Wednesday I got a chance to make a few rounds and see how a few of the new hump day promotions were faring. I started off on the Westside with my homey Akeem The Dream, who has a Black Tie steppers set coming up on December 19th (more details to come). Then I headed south where most of the events were poppin' off.

1. Dre and Company's Class - Mr. G's 7pm - 9pm.

For the first time in nearly 7 years, Dre has revisited the formula that made his class one of the hottest in the late 90's and early 2000's. DJ Cross is back and he smoked the 1 and 2's while I was there, real food and drinks were being served, and 4 instructors were on hand to teach. The class had a really nice turnout and the more established they become, the bigger the class will get. Even Sunshine was in the building working on her leading skills. Get you weight up in the winter, so you can jam with the best steppers in the summer.

2. Visionz

Steve "Miggedy" Maestro's new gig is literally around the block from Dre's class, so I had to fall through and check the joint out. A lot of people are sleeping on this joint, and for now it's a low-key hangout for a few top notch dancers. Nate Powell, Lady Margaret, Sunshine, Karen, Reggie and a few others were in the building. Lady Margaret and I started snooping into another room with leather couches, and a plasma screen. The owner saw us and came over and turned on the TV and speakers so we could dance in the room. He asked whether we wanted the heat on, and Nate instructed otherwise saying, "No, don't do that. Steppers make their own heat!"

3. 50 Yard Line w/ The Kings of Swing (and 1 Queen)

Charnice, Dave Maxx, Unique Mauric Turner, and Darrell Davis had a pretty decent turnout considering all that is going on in the Chi on Wednesday nights. It's amazing that there weren't more people at the 50, but we still had a good time. Cheryl Powe, Charius, Kenyetta, Steve, Smooth T, Sandy, Big Jeff and many others were in the house making it happen. Darrell Davis said, "T, let me show you a move." He then hopped from left to right in the middle of the dance. The move was slick, but I told him that he was disqualified because both feet left the ground. Darrell burst out laughing and said, "You got me. I am disqualified ... but this ain't a contest move." A few Steppers scurried off into the night, trying to get down to "Some Place Else" before it got to crowded.

To be honest, it's these smaller more intimate sets, ripe with Heavy Hitters, that a lot of up and comers should be coming out to. Don't wait until the most popular set in the city to ask for a dance and then get upset when you're turned down. These are the times that you get to introduce yourself, pick up pointers and smooth out aspects of your dance that are rough. But don't listen to me ... I'll hog all of the knowledge for myself.

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