Dominique Dow…Take Your Bow! Back

Jul 4, 2013

By Trace Bivens

If the name Tony Dow stands out in your mind as a historical figure in the Chicago Steppin era, then the steppin torch he has passed on to his daughter, Dominique should be noted as well. Young Drew Alexander, Ed "The Dark Knight”, TJ, "Richie Rich” Cochran all out of Detroit and this young lady have truly made their mark in the age of the "youngsters” that have stepped on to this steppin scene plagued by the 35-60 year old demographic. I Love Steppin takes the time to find out how Dominique feels about dancing at steppers sets under the watchful eye of her dad, her burgeoning career as a model and her first steppin lesson with Tyk Myn at the ripe old age of 12!

Tracey: Dominique…thank you for taking the time to share some of your thoughts and feelings about your timeline in the world of steppin. With your father, Tony, having danced with some of the early legends like Ice Ray, Donnie Davis, Peanut, Little Alfred, etc. how did you become involved in a dance dominated by men of the "street”?

Dominique: A lot of those men you named had 2 or 3 famous women that they would dance with to accomplish these moves. The "Man on Man" started at a highpoint, at any given set. It was executed when fast music was played. Preferably the J Bee's but, that would only be for a few minutes. Then they would go back to the norm with guys dancing with women. That's how the trios were created because it was too many women on the side. That's your opinion and you're entitled to that. Censors states that there are dominant females from back in the day and up until now. Women like Darlinda Russell, Dimples, Janice, Angie Faine, Lady Margaret, Danielle, Sherry Gordon just to name a few because the list goes on and on and on. I became involved because my father is Tony Dow Lol.

Tracey: As a point of reference, what women were you watching to help you develop your style or were you a female spin off of your father?

Dominique: My pops had a gift of bringing each individual own style out of them. He knew how to bring you out of you and that's what happened in my case. However, there were a few women that I admired. I adored how Danielle move effortlessly, she was smooth & fresh. I also venerated Darlinda's style, she was very unique.

Tracey: There were no young people coming out when I started steppin in the late 90s so since you didn’t have any young people around your age to step with…did it kind of bother you to only step with people two or three times your age?

Dominique: Well at that time there were young steppers but, they wasn't as young as me. Dex, Maurice, TykMyn, Billy, Dave, Mookie, Tynisha and Danielle were all in their early twenties. In the Dowhouse Basement, the class was so voluminous that my dad needed assistance. So he would compensate us to help him. That's when I became stern, when monies were involved! It taught us good work ethic and he taught us how to be independent. When I was that young, I was only teaching. I had my siblings to step with. Later on when I came out, I was competing.

Tracey: So I imagine you’re ecstatic now that some of the younger steppers are on the scene. Since you’ve seen so many different styles throughout the years…who are you currently watching…women and men…with admiration?

Dominique: Well this was a devised plan that was envisioned by my father many years ago. He knew that it would affect the public when he presented me and my brother to the industry. He wanted to teach young people so that they could grow this dance. My brother and I inspired some of the youngins that you see Steppin today. I' m grateful and blessed to be a part of that. So I'm not surprised, I'm pleased at the increasing number of youngins Steppin. I won't publicly state who I think is good because, it's an opinion. It's my opinion. I admire and encourage everyone who's good and who is trying to be good because… it is necessary.

Tracey: I interviewed Tyk Myn a couple of years ago and he said that you actually taught him how to step at the age of 12. How true is this story?

Dominique: (Laughs) Almost true except, I was 9. At that time he was a beginner and, he was one of many that I taught. Out of all the people that came to the basement Tyk Myn and Mookie were the most serious about learning this dance. He later on became to be who he is. They were astonished that a child was teaching them this dance.

Tracey: I think that it would kind of weird me out if my father had of come out to the steppers sets with me. I mean…let’s face it. What if some guy wants to walk with you or have a conversation with you…do you get paranoid when your dad is around? Does he allow you the freedom you desire

Dominique: Lol, It's only a Steppers set. If a person can't be at a Steppers set with their parents then, they must be up to something they won't be proud of. We don't come out to date, we come out to STEP. I have MY OWN standards and expectations. So if a man don't come correct then, I'M NOT gonna let it fly. Am I paranoid or nervous? None of the above, I got this! Is my dad worried? Nah, he know who he raised. By my father being on the scene, one thing I never had to worry about was being disrespected by a man. It tapped into my understanding of how well he is respected. Kids need their Mothers & Fathers, that's what wrong with society today. All these reality shows today are exploiting negative images of black people. One thing about us is, you know it's real. If the Steppin industry knows one father, it's my pops. It was a plethora of Steppers calling & texting to wish him a Happy Father's Day. It was crazy! Dowhouse is a family brand making positive moves for the community. I keep my pops fresh, he keep me alert. So I salute all the Mother's & Father's that's doing an exceptional job. Oh and for the record… I don't walk! Lol

Tracey: You entered the WLSC and actually placed with your father last year in 2012. You seem to have a permanent partner in steppin or is the door open for you to compete with other men

Dominique: To be factual my father and I actually made history as the first father and daughter to win something so serious as the WLSC. We entered several other competitions and placed as well. We also placed 2nd in 2005 WLSC to "The Late Great George Macaroni" and Sylvia. We won 1st place in 3G'S Annual Steppers Contest 2005 as well. It's funny that you ask me that because... nobody else has ever asked me to be their partner (dying laughing). Who knows what the future holds, nothing is permanent.

Tracey: As I understand it…you have a developing modeling career. Can you talk about that a little bit?

Dominique: I used to model. I'm a solo recording artist. My genre is Pop & R&B music. I'm a Fashion Stylist and Designer, the name of my fashion line is called DowMationMade (DMM). We make and design dresses and suits. A lot of the dresses you all see me wear at these events are from my line.

Tracey: Having stepped for as long as you have…do you see yourself doing this dance with as much enthusiasm 10 years from now? This includes instructing as well.

Dominique: I can't speak for the future although, I enjoy Steppin. I'm working hard now to have a few businesses launched at that time.

Tracey: I’ve been criticized over the years for not allowing the people I interview to keep "it” real. What do you feel you need to keep "real” at this time Dominique since steppers, young and old, new and heavy hitters, will be reading this?

Dominique: I encourage positivity because, what we already have going on is our personal lives is enough. It's much needed from the Steppers, DJ's, the set throwers, photographers, the media and etc. If you're not a part of the solution you're a part of the problem. Thank you for having me dear and thank you to everyone for reading. Peace and blessings to all! (smiles)

Congratulations go out to Dominique for getting her own recognition in this dance. With chiseled features, a shape to kill for, business sense and ambition, she is well on the road to success. If birds are supposed to fly out of the nest when they are old enough, then I guess this would apply to Dominique Dow. I see this young lady making her mark with and without her famous father because that’s what little birds do…they spread their own wings and fly high!