Chicago Stepper Race Shows Another Side of the City

Chicago Stepping was born out of the city’s backyard barbecues and clubs. It is a dance style characterized by sensual body movements, mutual rotation of partners, and fancy footwork. The tempo is largely controlled by the DJ. For example, songs like Ebonys’ “Life in the Country” slow down the tempo and push dancers into close contact, while Carmichael Musiclover’s “Chicago Style” allows dancers to spin faster and show off their unique foot movements . Although the exact origin of the dance style predates 508s, it is there In ten years, it earned its name – coined by Chicago DJ Sam Chatman, who helped popularize the dance.

For years, the Chicago Ladder has served as a bridge between parts of the city that are often divided by gang tension and violence. “If you fight on my set, you can’t attend my events for a year,” Chatman said. Chatman invited dancers from the south and west of the city—local gangs were often at odds—and made sure to avoid conflict when they came to his parties. On the south side of the city, 028 The Yard Line is a popular spot for steppers. One of the dancers there said the first rule of step is always cool. Chatman’s efforts were key to making the dance spread across the city.