STEPPERS UNITE INC.
Ms. Anna began her steppin’ career in 2003 when
she was recognized by Donald Felder, the founder of Seattle’s first steppin’ organization (The Original Seattle
Steppers {TOSS}), for her choreography talent. She was hired as their Lead Stepping Instructor for their Thursday night class
at The Royal Esquire Club. Ms. Anna traveled for her steppin’ lessons to Chicago (where she met her mentors, Angela
Faine and Keith Hubbard) and other cities. The TOSS classes proved to be so productive that its size almost tripled. To accommodate
the increased number of students, Ms. Anna trained one of her experienced students (Bonnie Calloway) to become a “peer
instructor” and also developed teaching guidelines for both beginner and intermediate steppers. A second venue, McGowan’s
Restaurant and Lounge, was added to the already growing calendar of classes, performances, and parades. A couple of years
passed when Ms. Anna was asked to teach a steppin’ class at Seattle Central Community College where she taught for almost 4 years. In
2006, DJ Guy Davis presented Ms. Anna with a proposal package to start her own steppin’ organization. It was at that
time she founded “Steppers Unite”. They live up to their name
by uniting the community with helping other stepping organizations sell tickets, serve or cook food, work the door, promote,
and teach.
“Rock”, a native of Chicago, had been in the entertainment arena for over 20 years. He grew up in
the era of Original Chicago Stepping (aka, Cross Over). He quickly picked up on the “New School” Chicago Steppin’ and
evolved into an amazing dancer and instructor. His enthusiasm demonstrates his love for steppin’. Rock has always been
willing to share his knowledge of steppin’ with everyone he comes in contact with. He decided to become a steppin’
instructor in 2006 after meeting and collaborating with Ms. Anna. In 2008,
they opened their own private dance studio to teach steppin’ and line dance. At
that time they changed their name to Steppers Unite Inc. Although Rock
has since moved to Ohio, he is still a part of the organization.
Steppers Unite
Inc. has a teaching method that
is based on the basics of “Chicago Style Stepping” but since this dance is taught in the Pacific
Northwest, Ms. Anna likes to say that they teach “Steppin’ with a Chicago Flavor”. She
is an analytical thinker/instructor and Rock a persistent trainer/teacher. They
have broken down both 8-count & 6-count methods of instruction to broaden their abilities to teach Chicago Style Steppin’
to the masses. It is Steppers Unite Inc’s perception that the 8-count system of dance instruction is the most efficient
and precise teaching method and is considered as their best instructional tool.
Ms. Anna and
Rock, known for their meticulous
attention to the details of the dance and their reputation as teachers, are known to their students and other instructors
as “Technicians”. Many of the Pacific Northwest Steppers and “Chicago Style Steppin” Instructors have
at one time been trained by Ms. Anna and Rock. Steppers Unite Inc. has since been invited to teach the dance to beginner and
intermediate students all over the country. Needless to say, they are deserving of the titles “2008 Male Instructor
of the Year” (Rock), ”2011 Special Achievement” (Ms. Anna), and “Female Instructor of the Year
for 2011 & 2012” presented at the People’s Choice Award annual Event in Seattle hosted by Emerald City Steppers
Connection.
Steppers Unite
Inc. continues to support
the community. Before opening their private dance studio, they taught
at Garfield High School, the Central Area Rotary Boys and Girls Club, The China Harbor Restaurant, Upscale Lounge, Brown’s
Star and Grill, and other clubs in the Seattle/Tacoma area. They also
participated in community parades, festivals, drives, auctions, etc. Steppers Unite Inc. not only teach in Washington State,
but have been instructors in other states and on International waters as well; such as Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon,
Oklahoma, Ohio, California, and on a Bahamas Cruise...just to name a few. Ms.
Anna taught line dance lessons at two Senior Centers in Tacoma, WA
and is currently teaching at The Central Senior Center in Seattle, WA. She is also the official coordinator
of the Pacific Northwest Region for the Annual National Chicago Style Stepping Day Event, which also includes the Portland
stepping community. Steppers Unite Inc. is the host for the annual “Steppin’ Into Spring” event held every
1st weekend in May in Seattle, WA. Just
like in years past, they have donated/volunteered to a variety of charities. This
year’s recipient will be “The Central” senior center.
Steppers Unite
Inc.’s vision is to teach
the art of “Steppin’ with a Chicago Flavor” to everyone. They have begun their mission to share their skills
with others throughout the world.
