Free Chicago stepping class to happen in Akron
Akron residents will be able to learn some basic steps of the "Chicago-style stepping" dance in early January. This event will take place at the Lawson Street Community Center.
Chicago-style stepping, or just steppin', is a dance style that originated in Chicago in the ‘70s. It has roots in the partner swing dances that emerged in the ‘50s and ‘60s, such as the jitterbug and the Lindy Hop. These evolved into the bop, which was soon stylized by Chicago youth into a new style known as the Chicago bop. This moved in a straight line and was less acrobatic than the original.
Later, Chicago youth created another variation, which was spurred by the 1971 release of the song "Gimme Some More". This became the “steppin'” dance as it is known today. It is a slotted dance where the follower travels up and down the slot. The dance also has a six- or eight-count basic pattern and works best at tempos from 70 to 100 bpm.
The first class of 2023 will take place on Monday, January 2 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at 1225 Lawton Street. The classes are free but donations of $5 or less are gratefully accepted. Dance classes such as this one may benefit from brochure printing services, as instructors can hand out informational brochures to their students to help them learn.
Chicago-style stepping, or just steppin', is a dance style that originated in Chicago in the ‘70s. It has roots in the partner swing dances that emerged in the ‘50s and ‘60s, such as the jitterbug and the Lindy Hop. These evolved into the bop, which was soon stylized by Chicago youth into a new style known as the Chicago bop. This moved in a straight line and was less acrobatic than the original.
Later, Chicago youth created another variation, which was spurred by the 1971 release of the song "Gimme Some More". This became the “steppin'” dance as it is known today. It is a slotted dance where the follower travels up and down the slot. The dance also has a six- or eight-count basic pattern and works best at tempos from 70 to 100 bpm.
The first class of 2023 will take place on Monday, January 2 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at 1225 Lawton Street. The classes are free but donations of $5 or less are gratefully accepted. Dance classes such as this one may benefit from brochure printing services, as instructors can hand out informational brochures to their students to help them learn.