This past Saturday, steppers from all over the country traveled to Chicago, the mecca, to compete on one of the biggest stages for Chicago-style steppin’.
In suburban Tinley Park, the 35th Annual World’s Largest Steppers Competition took place Saturday night. The competition began over 35 years ago in local social and dance clubs, and turned into an event that dancers from across the world travel to.
“There are other cities that do events, but they’re nothing like Chicago. And you can win in all of those other cities, but you got to claim the crown here in the city of Chicago. You got to step on [the] Chicago stage to say, ‘I have really arrived and I have really claimed my stake in this dance,’” Valerie Hill, media representative for the competition, told The TRiiBE.
In a boxing match-like atmosphere, rocking fashion as sharp as the footwork, dancers faced off in several categories — including beginners, ages 60-plus, and new school — for cash prizes, trophies, and most importantly, bragging rights.
Here’s the list of who took home the top prizes Saturday night:
- Krystal Holmes and her son Ryan Robinson, of Robbins, Illinois, won first place in the Beginners Competition.
- Jerry McNair and Chessie Smith, of Chicago, won first place in the 60 & Over Competition.
- Arnel “Tech” Cross and Amanda Anderson, of Detroit, Michigan, won first place in the New School Competition.
- Michael “Mike B” Bennett & Shelly Holder, of Atlanta, Georgia, won first place in the Original Old School Competition.
- Josh McCloudy & Shelly Holder, of Atlanta, Georgia, won first place in the Walkers Competition.
For decades, the competition has always been hosted and produced by Chicago steppin’ legend, Mr. Pete Frazier, and his steppin’ organization, Majestic Gents. Now, the event has entered a new era as he passes the torch to Stephen “Snoopy” King, a former champion and current master instructor who will serve as this year’s host and producer.
“If you don’t host contests like this, if you don’t keep the exposure out there, eventually things will die off. And it’s two things you don’t want to happen,” King said. “You don’t want this dance to die off, and you also don’t want this dance [competition] to go into another country or another state. Now they doing something that the mecca’s supposed to be doing.”
Check out our photos from Saturday night’s competition.
