“stepping is not just a dance, it's a culture...it's what we eat, think, and breathe”R. Kelly
Chicago Steppin’ is a name given to a dance that has evolved over the years from various other dances. Originally created in Chicago's predominately African American community, the dance has morphed from its beginnings with the Jitterbug in the 30s and 40s, to the Offtime in the 50s, to the Walk and the Chicago Bop in the 60s and 70s.
The Chicago Step is now more widely known nationwide than it's ever been. Due to the popularity of songs like R.Kelly's "Step in the Name of Love", and Gerald LeVert's "Didn't We?", the nation has gotten a taste of the steppers style. Movies such as "Love Jones" (which depicts an event formerly hosted by local Chicago DJ Herb Kent, known as "The World's Largest Steppers Contest"), brought the dance and culture to the big screen. Stepping is usually coordinated into events called "Stepper's Sets", which typically cater to an older crowd. Due to the popularity of the aforementioned artists (along with old school artists), stepping is enjoying a nationwide "coming out party" with "Sets" popping up from New York to Los Angeles.
