Step enthusiasts get down for three days of dance, fun
It’s so much more than dancing.
“Chicago-style steppin’ is about fellowship,” said a speaker at the March 17 party highlighting the fourth annual All White Steppers Delight, a three-day event held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Little Rock. The meet drew enthusiasts of Chicago-style stepping (aka steppin’), a smooth, fluid partner’s dance originating in Chicago’s urban community.
Bearing the theme “Stepping in Paris” and hosted by Reva and Terrance Stewart and the Rock City Steppers of Little Rock, the event drew members of steppers groups from Memphis, Nashville, Tenn., Las Vegas, Houston, Killeen, Texas, and Jackson, Miss. — as well as special guests from Chicago.
Dancing began early in the hotel’s ballroom, which had been transformed with teal, turquoise, black and white decor, and continued through the buffet-style dinner. The floor cleared only for remarks from Terrance Stewart, and promoters and organizers from various cities spoke about their forthcoming steppers events — many of which are also three-day gatherings, complete with dance workshops. Like All White Steppers Delight, many bear various fashion themes and color schemes, from a Denim & Western party to the yellow-and-cream-themed, fourth annual Krush & Kreme Steppin’ Affair, hosted by Steppers Around the World, Little Rock and coming up in August.
Indeed, this was about fellowship. The event was graced with an easy, enviable camaraderie that ensured there would be no loners or wallflowers. The female attendees outnumbered the men, but all the gentlemen in attendance made sure all the ladies had a chance to get out on the floor. The evening also included a bit of intricate line dancing.
— Story and photos by
Helaine R. Williams