The World's Largest Steppers Contest rules are up on www.wlscontest.com, but still, a number of unanswered questions about the Master's Category remain.  The rules explain that ANYONE who has placed in the "Original" category only is eligible.  As always, no props, splits, or dancing on the floor is allowed.  Lastly, the category is open age.

ChiStepper caught up with Pete Frazier to get a little more clarity on the Master's Category, but still some questions remain.  Here goes:

1.  A person can qualify for the Master's Category with ANYONE who has placed before.  It DOES NOT have to be the person that you actually won with.

2.  Pete is going to have a Master's Category meeting to discuss the rules for contestants (Date TBA).

3.  There will only be 1 Master's Category preliminary round (Date TBA).

So now there is a little more clarity for the major aspect of the Master's Category, which is partner selection.  Pete mentioned that he has a surprise for contestants, which will determine their true Mastery of the dance, and after explaining it to me I concur that it will make things more exciting in the finals.  This surprise will be announced in the preliminary round, so there will be no surprises come finals time.

As for Haywood's contention that his age category is at a disadvantage for not having participated in or mastered trio, Pete gave a clever response.  He says, "That may be true, but Haywood has a strong advantage in the Walkers category.  A number of New Skoolers have never walked in a contest before and Haywood and Easy are former champions."  That's a very good point in my opinion ... this is a Master's Category.  I once heard Charnice Simmons say, "A Master Stepper is one who has 'Mastered' every single aspect of the dance."

So this will make for an interesting competition.  ChiStepper has already received a few emails from eager participants looking to claim their piece of a throne so rare, that only 2 other couples in Steppin' history have achieved.  For all of the so-called Masters out there, this should be incentive enough.