In Chicago, you’re sure to see one thing at every Black barbecue, family reunion, birthday party and wedding. It’s the old couple that’s been together for 30 years, or the auntie with her favorite nephew, or a father with his baby girl, steppin’ to a cut like “The J.B.’s Monaurail.” An expression of Black joy and love, steppin’ took shape in Chicago on the South and West sides during the 1940s and 1950s. In the 1960s, the term “steppin’” was officially coined by renowned Chicago DJ Sam Chatman, a.k.a. the Godfather of Steppin’.
Since then, the danceform has traveled from the streets of Chicago’s inner city to the corners of the Earth. It’s no secret that one of Chicago’s biggest exports is culture. This weekend, those interested in Chicago-style steppin’ can partake in what’s sure to be a good time.
On Sept. 19, The 35th Annual World’s Largest Steppers Competition will take place at the Tinley Park Convention Center, located at 18501 S. Harlem Ave, just outside Chicago in the south suburbs. 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. The rest of the weekend includes different stepping events, including a pre-party the night before, hosted by master instructor and popular influencer Andre “Dre” Blackwell.
The World’s Largest Stepping Competition is the Super Bowl of the homegrown dance form, drawing finalists from preliminary contests in cities like Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York City to compete on one high-stakes night.
Dancers face off in four categories — beginners, old school, ages 60-plus, and new school — for cash prizes, trophies, and most importantly, bragging rights. With a VIP red carpet, a boxing match-like atmosphere, and fashion as sharp as the footwork, the contest also serves as a celebration of Chicago culture.
“As most people growing up in the city of Chicago, every family gathering, whatever it was, you had somebody in the family that knew how to step, and they made you step as a kid,” Valerie Hill, media representative for the competition, told The TRiiBE. “That’s the beauty of it. It’s really family lineage and the family heritage that’s been handed down.”
According to Hill, Chicago is actively still the world capital of steppin’, adding that you can find a stepper set or class “seven days a week, almost 24 hours a day” in Chicago. “That really is what makes Chicago the mecca,” she said.
Steppers from all over the country recognize Chicago as the mecca of the danceform. That’s why winning in Chicago means everything.
“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,’” Hill said.
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 is entering 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.
“He left it in good hands, and he felt like if anybody could take over, if anybody could run it successfully, it would have been me,” King said.
A member of the Majestic Gents for 14 years, and the leader of his own dance organization Snoop & Crew, King said he believes he is well positioned to take the competition to the next level.
Over four categories, there will be $10,000 in cash prizes available for contestants. But for King, steppin’ and participating in this competition has so many more benefits. “Sometimes you got recovering alcoholics. You got recovering drug addicts. You got guys out there that used to be pimps. You got women out there that used to be h—es. This is like an outlet for them. This is their new high. This is their new drug,” King said.
King said he’s expecting about 3,500 attendees. Tickets for spectators are still available. He guarantees the event will be a safe environment, where grown folks can get dressed in their best and enjoy a show with an electric atmosphere.
“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.”
