During this year's contest a number of Steppers complained that the dance floor should have been elevated. Some argued that the judges couldn't see the contestant's footwork when they were close to the tables. To rectify this problem, they suggested that the raised dance floor be used in future contests. As a past contestant, I liked the raised floor better, although it did present quite a few challenges. One of the main challenges was the fear of falling off of it. Another was having a portable floor with the metal grooves that pose a problem for women with heels.

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In Graelin Woodley’s April 2008 ChiStepper interview, he demystified much of the history of the World’s Largest Steppers Contest. Graelin helped us understand why the prize money went from $22,000 in ‘94 to $15,000 in 2007, and why the crowd size went from 4,000 – 5,000 to 500 – 1,500. Steppers were also in the dark about how the contest transitioned from a downtown Chicago hotel, to the Willowbrook Ballroom in the suburbs of Chicago. As Graelin would suggest, it’s all about corporate sponsorship.

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The Majestic Gents, ChiStepper.com, and Dre and Company will host the World's Largest Steppers Contest Viewing and Appreciation party. DJ Raphael will spin the records as we come together to view the "raw" footage of the contest. No, we have no intentions of watching K'Jon's 45 minute quiet storm mini-concert. This time we'll get straight to business, watch the contest, and dance.

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ChiStepper was just informed by Majestic Gents founder and World's Largest Contest host Pete Frazier that Jamie Graham and Teneisha Austin of Alabama will be crowned Beginners champions.

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Score: 10.0, Votes: 1

Rumors swirled about the legitimacy of Beginners champions Jay and Ann Williams contest win. More and more ChiStepper readers reported that this couple danced in both the Loose Shoes Category (2006) and Indiana's 219 Steppers contest a year and a half ago at the Genesis Center. The problem is, the deadline for the beginners category is 6 months to a year or less.

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Score: 10.0, Votes: 1

ChiStepper’s assertion that Mellow Khris might be responsible for the World’s Largest Steppers Contest running late didn’t sit well with the #1 Steppers DJ in country. Mellow Khris called me after reading the article to discuss the roll of the DJ in Steppers competitions, and where he feels the production went wrong.

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Score: 7.0, Votes: 1

Generally speaking and without fail, who won and who didn’t win is always the most controversial aspect of any contest. The word controversy is often abused however, and this contest just might be one of those times where it will be abused. Is it not a controversy if your favorite stepper couple didn’t win? No! Maybe it’s a disappointment but surely not a controversy. Is it a controversy that Tyk Myn won, yet again, in two categories?

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Score: 10.0, Votes: 2

[Editors Note: A List of the Winners are provided in a feature block below.]

The 18th Annual World’s Largest Steppers Contest had a crowd almost reminiscent of the days of old. Steppers packed the Willowbrook Ballroom to see the very best steppers around the country perform. The contest had both high and low moments, most of which will be discussed here. The actual contest portion of the World’s Largest will be reviewed separately. Here you will find details on how the contest flowed.

Arrival

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The World's Largest Steppers Contest Review will be posted shortly, but I wanted to give you all the winners in the mean time. Congratulations to all of the contestants and winners.

Beginners

1st - Jay Williams & Ann Williams

Out-of-Town

1st - Drewry Alexander and Sherri Gordon
2nd - James Pacely and Lakeesha Anderson

Original 40 & Over

1st - Ken Hilliard and Yvette O'Donnell
2nd - Darren Ulmer & Tori Williams
3rd - Royce Banks & Cheryl Powe

Walkers

1st Magic Mike Thomas & Patina Wilson

Original New Skool Category

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Score: 7.0, Votes: 1

The Majestic Gents would like to thank you for your participation in the 2008 World’s Largest Steppers Contest. We appreciate your contribution to make this years contest great!

We will be holding a meeting at the Chistepper and Dre and Company Pre-party on Friday, September 19, 2008 at; Mr. G’s night club, 1547 West 87th street, Chicago, IL 60620, at 8:00pm, (in the VIP room) to discuss the following:

1. Rules
2. Contestant check-in
3. Music
4. Contestant dance time
5. Scoring and judging
6. Prizes

Rules posted online at
http://www.wlscontest.com/2008/2008-rules.htm .

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