For some time, when Chicagoans thought of Steppin' in Cali, Los Angeles came to mind. Most are probably not aware of that the fact that about 5 hours north, the Bay Area has a community that rivals L. A's. Damone Hodges, with his partner Malik, are two intructors that have helped pave the way for Chicago Steppin' in Oakland. Check it out ChiSteppers.
T. Pratt (TP): As I understand it, you're a disciple of M.A.K 3 correct?
Damone Hodges (DH): Yes, M.A.K 3 is where it all began. I learned how to step and teach through their certification program. I've worked with many other instructors after Maxx, but I still credit him for laying down our foundation and teaching us how to keep the integrity of the dance.
TP: What fueled your initial interest in Steppin'?
DH: Well, I got tired of the club scene and wanted to try something different. I went to a local night club [called] Kimball's Carnival in Oakland and witnessed a couple from Chicago dancing to "Step in the Name of Love" by R. Kelly. Everyone was doing the routine from the video but the couple from Chicago was doing something totally different and that's when I knew that I wanted to learn steppin’.
TP: How would you describe the Oakland Steppin' scene?
DH: The steppin’ scene in the Bay is very much like Chicago. We're laid back, down to earth and we all love steppin’.
TP: How large is the Oakland dance community?
DH: Were still a small community but when it's time to party you will see a couple hundred folks come out easily.
TP: Would you say you're a better dancer or better instructor?
DH: Instructor. I work really hard at trying to find better ways to help students grow and develop. Eventually, I will have to make time for myself but for now it's all about preparing students to the best of my ability.
TP: When I visited your class, I noticed that you didn't teach the same format that you learned from Dave Maxx. Who has had the most influence on your style of teaching?
DH: Calvin Barnes, Darrell Davis and Maurice Turner.
TP: If I was a new stepper in Oakland, why should I come to Damone for lessons?
DH: I'm recognized and respected by my community and other stepping communities as being the best instructor/stepper in Oakland. My program is proven and I take pride in making sure that my students are successful.
TP: What steppers do you watch, if any, for inspiration?
DH: [Ice] Rob, Ice Ray and Tony Dow.
TP: Is it difficult to elevate your steppin' game in a community where steppin' is not as popular as Chicago?
DH: Yes it's very difficult. You have to work twice as hard. You can't rely on Youtube, Stepping videos, or contest footage, you have to travel to Chicago, get with a proven instructor and put your work in. Instructors need to continue to put in work to, you can't call yourself an instructor if your students don't understand what they’re doing.
TP: On a different note, you're only like 5'8 but I've heard that you were an amazing athlete. When I was in Oakland a few people attested to the fact that you could soar high above the rim and dunk a basketball. As a matter of fact, for the sports heads out there, I heard you could dunk off of the vertical (i.e. standing right under the rim without running). Is that true?
DH: Yeah it's true. I can't dunk anymore but I can still play the game at a high level.
TP: Does athleticism like that help you at all in steppin'?
DH: Steppin’ and sports go hand in hand. In order for you to perform at a high level you have to practice. You can't expect to meet your potential without pushing yourself to the limit.
TP: Is there anything that you wanted to say that I've left out?
DH: I think that's it.
TP: What would you like to say to the ChiSteppers’ out there before we let you go?
DH: To all my ChiStepper folks, if you're ever decide to visit the Bay Area you can look us up @ www.steppersonly.com Peace!
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