The Dancin Dons and Divas don’t have to worry about the sophomore jinx that so affect many social organizations. The Fishnet and Fedoras party in Cleveland, Ohio improved on last years Black Out party making the total over 300 people.

This year, members Terry, Keith, Carleatha, Lolita, Allen and Michelle made sure to add festivities that would draw people to a city that hosted pre-election activities and major post-Halloween Bashes all over the city of Cleveland.

Earlier in the day, Keith Hubbard hosted a "Romancing the Dance" workshop which speaks to the art of being able to dance with a woman while making the dance a memorable one. Hubbard placed a key emphasis on how to ask the woman for a dance as opposed to pulling her to the floor, gently handling her fingers like a delicate flower, smiling and giving her eye contact to make her feel like the dance was meant to be. Hubbard says that his workshop theme is the first of its kind to come out of Chicago and be taken on the road in this fashion.

The group chose to host a party in which everybody adhered to wearing either the fishnet stockings or the easily recognizable fedora brims. They hired a four star catering service which offered a soul food menu of everything from fried catfish to baked chicken and every kind of southern side you can think of. The food sold out before the end of the evening.

Some of the highlights included two premiere DJs, Rockin Rodney Mack and Mykel “Shorty Smooth” Farr, who entertained many of the visitors from Detroit, Akron, Columbus, Chicago, Toledo and a few supporters from West Virginia and Maryland. Mykel can cross fade music with the best of them and people are taking notice of that! Traveling Jeff Clark of I Love Steppin attended as well as he is making quite a name for himself by vying for a top spot as the official steppers set photographer and apparel designer.

One of the things that the crowd truly enjoyed about this party is that the facility had sufficient air, the floor did not need powder and there was never a reason for anyone to bump into anyone. It doesn’t get any better than that! A surprise visit from Tyk Myn always makes a party come to life as he made himself available to assist with the workshop and dance with the women who attended the party. Even the after party was well attended and lasted until 4:00am (I think). I was too lethargic to really notice what time it was … but it was surprisingly well attended as well. Keith and Tyk Myn did an impromptu “jb freestyle” that amazed everyone. Not too many out-of-town steppers get to see two men shuffle.

I, for one, can definitely appreciate a group that makes it a point to offer a personal greeting to all of their visitors who walked through the door as well as seizing the opportunity to market fans, sweat towels, pens, shirts, cds, etc.

Don’t sleep on Cleveland people … the Dancin Dons and Divas have the formula to make a successful steppers set work!

Vote Result

Score: 8.0, Votes: 2