Life, Love and Steppin'
I know of a place where love resides. Not that superficial love, but that lasting love, you can feel in the marrow of your bones. You know, that love that gives you butterflies in your stomach . . . a love that supersedes all . . . a love that can't be described in words. That love that will make you step and walk all night long just to feel your partners touch . . . feel that love, that's gonna last!
Mike and Sandy know first hand about the "lasting love" of marriage and of dance. These two owners of Steppers & Walkers bring a refreshing new concept to the Alabama dance scene. As Chicago natives, they were exposed to Steppin' at an early age. Steppin' is a style of dance that evolved from popular dances stemming as far back as the 1930's, like the Jitterbug, Bop and the Swing. Steppin' has under gone a transformation over the years, segmenting into the "smooth" and the "free" styles. The smooth category of steppers glides across the floor, dancing in a ballroom type fashion. Freestyle steppers, in contrast, have a more unique style-often creating impromptu dance moves.
Long before R. Kelly introduced the world to his "Happy People" or was "Stepping in the Name of Love," in 1970, artist Jeffree launched the original steppers anthem called "Love's Gonna Last." That's really what this form of dance is all about . . . love! Whether it's the love of a woman or man, the love of dance or the love of self respect; it's Steppin'. Steppin' is a dance where a gentleman can dance respectfully with a lady, and still be intimate. As Mike of Steppers & Walkers describes it, "The saying, 'Steppin' is not just a dance, it's a way of life' speaks more so of the culture. The ladies and gentlemen in the Steppin' culture typically dress up when they come out to dance and they conduct themselves with style, grace and class."
Don't be fooled into thinking you can learn this dance overnight. Stepping is a structured dance that requires an understanding of the basics before you can add your own flare. Fellas, get ready to take control because it is the man that initiates all the turns and twists while the woman keeps the pace. But don't get discouraged, Mike says, "It's not hard."
UPGRADE strongly encourages our readers to swing by the cotillion, astutely named, Steppers & Walkers to learn more about this dance. Aside from Steppin' classes, Steppers & Walkers offers much more. For starters (no pun intended), tasty appetizers like the Steppers Platter; a tray of Cajun wings, loaded potato wedges, cheese sticks and chicken fingers. Or, for a taste of Chicago, try the Chicago style frank topped with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and sour kraut. Also, on every first and third Monday they host a comedy night, featuring some of the best comedian's in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Steppers & Walkers plays host to several private events like church functions, corporate events, campaign parties, and is equipped with free WI-FI internet access. It's the perfect spot for an aperitif or to unwind after work. Steppers can accommodate whatever you need . . . but most importantly, it's founded on "love that's gonna last."
Classes are offered twice a week, beginner lessons are taught every Tuesday from 7:00pm - 8:00pm and on Saturday's at noon for beginners and 2:00pm for intermediate to advanced. The cost is $10 per person per lesson. Group and private lessons are also available.
For more of Steppers and Walkers pick up the current issue of UPGRADE on newsstands now or SUBSCRIBE today. |