On Sunday May 7, 2006 at Chicago’s South Shore Cultural Center, the stage was set; the culminating event was getting ready to start. Twenty-one couples are dressed and ready to Step. D.J. Sam Chatman, “STRIKE UP THE MUSIC”!
The Chicago “Style” Steppers LLP/STEP-ALIVE, nfp (Cynthia Shanks and Stan Bailey) in conjunction with the Board of Education, backed by former Board President Michael Scott, Chief Officer of H.S. Programs Donald R. Pittman and Deputy Chief of Staff Greg Minniefield presented the “1st High School Steppers Ball and Competition”.
Under the direction of Cynthia Shanks (Original Master Steppers of Chicago), Stanford Bailey (Maven Instructor) and the Chicago “Style” Steppers LLP (CSSLLP) instructional team, eleven high schools from across Chicago were brought together to participate in a nine week, after school Steppers Program. Students were taught the How’s, When’s and Why’s to this African American Ballroom Dance known as Stepping. Chicagoans are very proud of their heritage including the traditional smooth style of Stepping, which is just what was taught in each high school class.
Once a week students relied on the promise that CSSLLP would always show for class. Finding this to hold true, students attended with constant excitement. For some, learning the Basic Steps came easy, but there were others who not only got the benefits of hands on with the instructors but also from their fellow students; everyone helped everyone. Students were also taught a routine consisting of different turns to go along with their own unique styles for the competition.
CSSLLP ran a structured class, where rules and regulations were enforced from the first day of class, (i.e. Gentlemen: No baggy pants hanging off the butt, Ladies: No body parts, bellies or behinds will be uncovered). But being teens you know that there was some protests. Some didn't understand the reasons for the rules. Others didn't have things like dress clothes or shoes.
With the older Steppers community excited about what CSSLLP was doing with the teens and what they were learning, clothes and shoes were donated. Not only did CSSLLP teach the kids, but we also opened a small clothes closet to assist parents that were not financially able.
Sponsors supplied the $4,000 grand prize Scholarship, which four (4) competing couples won $1,000.00 each. As an added bonus a few of the participating principles challenged their Steppers Club with the statement “If any student couple brings home a trophy, they would match their scholarship”. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd (Marshall Metro) was the 1st principle to set the challenge, and look what it brought her: 2 winners! She was also voted the most supportive principle by the CSSLLP.
With the student’s moral, self esteem, camaraderie and confidence elevated because of this Steppers Program CSSLLP looked forward to the 2006-07 school year to continue this work.
1st Annual High School Steppers Ball and Competition May 6, 2007
STEP-ALIVE instructional team was in full swing for the school year 2006/07, instructing students from 12 CPS high schools enrolled in the After School Matters Program. Students were dressed Steppers Sharp, ready to showcase their skills with Chicago’s top jock, DJ Sam Chatman back for a 2nd time, to set the tone as he commanded the students “Steppers Lets Go To Work”. Students welcomed parents who came to support them for this extravaganza. Twenty couples step onto the floor, each ready to go to work. Couples showed their individual style and originality, most showed their enthusiasm, self esteem and confidence of demonstrating the art form of Stepping. STEP-ALIVE was the major sponsor for the student scholarships for this event and look forward to the 2008
3rd Annual High School Steppers Ball and Competition.
2nd Annual High School Steppers Ball & Competition
May 10, 2008
Parents, school superintendents and other top officials were amazed and pleased as they witness the culmination of the program. Students performed dance routines taught from instructors and incorporated self made routines that maintain the beat and steps of the dance. Clark County School District crowned (4) four couples as their “Steppers of the Year” and rewarded each winning couple with a $1,000.00 general scholarship and individual trophies. STEP-ALIVE, Foundation wants to thank the city of Las Vegas, NV. and the Clark County School District in the participation of the Basically Stepping and Mentoring Program. Special thanks goes to the principals and teacher/instructors for their dedication, time and efforts put forth in teaching and mentoring students in more than just a dance.
3rd Annual High School Steppers Ball & Competition
May 25, 2008
Chicago, IL. South “Shore Cultural Center the site of the 3rd Annual High School Steppers Ball and Competition. Students dressed “Steppers Sharp” converged from across the city to compete for the honor and title of becoming one of the “2008 High School Stepper of the Year” and one of four (4) $1,000.00 general scholarships. Twenty-one (21) couples displayed their skills and talents, instructors Cynthia Shanks and Stanford Bailey taught the art of Stepping while mentoring to as many students as possible. Working the curriculum of the Basically Stepping and Mentoring Program through the P.E. Dept. some classes held as many as (90) ninety coed students. D.J. Sam Chatman kept the mood of the competition on a high level, starting with music that made everyone want to dance, (parents and guest included). Two (2) of the (4) four winning couples took the trip back to champions row, with back to back wins on the dance floor and with high achievements in academics and improved social skills.
STEP-ALIVE, Foundation wishes to continue with the (Living Life Positive) Basically Stepping and Mentoring Program, in Chicago and school system and other programs across the country. Enabling teachers to become mentoring instructors with the necessary skills and proper curriculum, which complies with the National Health and Wellness Policies, their students should achieve higher levels of social skills with improvements in their academic standing. With continued support and charitable donations, the arms of this program can stretch further and embrace more as we embark on this wonderful journey.
4th Annual High School Steppers Ball & Competition
June 7, 2009
5th Annual High School Steppers Ball & Competition
May 2, 2010
6th Annual High School Steppers Ball & Competition
May 15, 2011
To get started and inquire about cost, please contact:
Cynthia Shanks, OMS -- STEP-ALIVE, NFP Foundation via
email: stepalivenfp@sbcglobal.net or by phone at (773)600-3698.
