recognized as a steppin’ DJ.  He is a national steppin’ instructor.  He is an internet radio station owner.  He is the number one R & B artist K’Jon’s personal and tour DJ.   He is a husband, father and son.  With all of that, I was curious about what made this man burn red-hot when he’s behind the box.  I’ve always been intrigued about who he was as a man due to his steppin fame.  I, with a nervous stomach, chose to reach out and see if he would bless my blog.  He said yes steppers.   Now I bring to you DJ Shorty Smooth, the man behind the box.

1. Which came first, steppin’ or DJ’ing?  DJ’ing came before steppin’.  I started playing music at house parties and school dances in 1980.  But I want you to note that I have been involved in dancing just as long.  But not steppin’.   During the 80’s and 90’s I was in groups that competed and performed dance routines and was known for getting it in at house parties.  I didn’t start my steppin’ life until 2004.
2. You are very candid about your past substance abuse, how many years clean?  21 years clean.
3. Do you mind sharing a small piece of your testimony?  In short, the first major thing that I lost to active addiction was my turntables.  My first event after getting my life together was at a 12 Step club.  Look at us now.  #fullcircle.
4. I find you to be proficient in your dance.  Do you still take lessons and if so, from whom?  No I don’t take lessons any more.   I  love to dance with a passion, but due to some injuries dancing had become quite painful for me.   In spite of the pain I kept pushing for a while.  Eventually, I had to stop and have surgery on my foot and shoulder. I’m almost 100% and will be dancing, teaching and competing again real soon.
5. East Coast Rap or West Coast Rap?  For me it don’t matter where it comes from I just love good content.
6. As a DJ it is clear you have a following and me being one of your followers. What steppin’ DJ’s do you admire?  I admire all of them for I have learned what or what not to do from each and every one of them.  I especially admire the courage of those self-promoted, self-praising, skill lacking , shit talking, slackers, that are out here selling fireworks without a wick.  Lmao.
7.  You was in Las Vegas recently for a DJ’ing conference.  How inspiring was that and what was it all about?  I was invited to the Core DJ’s 2012 draft.  I was ultimately accepted into the organization. This is the world’s largest DJ’ing organization.  I was honored to be chosen.  I have found that it is important to be in environments that motivate and inspire you to push forward.  Being a part of the Core DJ’s has exposed me to some people, places, and things that really motivate me to persevere more, and more. I have accomplished a lot in the steppin game but I don’t want to stop there.  I’m not gonna stop there.
8. Pick one DJ Butta, DJ Lady T, or DJ Queen B?  Now you are asking me to tell you which one of my kids that I love the most.  I am a mentor of each one of them.  I’m taking them all, and in this order, Queen B to warm them up and get them ready, Lady T to mix it up in the middle, and Butta to provide a smooth but sweet close out.
9. How comfortable are you sharing the box with a female DJ and be honest?  It does not matter if its male or female and skilled or not.  It’s going to be me and that person’s responsibility to make sure that the party is a success.  That may require me to sometimes taking a back seat to the other DJ or it may require me pushing them off the stage.  LOL!
10. My all time favorite DJ is Kid Capri, who’s yours?  DJ Jazzy Jeff out of all the famous DJ’s from the 80’s and 90’s.  None of them could mix and scratch like Jeff.  That man has real turntable skills.
11. Favorite city to step in and DJ in?  Chicago in my opinion is the best place to play.  You can play in every area of the music without any reservations.  Those being steppin’, walkin’, old school,  and new school music.  But I have had my best times and best shows in the city of Detroit.   As far as dancing, I have to go with Chicago.  The only place in the world that you can get a high level and variety of dances 7 days a week.
12. Reality Show or Documentary?  Documentary.
13. What is your guilty pleasure?  At this point in my life, I am really into self-discipline.  I don’t get into the guilty things much at all.  I like to eat, but I off-set that by working out and having a balance in my diet most of the time.  I love to shop for clothes and electronics.  I work hard and save money so that when I see something that I want I can get it.  But I must admit I’m still struggling with candy Lol.
14. What religion are you?  Was raised a Pentecostal Christian.  I am now as an adult practicing Spiritual Principles.
15. Last book you read?  7  Habbits Of Highly Effective People.
16. What is your favorite meal?  Sushi
17. Large steppin’ set or a small local one?  I’m in the middle, mid-size out-of-town.
18. Your radio show is huge and your following is loyal, how has the success changed you, if at all?  To be honest with you, Oh So Smooth Radio has to be one of my greatest accomplishments.  And that is of all time.  Behind closed doors I have become quite arrogant and cocky about the success of the station.   I have labeled myself the P. Diddy of  internet radio.   “Take Dat, Take Dat Take Dat”  LOL.  But it has also helped me realize that most of what I do is not about me, but about other people.  The motivation for the station is for the listeners and the staff and that’s it, that’s all.
19. Who is your hero?  My oldest sister.  She came from a gang banging bad girl to a highly educated professional.  It was not an easy task for her.  I am a lot like her and still use her for motivation and inspiration.
20. Your on a plane plugged in, Dre Beats on, who are you listening too?  Stephen R. Covey

Bonus Question:  Every time I see you are always smiling.  What puts that smile on your face?   Well let me say this, I am not always smiling.  But Most of the time I am.   My life has had its fair share of ups and downs and I try my best to not let them consume me or my time.  I have seen and lived through some serious dark sides of life.   So in closing, my worst days in the light, are still better than my best days in the dark.

 

DJ Shorty Smooth revealed.  There is nothing more for me to say but to leave you with this quote.  “There is a crack in everything and that is how the light gets in.”  If you would like  to tune into Oh So Smooth Radio here’s the link www.djshortysmooth.com.
Love you guys, and as we go through out this life continue to move in Grace.