To The Steppin Community: I hope this letter finds all in good spirit and cheers. I'm writing this letter to appologize to those who attended the WLSC in Chicago on September 20, 2008. I was not aware of the delay in the show and honestly wasn't given the agenda for the event. If I actually knew that people were going to be sitting 4 hours before my performance, I would have definitely changed things up to no more than 3 songs. My sincerest apologies goes out to those who wanted to dance more that evening.

Vote Result

Score: 10.0, Votes: 2

ChiStepper has never been in the business of spotlighting people just because. It usually takes someone getting noticed on some scale be it in the area of promotions, music or the dance itself. Well, this is such an occasion to recognize another wonderful talent from the city of Detroit who actually came up short as some would say in this years WLSC. James Pacely was the second runner up to Drew Alexander and Sherry Gordon (Detroit) which was met with controversy over some feeling that James and his partner, LaKeesha Anderson should have come in first place.

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Score: 9.0, Votes: 1

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?

Vote Result

Score: 6.5, Votes: 2

The Majestic Gents, ChiStepper.com, and Dre and Company will host the World's Largest Steppers Contest Viewing and Appreciation party. DJ Raphael will spin the records as we come together to view the "raw" footage of the contest. No, we have no intentions of watching K'Jon's 45 minute quiet storm mini-concert. This time we'll get straight to business, watch the contest, and dance.

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Score: 0.0, Votes: 0

ChiStepper was just informed by Majestic Gents founder and World's Largest Contest host Pete Frazier that Jamie Graham and Teneisha Austin of Alabama will be crowned Beginners champions.

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Score: 10.0, Votes: 1

Rumors swirled about the legitimacy of Beginners champions Jay and Ann Williams contest win. More and more ChiStepper readers reported that this couple danced in both the Loose Shoes Category (2006) and Indiana's 219 Steppers contest a year and a half ago at the Genesis Center. The problem is, the deadline for the beginners category is 6 months to a year or less.

Vote Result

Score: 10.0, Votes: 1

It’s tough to review your own party objectively, but I did want to write a few things before we transitioned over to Tracey’s review. Both Dre and I were overwhelmed with the response that we received from the steppers community and we were humbled by the many praises that we received the day after. Our goal was to put at least 1,000 people in Mr. G’s and we passed this test with flying colors. Both sides were packed to capacity and the crowd partied until they shut the doors at 2am.

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Score: 0.0, Votes: 0

ChiStepper’s assertion that Mellow Khris might be responsible for the World’s Largest Steppers Contest running late didn’t sit well with the #1 Steppers DJ in country. Mellow Khris called me after reading the article to discuss the roll of the DJ in Steppers competitions, and where he feels the production went wrong.

Vote Result

Score: 7.0, Votes: 1

Generally speaking and without fail, who won and who didn’t win is always the most controversial aspect of any contest. The word controversy is often abused however, and this contest just might be one of those times where it will be abused. Is it not a controversy if your favorite stepper couple didn’t win? No! Maybe it’s a disappointment but surely not a controversy. Is it a controversy that Tyk Myn won, yet again, in two categories?

Vote Result

Score: 10.0, Votes: 2

[Editors Note: A List of the Winners are provided in a feature block below.]

The 18th Annual World’s Largest Steppers Contest had a crowd almost reminiscent of the days of old. Steppers packed the Willowbrook Ballroom to see the very best steppers around the country perform. The contest had both high and low moments, most of which will be discussed here. The actual contest portion of the World’s Largest will be reviewed separately. Here you will find details on how the contest flowed.

Arrival

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The World's Largest Steppers Contest Review will be posted shortly, but I wanted to give you all the winners in the mean time. Congratulations to all of the contestants and winners.

Beginners

1st - Jay Williams & Ann Williams

Out-of-Town

1st - Drewry Alexander and Sherri Gordon
2nd - James Pacely and Lakeesha Anderson

Original 40 & Over

1st - Ken Hilliard and Yvette O'Donnell
2nd - Darren Ulmer & Tori Williams
3rd - Royce Banks & Cheryl Powe

Walkers

1st Magic Mike Thomas & Patina Wilson

Original New Skool Category

Vote Result

Score: 8.5, Votes: 2

Of the 26 registered steppin' organizations in Detroit, The Steady Steppers have decided to take their act on the road ... very far away. The Las Vegas Weekend Jam II is slated to be held the weekend of October 3rd – 5th in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Steady Steppers boast a workshop resume that covers 18 states including Ohio, Maryland, Indiana, North Carolina, DC, Illinois, Virginia, Delaware, Washington, Missouri, and Indiana to name a few.

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Score: 0.0, Votes: 0

Blackone is the winner of the Celebrity Guess Who Contest this week.

I went to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D. C. recently to see Jay Z and John Legend perform. During the Jay Z's portion of the concert, he flipped Lil Wayne's "A Milli" in a freestyle called "A Billi" finishing with line, "'Cause once I hit a Billi it's over."

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Score: 0.0, Votes: 0

Babydoll is the winner of this weeks "Celebrity Guess Who Contest"

Check it out family ... I was invited to an ultra-exclusive fundraiser in the Hamptons by a good friend of mine, Marilyn Crawford (who organized the event). The event was hosted at the Reginald Lewis Estate and Diddy was this year's Honoree. Reginald Lewis was the richest African American in the world in the early 1990's, the first African American to build a billion dollar business, and one of the Forbes 400 wealthiest Americans in 1992. Needless to say, his Estate was sick.

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Score: 0.0, Votes: 0

The Majestic Gents would like to thank you for your participation in the 2008 World’s Largest Steppers Contest. We appreciate your contribution to make this years contest great!

We will be holding a meeting at the Chistepper and Dre and Company Pre-party on Friday, September 19, 2008 at; Mr. G’s night club, 1547 West 87th street, Chicago, IL 60620, at 8:00pm, (in the VIP room) to discuss the following:

1. Rules
2. Contestant check-in
3. Music
4. Contestant dance time
5. Scoring and judging
6. Prizes

Rules posted online at
http://www.wlscontest.com/2008/2008-rules.htm .

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Score: 0.0, Votes: 0

The Pre World's Largest Party is in the final stage of preparations and we'll have a series of announcements about the party happenings. Check out the update below to learn about the after party, tables, tickets, and more.

Friday, September 19th - Pre World's Largest Steppers Contest Party
Mr. G.'s Supper Club

TABLES

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First and foremost, ChiStepper.com would like to congratulate Pete Frazier for promoting the World’s Largest Steppers Contest on Fox News this morning. Pete danced with his wife Linda Frazier, Swan danced with Sunshine and Moe danced with “Q.”

In other World’s Largest News, Pete Frazier sent out a congratulations message to the 60 couples that will compete this year. Everyone made it to finals and Pete says, “Congratulations on making it to the big dance, break a leg!” If anyone needs tickets for family and friends, contact Pete Frazier at: 773.339.7880.

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Score: 0.0, Votes: 0

Steve wins the Celebrity Guess Who Contest. The answer is Chris Brown.

Shortly after Chris Brown returned from the stage executing one of the most spectacular live performances that I've ever seen, I had a chance to kick with him briefly in his dressing. His gorgeous other half or "friend" as they like to say, Rhianna was standing right next to him.

Vote Result

Score: 10.0, Votes: 2