First of all, I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!  I am thankful for your continued support.  Now while your turkey, greens, potato salad, and yams are digesting, take a minute to listen check out the New Steppers Track.

For the longest time Steppers clubs and social spots have shunned Steppers because of the notion that "they don't drink alcohol."  The history of drug abuse and alcoholism on the set is well documented and older Steppers in particular, many in recovery from years past, have shyed away from drinking at the club.  While this is certainly a positive Step, as you can imagine, it's a tough pill to swallow for a club owner who's floor is packed but register is empty.

On December 5th at Mr.

There was a day when most Steppers learned the dance either by watching or from a friend or relative.  Some have argued that the advent of the Steppers class stifled Steppin's creativity.  Most of the new Students looked robotic and appeared to be doing the same thing.  Conversely, I've always argued that the dance was going through a transition, and with so many no dancers learning Steppin' at the same time, Steppin' had to go through this awkward period.  Following that harsh period of criticism, a number of Steppers who learned on the classic original style have

As the dance grows nationally, new issues and discussions are brought to the attention of ChiStepper.com. Most recently, I received communication concerning the growing trend of “Vendor Exclusivity Rights” at major events. Since the issue didn’t directly affect me, my first thought was to write it off. On second thought however, I imagined how disheartening it might be for an up and coming or even an established entrepreneur to try and compete in a market place, only to find that opportunity in that industry is blocked.

On Monday night I stopped in on Sam Chatman at the Dating Game. Ice Ray and his lovely wife were parked by the dance floor. Ray must have been in a festive mood because he got down much more than usual on this night. Ken Bedford was in the building plugging his December 3rd set at the Alhambra Palace, and he introduced me to Desi for the first time. Desi is as cool as a fan and she can dance her butt off. We had a blast on the floor. Marguette (Jett)  was also in the building chillin’ at the bar. She turned me down for a dance because

Those of you who are new to Steppin' won't remember the intense rivalry between the 6 and 8 counters in the early 2000's.  There were theories that one count was faster than the other and/or that the 8 allowed for less creativity.  In reality, and Dave Maxx said it best, there is absolutely "no difference" between the actual movements.  To that end, Brian "Steppin' B" Patterson was one of the first instructors that I'm familiar with, who would actually switch counts in mid-step to prove this point, as both the 3 and the 4 are the same on both counts.<

Hip Hop has been integrated less and less into Steppin' these days.  Aside from Lupe Fiasco's "Steady Mobbin", Jay Z's "American Dreamin'," and Lil Wayne's "Mrs. Officer," few Hip Hop songs are entering Steppin' DJ's rotation.  This Meth and Redman track deserves some consideration however, as the smooth rap vocals lay atop of sexy instrumentation and a melodic baseline. 

I took a Red Eye to L. A.

Before I share Tricia's story with you, I first want to share with you an email that I received yesterday.  I read forwarded emails about .01% of the time, but something compelled me to open this one up.  It was called "I Believe."  One sentence on the list said "I believe that you should leaved loved ones with Loving words.  It might be the last time you see them."  Fortunately, in Tricia's situation everybody was safe.  I quote that sentence though, because in an instance, one small thing can happen and turn your life upside down