Respect Step Practice

If you’ve ever been to a stepshow, you probably were very impressed with what you were seeing.

Highly choreographed routine. Sharply dressed men or women. High impact and explosive moves. All done and synchronicity. It truly is a wonderful site for those if you have never seen one

However, you should be really happy that you were actually seeing the final finished product. Because everything that went into preparing for that routine is not for the faint of heart.

And when I talk about step shells, I’m not talking about the exhibition shows in a park or a party step show this done during your party. I’m talking about a competition step show were either money or bragging rights are on the line.

You have no idea of the countless hours and pains that go into putting on a highly convinced well orchestrated and highly precise step shell that Hass to last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. And we’re talking about tweaking various routines, doing things over and over again, trying different maneuvers to see what works and what doesn’t work, and don’t even get me started on trying things that you never thought you could do

But that’s the easy part

The hard part, aside from the hours of repetition and sweat, is the tension. I have never seen so many brothers get cussed out by each other in an environment like this. And I had to learn very early to have a thick skin or at least be very good at what you do because brothers have no shame in calling you out. It doesn’t matter if you were in the front row or in the back row. If it appears that you’re not catching on, you will get called out and get your feelings hurt. And don’t mess up and miss a practice or come late to practice because you will get drilled even worse then.

I was once told that there is a certain glow that I have whenever I am getting ready for a stat practice or a step competition. That glow comes from being around individuals who are committed to winning and that type of energy can be contagious. But it’s not for everyone. And if you’re someone who has a thin skin or who’s feelings get hurt very easily, that type of environment can cause you to not want to participate in anything. But if you’re willing to tough it out, you’ll find very quickly that those same persons who are ripping into you will also be the ones that will support you if you show them that you’re just as committed to winning as they are.

There is something that could be learned from being in the fire with those who are willing to go to the fire with you. It’s not always easy but just remember these are your brothers and sisters and they are right in the fire with you.

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