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| Though there is no full-body contact, steppin’ can be very intimate between partners. (Photos by Warren Roseborough) |
The roots of “steppin” date back more than half a century to the Jitterbug – a dance commonly known among African Americans as “the Bop” or “Swing.”Though there is no full-body contact, steppin’ can be very intimate between partners. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)
These energetic styles of rhythmic movement spawned major dance trends coupled with new music genres, including the Hustle, Old School Steppers, Old School Skating, Break Dancing, R&B/jazz fusion, soul, and neo-soul.
Now, thanks largely to Valerie Morman, the Mid-South is catching up with a “steppin’ revolution” already ablaze in Chicago and Detroit.
On every first Thursday of the month, you can find Morman at the 50/50 Club Elite for “Steppin’ It Up On First Thursdays.” Dancers aplenty come out for an hour of free instruction and then a night of live entertainment and steppin’.
“There is like this whole, new steppin’ craze burning up the club scene in Memphis, but it’s been going on for years in the North,” said Morman, founder of the MidSouth Steppers, LLC. “Steppin’ dance studios have sprung up all over Chicago and Detroit. Singles and couples are all into the step culture.”
Line dancing instruction is also offered by MidSouth Steppers.
Mormon is a native of Chicago. After high school, she attended college in the Mid-South and noticed that “there was no steppin’ in this region – I mean, none.”
“I couldn’t find any clubs or studios that taught steppin’, and steppin’ has always been a part of Chicago,” she said. “And I began to miss steppin’. The only time I got to enjoy it was when I got back home and went to a step set. Then it was on. Last year, I decided it was time to do something about it.”
That’s when her MidSouth Steppers company was formed with co-instructor, Sonia Gordon Ward.
“Steppin’ Chicago Style” classes started last fall. The burgeoning enrollment of students – men and women of all ages, singles, couples, line-dance fans, old-school clubbers – flock to steppers class. Morman said the rising popularity of steppin’ points to a growing movement among the more mature.
“Club steppin’ is a return to dancing – real dancing, couples on the floor – steppin’ and swinging to the music we loved back in the day,” she said. “It’s a great way for couples to enjoy a great social life, and steppin’ brings singles together who at least have a love of dancing in common. Steppin’ is more than a trend. It’s a movement, and it’s here to stay.”
Steppin’ – what it is…
Steppin’ can be danced singly but is designed for couples. Although, the timing and cadence has not changed, the form has evolved into a 21st century swing, says Morman. But each person brings “their own brand of originality” to the dance floor.
There are two basic counts – six and eight,” said Morman. “The Mid-South variety was created with the six-count. It’s Chicago steppin’ with an added touch of Memphis flavor.” 
Valerie Morman teaches steppin’ to singles and couples of all ages.
Steppin’ engages couples in very intimate communication on the dance floor, said Morman.
“Though there is not the full body contact of partners, steppin’ can be a very sensual interaction between two people. It reminds some of the Cha-Cha from decades past. The Salsa is a Latino club dance. Steppin’ is the African-American equivalent. It is a joy for all people to dance, but it is authentically our own. Steppin’ is our artistic, cultural expression. You can’t step without smiling and looking into each others’ eyes. It’s a very pleasant experience.”
Who is Valerie Morman?
Morman says she was practically dancing before she could walk. Although her formal training only spanned a period of five years, she brought a passion and natural affinity for creative movement to the art that put her “light years” ahead of fellow students.
“When I was in high school, I was over the dance group, and I was the choreographer for everything we did,” she said. “When I went off to college, I’d be in the dorm making up dance routines or down in the laundry working on new moves. I’ve always loved to dance. I guess what you would call me is a dance-a-holic.”
Morman was formally trained in ballet, jazz, modern dance, and modern dance on skates. She attended Northwest Mississippi Jr. College in Senatobia, Miss., where she was a member of the RangerRette dance group. After earning an associate degree in English, she came to LeMoyne-Owen College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Every first Thursday, MidSouth Steppers sponsors a night of free instruction in steppin’ and then a “step set,” or a step party.
Morman worked 15 years in computer software and systems before venturing out into her own dance enterprise.
What others are saying…
“Wonderful instruction to help you learn. Members are friendly and very supportive and the teacher is great and very knowledgeable.”
Michael McPherson
“I never went to the prom or a dance. I’ve never been able to dance. Thanks to MidSouth Steppers, I can now find a beat and stay on it. I’m working my way to one day being able to feel comfortable enough to go out dancing.”
Crystal
“As a beginner dancer, I have accomplished many dance steps for being an older adult. I have really enjoyed the wonderful instructors and appreciated them for working with me and being patient.”
Annie
“The class is energetic, uplifting, and fun. I love it.”
Chester Bowden
“Wonderful! Great workout!”
Bonnie
How to sign up…
Steppin’ classes are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Hickory Hill Community Center, 3910 Ridgeway Road. The first class is free of charge. For additional information and registration, call Valerie Morman at (901) 949-0114.