An Open Letter to Chicago Steppers
I'm re-posting this again. There is another Norma Miller event on October 7th, 2007. This time it's in Las Vegas, and it's free. The information is here: http://www.centralavedance.com/node/3198 .
The event I describe below in Minnesota has come and gone. As I understand it, NO Steppers were in attendance, despite repeated attempts to contact Kevin Johnson (who sends me email every week about *his* events).
So, if you live in the Las Vegas area, or know Steppers who do, please pass this info along to them: http://www.centralavedance.com/node/3198
This weekend, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Collins Productions is hosting the "It Don’t Mean A Thing…If It Ain’t Got That Swing! A Tribute to Swing, Jazz & Tap with 'Queen of Swing' Norma Miller" weekend.
As I have said and demonstrated and documented, what we know today as "Chicago Style Step" is an offshoot of Bop, which is a version of Swing, which comes from Lindy Hop.
Norma Miller, who, as one of the original Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, is a Swing pioneer. Norma Miller is also a single Black woman, as is Mary Collins, who has put her heart and soul into producing this event.
If you are a Chicago Stepper, Norma Miller represents a very important part of the history of your dance. If you are a Black Chicago Stepper, Norma Miller is a part of your cultural history.
And, if you are a Chicago Stepper, and you live in or near the Twin Cities area, and you are able to go but do not go to see, support or hear this woman, then that, in my humble opinion, is a shame.
I am not trying to lay a guilt trip down on anyone, but the fact of the matter is that I've been to a few cities now where Norma has appeared, and rarely if ever do I see any "Steppers" at her appearances. This is not just sad, it's pathetic.
So, I'm asking, begging, pleading: If you do Chicago Style Step and you live in the Twin Cities area, please try and support this part of our shared American history. She has lived a long time, learned a lot of lessons, and has quite a bit to share with all of us.
Here's the info: http://www.centralavedance.com/node/3017
If nothing else, just come out and say "Hi" and show some respect for the historical contribution she's made to allow you to be able to dance the dance you love so much.
Please pass this note along to any and every Chicago Style Stepper you know.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
-Ron Parker
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No Response from Las Vegas Steppers
Also no response, so far, from Las Vegas Steppers. I hope I'm wrong and at least a few showed up. After all, it was free. I'll find out.
A "Steppin" Lifestyle
Here's a promo from TwinCitySteppers.com. This is send from the same Kevin Johnson that ignored both mines and Paulette's request to pass on info regarding Mary Collins (Black woman) Swing event in the Twin Cities.
I guess a "Steppin Lifestyle" doesn't include any information about the cultural history of your dance.
So far, only one response
Only one kind response received from Ms. Cynthia (Stepper's Internet Connection): http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=105473635