Why I Love Steppin'… Back
Aug 14, 2010
By Jennifer Toles
Well, it's not just steppin' that I love… (though love it I do) - I love DANCE period. I was on the www.jacobspillow.org website one day reading folks response to the question "Why do you dance?". I thought i'd share a few…
Words can not express why I dance. So, I dance- to express the words I can not speak.
Adara K., via email
I dance because it's my meditation to life, my acknowledgment of a higher energy beyond my individual self and because it is my sanctuary in an often brutal world.
Janet Oelklaus via email
Movement is life and part of the definition of life. When I do not move, I feel less alive, like my breath is stopped. I am compelled to move, it does not feel like a choice. Dancing is an expression of one's physicality, ideas, and emotions, and extends energy into space.
Alison Ozer via email
There were many more poignant answers shared, if you're so inclined, go have a look.
But on to the point…
What is it about this particular dance that gets you all giddy inside… that you fiend for a fix - will pack bags and travel across the country for a dance?? What is it about "Steppin'" that spurns a movement such as "I Love Steppin'"? Hmmmm? Hmmmm? What is it?
I'll tell you, for me… it's the versatility and freedom of expression. I have learned many a dance over my 33 years, hip-hop, line dance, salsa, east and west coast swing, waltz, foxtrot, hustle, bop, hand dance… the list goes on. Not one of those dances has affected me to the extent that has my experience with Steppin'. In the aforementioned forms, I often felt as a slave to the patterns, not so moved by the music. The same is not true for Steppin'. With steppin' I feel free to express the music as I "hear" it. I can play with pattern, play with the rhythm all while respecting the character of the dance but not having to be enslaved by figures. I LOVE THAT!
Speaking of the music… This dance has exposed me to more (good) music in my 7 years than I could have ever imagined. I've made friends and connections all over the country with some wonderful people, many of whom I believe will be lifelong friends and mentors. In music, in dance, and in life - I have been educated by young and old alike. What a beautiful thang. None of the other dances I mentioned has afforded me the same blessings. I'm able to share my voice, my love, my knowledge of self through a most delightful art form…Chicago Style Steppin'. Who wouldn't love that?
What about you? Why do you love Steppin'? Why do you love dance? Post your thoughts over here as well as the ILS Facebook page. Let the world know why "You Love Steppin"
