How do I contact The Steady Steppers™?

Thank you for visiting the official website of The Steady Steppers™.  Please use our contact form to email us or you may phone (734) 716-1480 to reach Larry Collins or (248) 808-2397 to reach Kammal Smith.

Or write to us at:

The Steady Steppers™
42015 Ford Road
P.O. Box 163
Canton, Michigan 48187

What is Stepping?

Stepping is an urban, partnered dance art form that is indigenous to Chicago, Illinois.  Steppin’ should not be confused with fraternity and sorority Greek stepping which is very popular on college and university campuses throughout the country.

What are some of the teaching methods of Stepping?

For instructional purposes, counting methods (generally a 6-count or 8-count) are used to teach synchronized movements during which times partners clasp hands and face each other.  Steppin’ is done to smooth sounds of Jazz, Soul, Funk, R&B, or Rap music. 

What is the difference between the 6-count and 8-count method of teaching?

The only difference between the two counting methods, as long as the pattern is the same, is the way you count.  The foot movements, that is the foot strikes, are the same.  With the 8-count method the count is 1,2,3 …4,5,6…7,8 and this is a numeric count.  With the 6-count method the count is 2,Step,3…4,Step,5...6,1 and the count is an alphanumeric count.  In both methods you are putting a count, being it numeric or alpha, to each foot strike to the floor.  Once you learn the art of Stepping, there is no count.

What are some of the rules and definitions of Stepping?

1. The ‘Follower’ is defined as the person who is lead by the ‘Leader’.  The ‘Follower’ dances in an ‘imaginary lane’ and, for instructional purposes, in a North-South direction.

2. The ‘Leader’ is defined as the person who leads the ‘Follower’, in the ‘imaginary lane’, through various movements, transitions, combinations, spins and turns in the execution of the dance.  The ‘Leader’ dances the majority portion of the dance perpendicular to the ‘Follower’ and, again for instructional purposes, in an East-West direction.
   
   “The ‘Follower’ owns the ‘imaginary lane’ but the ‘Leader’ owns the dance!”

3. The ‘Follower’ starts their movement with a left foot lead.  The ‘Leader’ starts their movement with a right foot lead but will alternate their lead with either a left or right foot lead dependant on the movement.

4. The ‘Follower’ begins the dance with a left foot lead and on the beat.  The ‘Follower’ dances their entire dance in the ‘imaginary lane’.

5. The beat is defined as the finger snap or handclap to the music.

6. The ‘Leader’ begins the dance with a right foot lead and may alternate back and forth with a right foot lead and left foot lead.  The ‘Leader’ leads the dance by opening, closing and crossing the ‘imaginary lane’

These are the basics, but the individual better defines Stepping by the improvisational style and creativity that he or she displays on the dance floor.