This is the equivalent of steroid use in the sports world. WHY??? WHY??? They are great dancers. Hop in the ring with the big dogs! Moreover, did their instructor(s) not recognize them at the prelims? BTW, LeLe danced with Dwain in Loose Shoes. Did you borrow the list from Tutti?

T. Pratt.

Why would they take this win from them.....WLSC should have done the research for there status as beginners before letting them enter the contest.

They have done this in the past and didnt let the couple dance base on age qualification.

The bottom line is everybody knows they were chosen as winners and if they take it away they always be known for placing 1st in the WLSC.

Also wanted to address the comment about Smoke almost dropping Rhonda and the skit done at the end of the TRIO performance.

Didnt Danielle fall the year Tyk Man placed first?

Also didnt Tyk have a skit in his TRIO peformance for last year win?

Well, I disagree. If they filled out the entry form and the form says that they have been dancing a year or less, then they lied. We can't on one hand say we want integrity in the contest and then find out something different and want to bend the rules. When they learned about steriod use or any type of injustice in sports, they go back and take the victory a la (Marion Jones, the Chinese in the Olympics, Mark McGwire in Baseball, etc.).

And no, I will not recognzize a couple as the REAL winners unless they were dancing against their peers. I don't have anything against them because I don't know them personally, but I don't respect it. After 10 months(from the point of learning my basics) I entered and won the World's Largest beginners. In "less than" 2 years time, I danced against Dre, Steppin' B, Darren, and many others on the stage "at the same time." Westside Mike and Royce were also in that contest. So I danced against the best of my time. Why should they be given a pass. When Dre won the Original category in WLSC in 1998, it was only his second year dancing period. This couple should aim to challenge themselves. I mean, they're obviously good enough ... I've never denied that they have talent.

As for the Tyk versus Smoke thing, I was vocal about Tyk placing first then, and I still don't think a couple should be able to place first after a slip, especially considering that Danni wore it on her face.

As for the skit ... it wasn't that they done a skit. If you recall from my write up, I said that I feel routines are cool, it was that the skit they chose was corny (in my opinion). Tyk's skit was hot ... and timely by the way as the slide he chose was popular. To me, Kirk, Mel, and Cheryl have demonstrated that they can win without that. Kirk has to go back to being creative, and his attempt at creativity this time fell short in my opinion. And trust me, those are my peeps, so I'm not hating on them. I got mad love for 'em!

How do we expect Stepping to ever gain the national reognition and credibility in the dance arena that it deserves if we have crap like this going on with one of the largest and well respected stepping organizations? The confusion began when Jay & Ann were listed under the 40 & over category and were allowed to compete as beginners...the situation should've been addressed then. We as individuals have to grow and realize how our independent actions can effect the stepping community as a whole. What happened to the beginners that really deserved to place was unfair. No disrepsect to the Gents or Jay & Ann, but they should never be allowed to compete again. Their actions were selfish and not those of a true competitor. I hope this situation is rectified and the true winners are announced soon.

Ms. K. Love :: PR Sweetheart
Discipline + Determination = Destination

This new winners have been announced. Before you come down on the Gents or Jay and Ann too tough, check out the article. I have intimate knowledge of what happened, and trust me, it was not of Pete's doing. When Pete learned of this situation, he addressed immediately.

Also, if you were privied to the advice that was given to Jay and Ann, and where it came from, you'd be a little more sensitive to their dilemma. After I learned the REAL story, I eased up on them a bit.

Nevertheless, they shouldn't have competed in the Beginners Category ... That's for certain!!

I agree with you T.Pratt that couple knew better... Not only did they disgrace themselves but, they took the spot light off of the true winners... I am happy this situtaion was cleared up in a timely manner.....I am new too this steppin game, but I truly love it...I hope to one day be just as good as some of the old and new school steppers...Your site keeps me informed about everything taking place in the steppers community....and I for one appreciate that.

SexyBanana1....

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned so we can
have the life God has waiting for us.