Chicago-style Stepping in Atlanta, Georgia

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Steven Mathews

Steven Mathews, a Chicago native, is the President and Founder of Takin' It Step by Step Dance Company, Inc. He is an Honorary Member of The Majestic Gents, and past president of Class Act Atlanta, a Steppin’ organization established to offer monthly dance parties known as “stepper sets.” Recognizing the need to provide formal classroom instruction and to raise awareness of Chicago-style Steppin’ as an art form in the Atlanta area, Steven and his business and dance partner, Carolyn A. Patterson, formed Takin’ It Step by Step Dance Company, Inc. in 2002. Steven and Carolyn are credited for being pioneers and the first to establish Steppin' classes in Atlanta. Their dance company has performed at multiple venues and have conducted Steppin’ workshops and demonstrations in various cities within the U.S. They offer weekly group and private lessons (Atlanta, GA).

Carolyn A. Patterson

carolyn@takinitstepbystep.com

Carolyn A. Patterson - Takin' It Step by Step Dance Company, Inc.

Carolyn A. Patterson is a native and hand dancer from the Washington, DC area. Carolyn's formal training in ballet, tap, jazz & modern dance and her passion for learning the proper techniques of Steppin' enabled her to become a quick study under the tutelage of Steven. She is the Founder/CFO/Event Planner of Takin’ It Step by Step Dance Company, Inc. along with her business and dance partner, Steven Mathews. Carolyn and Steve have been teaching Chicago-style Steppin' in Atlanta for over 5 years. They were once again pioneers in the creation of a monthly venue for all Steppers to bring their skills and flair to the dance floor at their ongoing Saturday Steppers Brunch, an idea influenced by and patterned after Chicago's 50 Yard Line.

Takin' It Step by Step Dance Co. attributes its longevity and success to its strong work ethic and character, consistency, and commitment to the Steppin' community. They have made a significant impact on the growth of the Steppin' population in Atlanta today. Their measure

of success is simple: developing quality Steppers by taking it step by step!

Most Notable Accomplishments:

2007: Launch of new Level I Instructional DVD entitled, "Learn the fundamentals of Chicago-style Steppin'"

2007: Interview with/on Michael Baisden Radio Syndicated Talk Show, 102.5 FM ATL

2007: Featured in article of Inside Steppin' Magazine, 2007 Winter Edition

2006/7Corporate workshops conducted for Spelman College, Morehouse School of Medicine, GA Power, GA Perimeter College, Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.

2006: Featured dance instructors/choreographers on annual Festival at Sea Cruise

2006: Starred in a commercial advertising the Atlanta-based Sanctuary Nightclub

2005: Performed onstage with Alex Bugnon, Michael Franks and Ken Ford

2004: Pioneers in creating a monthly venue known as the Midday Steppers Brunch, in the Atlanta area for all steppers to dance, socialize & practice their dance moves

2003: Performed at “Steppin for the Walk-a-Thon” Rally at Centennial Park, Atlanta

2003: Began a tradition of organizing and coordinating an annual trip to Chicago for a network of students, steppers, family & friends across the states

2002: Takin’ It Step by Step Dance Co., Inc. was formed out a vision and need to establish formal classroom instruction and offer Chicago-style Steppin’ classes in Atlanta. The founders are credited for being the first to establish classes in the Atlanta metro area

THE STEP BY STEP FAMILY

Theresa Bailey

Theresa is a Virginia native and founder of the Marie Jones Center of Hope, Inc. She is also the S.G.M. of Antiquity Fee and Accepted Masons, Inc., and a member of the Georgia Peach Ryders all-female motorcycle club. She fell in love with Steppin' while attending a Masonic event held at Michon’s Restaurant during our Midday Steppers Set. Since then, her love for Steppin' and its sophistication is solidified by becoming a student for life. Theresa reached out to embrace the entire Steppin' community by volunteering to coordinate various Steppin' events. She feels that everyone should have an opportunity to embrace the sophistication, style and elegance of the dance. Because of her love and passion for Steppin', she is committed to assisting others in experiencing the same elegance, style and grace that appealed to her!

Victoria D. Harris
Vicky Harris - Takin' It Step by Step Dance Company, Inc. Vicky is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a graduate of G.W. Carver High School. She has been working in the Buckhead area for 20 years as a dental assistant. She fell in love with Steppin’ 4 years ago when she was out with friends one evening and witnessed the elegance of the dance. Her love and passion for the dance inspired her to take lessons under the instruction of Takin’ It Step by Step, and went on to enter her first contest as a beginner. Realizing Vicky’s desire for Steppin’, Takin’ It Step by Step approached her to join as a core member and instructor of their organization in 2003, and has been a part of the family ever since. Joining the group has made her realize her respect and love for the dance. “Steppin’ is like chocolate covered strawberries….how sweet can you get dipped. Steppin’ is like double-dutch…when can I jump in, when can I jump in! Steppin’ is like your first love…you can’t get enough of it!”

Arthur “Art” Allen
AKA: “The Photographer”
art@takinitstepbystep.com

Arthur T. Allen hails from the Southside of the “Windy City” and has been Arthur "Art" Allen - Takin It Step by Step Dance Company Steppin’ since the early 80’s. Art relocated to Atlanta in 1994. A Chicagoan in body and soul, Art loves the city life. He’s a big Chicago Bears fan, and some of his favorite pastimes include going to football and basketball games, Steppin’ at Michon’s, eating at Café Tu Tu Tango, and hanging out at Club Dugan’s. Art also enjoys swimming, hanging out with his friends, and spending time with his family.

Growing up, Art honed his dance moves by observing the smooth moves of his brother LaDon and his good friend Herk. Art’s favorite places to Step in Chicago are the 50 Yard Line and The Other Place, which is no longer in existence. His favorite Steppin’ songs are, “You Know How to Make Me Feel So Good” by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes and “Find Myself in You” by Brian McKnight.

Art has been a core member and instructor for Takin’ It Step by Step for over 3 years. “I’m thrilled that Steppin’ has made its way to the Atlanta dance scene, and I look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!”

James Mobley

Line Dance Instructor, Columbia, SC

james@takinitstepbystep.com

James Mobley, a native of South Carolina has been Line Dancing and performing in various states over the past 3 years. He has seen the need to bring more classroom instruction to South Carolina to keep up with the growing demand for Line Dancing and Chicago-style Steppin, and has formed The Step by Step Line Dance Team. James has been Steppin' for the past 2 years under the leadership of Steven Mathews and Carolyn Patterson, and will soon introduce Chicago-style Steppin' to the Columbia, South Carolina area. James' strong work ethic and character has made him well known in the Columbia area, and he continues to Line Dance everywhere, even by himself! James is committed to growing the dance community, and Steppin' will soon hit South Carolina by storm. He conducts workshops and demonstrations and offers weekly group and private lessons. Line Dancing videos are available as well.