By: Tracey Bivens (Imasteppa)
3-04-2008

"However, through my prose, people whose intentions who were not the same as mine, somehow managed to compromise and attempt to destroy a friendship with my mentor and friend …TykMyn."

There are 3 awesome steppers that are often confused, and for good reason. They are all talented, they have all competed in and have won contests and they all share the name, Kirk.

Kirk Pacley (Atlanta), Kirk Peterson (Detroit) and Kirk White (Chicago) have all managed to make significant contributions to the dance that has made them all household names within' various steppers communities. The 2nd installment of this three part interview series, will feature Atlanta's Kirk Pacley. During this triology, you'll see why these gentlemen stand out in the steppin’ world on both the local and national level.

Tracey: Five months ago you literally catapulted yourself into instant Chistepper literary fame by writing a very provocative and insightful article regarding your views on the 2006 and 2007 World’s Largest Steppers Contests. Your article was met with both negative and positive feedback with the negative feedback highlighted through the voice of the Chistepper forum. Fast forward to five months later. Where are you now with your views pertaining to the article?

Kirk Pacley: For those individuals that read the article it was never my intention to inflame or infuriate any individuals or entities that were mentioned. I made an attempt, in an intellectual manner, to express my views about the contests in hopes that it would generate productive dialogue in the steppers community on a local and national level. However, through my prose, people whose intentions who were not the same as mine, somehow managed to compromise and attempt to destroy a friendship with my mentor and friend …TykMyn. I have and always will consider TykMyn to be “top shelf” in this dance.

Tracey: So if you had an opportunity to reach out to Tyk at this time, what would you like him to hear from YOUR mouth, so to speak, via this article?

Kirk Pacley: Well … I would just like to talk to him one on one. Without the aide of translators or antagonists as an audience. That seems to have been part of the problem in the first place. I’m not gonna throw away years of friendship over a distorted article. T…I…C, as he will always be to me, shares the same love for this dance as I do. The dance introduced us and our passion for this dance will always cause us to cross paths with one another. Our friendship is not going out like that … not over that article … trust and believe.

Tracey: What words describe Kirk Pacley?

Kirk Pacley: Candid, straightforward, honest and direct. But uhhh … in light of that article I wrote, I might have to re-examine those personality traits. (Laughing).

Tracey: Is it more important for you to advance your skill in this dance or to produce other people in the dance?

Kirk Pacley: Both. I just recently reached five years in this dance. Four of those years were for me only. I recall having had a conversation with Donnie Davis one time and he said, “Kirk, if you’re gonna teach this dance you’re gonna have to make a decision. Sometimes teaching may stunt your growth when it comes to creativity. You have to decide which is more important. Teaching the dance or growing in it.” I thought about his words and told myself that I was willing to take that chance because it’s important to me to help cultivate a community of future steppers.

Tracey: Who and what has helped you develop as a stepper?

Kirk Pacley: Knowing the evolution of the dance has helped me to evolve as a stepper. I can’t know where the dance is going if I don’t know where it’s been. Figuratively speaking, I’ve taken some of the necessary courses in this dance in an effort to educate myself. History of Steppin 101, Basic Footwork 102, Intricate Spins 103, etc. I’m a student for life in this dance. In addition, I have to acknowledge and thank Cheryl and Devan Poe (Atlanta), Dave Maxx, Donnie Davis, Claudell Jackson, Charnice Simmons and Lola Harding for helping me to develop as a stepper. And of course, TykMyn showed me how to look inside the soul of the dance.

Tracey: Are you affiliated with any groups in Atlanta?

Kirk Pacley: Yes. TruePassionSteppers.com. I have always believed that steppin' organizations make an attempt to represent the essence of this dance. I try to avail myself to all of the organizations in Atlanta and outside of it. The True Passion Steppers recently collaborated with other groups for a huge set here in Atlanta. The vibe at the set was positive and everybody was on the same page as far as collaborating with each other. That’s what I’m talking about.

Tracey: Are you going to be in the 2008 World’s Largest Steppers Contest?

Kirk Pacley: Hmmm … I think the jury is still out on that one.

Tracey: There are three Kirks lined up next to each other and someone wants to know what’s different about Kirk Pacely. What’s the answer?

Kirk Pacley: I want people to recognize my humble attempts in playing a leadership role in bringing the various steppin’ groups together and helping people grow in this dance. I would also like for people to see the smoothness in my particular dance style and the stylish wardrobe that I try to sport. I’m going to always keep it clean. (Laughing)

Tracey: As a final question, because of your ability to express yourself through your writing ever so eloquently, when can the Chistepper readers, especially the women who applauded your expressive style, expect to read some of your thoughts again?

Kirk Pacley: (Gasping) What? Me? That’s sweet. Uhhh … I felt very passionate about the WLSC. I was moved to write about it. The steppin’ community never ceases to present surprises or controversial issues to talk or write about. Maybe in the near future, as I am so moved to showcase my smooth style of steppin’ with the ladies on the floor, I’ll be so moved to showcase my views from the point of my pen as well. (Laughing) How was that?

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