One thing the steppin' world is not short of is ladies. There are many standouts in the Chicago community that have risen and some who are currently rising on the scene. One such example is of a young go getter by the name of Robin Summerrize. She is entered the WLSC this year for the second time. Many know her by her long wavy hair; others know her by her ever present smile, but most know her for her dainty and feminine style. Chistepper took the time to sit down with Robin to put a name with the face and the dance.

Tracey: Robin how long have you been steppin' and who taught you?

Robin: It was 3 years in April. I got my basics from James of After 7 and then I went to Moe of the Majestic Gents for about a year. I think that’s where I honed my skills with my spins. He was the one who was very technical and would tell me where to place my toe and how to turn foot. (laughing)

Tracey: Robin, you’re young , pretty and talented. That’s often a dangerous combination for a lot of women on the steppers set. Would you agree?

Robin: Thank you for the compliment. I think that occurs anywhere in life ... not just the dance scene. In any venue, if you’re naturally pretty it’s appreciated as long as it’s accompanied with brains and brawn. The way I look has not hindered my dance or the way people respond towards me. I come out to dance, I love to dance and that’s what I do.

Tracey: So having said that, do you think that it’s more important for women to showcase their femininity through their attire, make-up and the dance itself? You wore a dress this year in the World’s Largest that went beyond what we normally see in contests. It was “beautifully flashy” for lack of a better term. A lot of women are being criticized for steppin' and looking too much like the guys these days in their dance.

Robin: Yeah, I think that a woman should care about her attire. I think that you can be sexy and not be dressed according to what people think you should look like. I don’t think that the dress makes a woman feminine and sexy, I think it’s all in how you carry yourself. I think that every woman should strive to showcase that.

Chisterpper: So far you’ve been in the 2006 WLSC and the Club D'Elegance 2006 Contest. You seem pretty competitive.

Robin: I am. I have always been athletic. When I was younger I played basketball and football for like a week. (laughing) I just want to be the best that I want to be. I’m more competitive with myself. I like the whole idea of challenging myself to go to higher levels in this dance.

Tracey: You entered this year’s WLSC in an all female trio and you all unfortunately did not win. Do you think that an all female trio is really going to be taken seriously? Back in 2002, there was an all female group that Dre put together that won not only because of their talent but because it was the novelty.

Robin: We were robbed. (laughing) I think my favorite trio I’ve seen was with Tyk Myn, Dannielle and Shareda in 2006. I thought that Shareda and them should have won last year. Unfortunately, I think that a lot of judges are set in their ways. I just don’t agree with that. I think that once the female has accomplished her side of this dance in following, she should challenge herself by entering the “leading” role in the dance. I would like to compete again in an all female trio someday. I like the performance aspect more than the competition end of it. It’s exciting to get dressed up and have people to appreciate all of your hard work that you put into the performance.

Tracey: We hear a lot of talk about the new generation of steppers having to “pay their dues” before they can be taken seriously on the set. What does that statement mean to you?

Robin: Well, I don’t like that statement. I think you should give credit to who you learned from. Steppin' is going to die if we don’t start bringing in and giving props to the new generation of steppers. I think that Dre and TykMyn’s generation did their thing so I think it’s our turn now. There’s room for new creativity with the Latin dances and other dance styles. That should be the focus instead of “paying your dues.” You give credit to where it is due and that’s with the pioneers of this dance but after that it’s time to come into your own in this dance.

Tracey: Are there any chances of you joining up with a social organization in Chicago or do you prefer to just stay an individual and support everyone else’s functions?

Robin: I prefer to stay an individual. If I don’t see any groups bringing in people that share the same interests as me. I would consider starting my own. In the meantime, I would support an organization that likes to play new music, showcase new steppers, and keep things as new as possible.

Tracey: What female and male steppers do you admire?

Robin: Oh, there’s Shareda and Tonya “Tee Tee” Nash who are my favorite female steppers. When it comes to this dance, they have the ability to articulate what they want and they can pull it out of you. Margaret, Candace (Flint), and Sherry (Detroit)... that’s my girl. Dre, Tyk Myn, and Drew (Detroit). Dre and Tyk have definitely played a role in influencing this list of people I’ve named. Oh and I can’t forget Claudell.

Tracey: What did you take out of your experience of being in the WLSC this year?

Robin: One thing ... I know from now on I want to pick committed partners to partner up with. Shareda and Tonya were the best and I can’t step down from the level I was on with them. I have a lot more drive than most people and it’s hard to find someone that has that same drive and determination. I want someone to have the same vision that I do ... you know ... like that “Dancing With the Stars” level and the “So You Think You Can Dance” determination.

Tracey: Anything else?

Robin: I’m a real cool person. I don’t come out to get involved in drama. When you see me just ask me to step and let’s dance. It’s as simple as that.

Vote Result

Score: 6.5, Votes: 2