Chicago style steppin': DJ Sam Chatman shares the origin of this smooth dance style

It's the cool and smooth style of dancing that originated right here in Chicago. Windy City LIVE spoke with DJ Sam Chatman, aka the Godfather of Steppin, about this sleek and sexy dance style's origins.
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[@lindawyche6837]

Grown Folks music right here. Y'all look fabulous❤️

[@sassegranny4700]

Absolutely beautiful. Love the music. I'm a California lady but this Chicago music is off the chain. What is this song?

[@goldengirl478]

Apostle Harriet you are speaking the truth! Class of 65 here! Me and my friends couldn't wait for the 2nd Saturday so we could go to the dances at the Rec in the park..and we had to be back in the house by 11. You know church was all day Sunday, but that was a good time for us too. We need too go a long way back cause the world is so off track now. I'm so glad I am not the only one longing for the good old days!!😄

[@j.joyherring2779]

My daddy and Aunt used to do this dance stepping when I was a child.They lived in Mississippi and moved to Chicago Illinois. Both are deceased now and would have been up in their mid 90s had they lived. We will probably never know who the real - true originator of this dance called Stepping is! They're probably deceased too in all these many years, so let's go on with the stepping and enjoying it. I love it! 💯💃

[@jonathangraham4745]

@J.Joy Herring. My family migrated to Chicago in the early '50s and '60s from ARKANSAS. I too would have never heard or seen this unless my family didn't leave the delta of Arkansas. My grandfather's family migrated to Detroit and it's a different type of stepping; I think they call their 'ballroom' dancing/stepping.

[@sharlynshaw2662]

I must say, Fort Worth, Texas have some great steppers. Like they say stepping is a smooth love dance, it's about having fun and this dance is for grown folks. Love love this style dancing. 💕💕💕

[@margaretorlando4298]

Yes I was a steppin in Chicago thru the 70s, loved the times when all sides of Chicago were getting together in dance Halls.

[@rickjones1281]

What they not sayin..This is a great workout..

[@davitamcwilliams876]

EXACTLY

[@apostleharrietlocklear8138]

It’s Wonderful to show the Young people Today how the Ladies were dress fabulous and Gentlemrn well dress absolutely no pants hanging down. Everyone was smelling good and we used to go and have fun without any fights at all.We need to bring back these days where people can go out and dance and have fun with no fighting shooting each other. We talking about maturity In gentleman if they seeing you by yourself and you didn’t have any one. You would ask you would you like to dance Everyone looks Amazing

[@goldblooded161]

I agree

[@sharlynshaw2662]

That was the good old days, we had fun and everyone look so fabulous.

[@goldengirl478]

Amen to the no pants hanging!

[@deborahadams3745]

I agree ☝️👍 I would love to learn to stepping. Need a partner...help me to step.

[@evelyntobias8081]

Yes ma'am, totally agree with you!

[@grandrapladyakaamb2438]

What he failed to say is the original style was called bopping in the late 60's and 70's it was originated on the Southside of Chicago in the Englewood neighborhood.. late 60's and then we called it steeping @ the Time Square with Herb Kent, we stepped around the dance floor and it was a beautiful circle of style and finesse

[@mair18]

YES I USE TO WATCH THIS LATE AT NIGHT. LOVED IT

[@earvetta]

He's right I'm 65 SEASONED yes we stepped back then

[@michelebradley7813]

I haven't Stepped in years❣ My husband never learned, so the only time I get to step now is Family reunions😂🤦🏽‍♀️

[@stepperchic4859]

From North Carolina..I miss it...Coronavirus go away

[@shirleymartin2164]

In the sixties we would go to blue light parties in someones basement and dance the bop and stroll. Some of the cool guys were called Gowsters, they really dressed. Some of the other guys were Ivy Leaguers, they wore Brooks Brother shirts (button down collars) and khakis. We girls wore sweaters and pencil or box pleated skirts. French rolls and bangs. Those were really good times.

[@markeetawins]

In the DMV back in the day it was called hand dancing to fast music and slow dragging to a slow record!

[@smiley3412]

Can't wait to get back to steppin.

[@danielivanmoreira1930]

Soy argentino y realmente me fascina este tipo de danza..el Chicago stepping❤

[@angiebee2993]

Huge fan of DJ Sam Chatman listen to him all of the time

[@keithbrown3889]

Are you familiar with Victor Anthony James Sr? He's another great Chicago stepper?

[@angiebee2993]

@@keithbrown3889 No unfortunately have not heard of him but will have to look him up

[@keithbrown3889]

@@angiebee2993 Please do so and let me know what you think.

[@barbaraedwards5138]

My cousins taught me how to step when I was about 16 years old they used to go to some club on 47th Street in Chicago and that's during that time is when I was told how to step I had a good time and I'm still stepping I'm 81 years old and there's some people that see me dance now they're just amazed.

[@rootingforeverybodyblack_a2874]

Whoooo, that co-host got BODY!!!!

[@reesesm3730]

Steppin gives folks reason to buy expensive clothes, outfits and show off👍😂🍺

[@freddiefitch6027]

TRUE!

[@virgieoliver448]

And I love to shop so I better start learning how to step now I can KC 2step but I have yet to learn the Chicago stepping.

[@daniellewheeler4448]

Leopard Christian Louboutin😂

[@jacquelinethomas9353]

What happened to Chicago Bop. Thought that was Chicago's main dance forever. Isn't Stepping #2. My cousin Olivia was from Chicago. She always talked abt The Bop. When we went to Chicago ( in 70's ) I watched and they ,Chicago taught me The Bop. Never heard of Stepping. Years later Stepping came to Youngstown. When song " Step in the name of love " came out, that's what we Steped to. Not saying it didn't come from Chi, just had never heard it. We had a different style of doing it. Still 123 456 78

[@Heyu7her3]

​@@jacquelinethomas9353 I had to look that up. The rockabilly bop was primarily white culture, think "Grease" which was originally set in segregated school system in Chicago. Contrastingly, stepping represents Black Chicago.

[@dennisnewby7706]

I never heard of this show. I like the the dude the Host. But my GOODNESS THAT LADY HOST IS BEAUTIFUL.

[@Harlowerayne]

ChiTown Stepping, a vintage classic. Despite the high crime rate, Chicago is still a classy lady.

[@sherriecampbell6914]

I would love to do this kind of dancing , nice

[@classylady2257]

I was stepping at Budland, on that postage stamp stage, that was so small & crowded, that sometimes the guys would have to be on the floor next to it while "walking" with their partners, in 1962 when Clinton Ghent, Jojo, and others were there. Some of us would leave Washington Park swimming pool in the summer evenings, go to Budland, at 64th & Cottage Grove in the basement of the Pershing Hotel, dance all night and then repeat it the next night. We'd also go Basin Street, and ?Mambo City to mambo, cha-cha, pachanga, etc. (it's been a while). Bus Stop Charlie Green & friends would put on a show, with all their intricate steps @ Guys & Gals in the 70s. ALSO: Langston Hughes was called a "stepper" back in the 1940s! It was a label given to those who were smooth dancers who could do intricate footwork and sometimes acrobatic moves -- not dance a repeated pattern. I was and am a bopper who can step!

[@BELLA-lt2ws]

The news castor lady is built really good

[@davitamcwilliams876]

Good work and she went to the plastic surgeon that she was a part of their advertising

[@mwenyehaki6772]

That couple in blue was killing it 🖤

[@abdeg777]

When that news lady stood up and started steppin...........😍😍😘😘

[@barbaraedwards5138]

Oh I love stepping I've been stepping for years they are great.

[@alvinesehenderson4127]

My favorite D.J.!

[@jackjohnson385]

Yes I love the Chicago Steppers an out of town Steppers because they are smooth thank you

[@jackiebrown8540]

Andre Blackwell one the best foot workers in the game💜🙌

[@ladyreepatton6342]

We called it "Swinging out " back in the 60's& 70's.

[@ChavisGreenard]

This style is truly intriguing. I plan on learning this. This Louisiana native is loving this style of dance. (S/N: My wife is DJ Sam's niece.)

[@reneegraves4608]

We called it The Brooklyn Hustle, a four step which was out before 1969 even before the disco era and it was called 5 step up in NYC. I was a teenager back then and I'm 66 now. Brooklyn Hustle, Brooklyn Bounce, Harlem Shake.

[@sweedy3333]

This one is an 8 count, but it's still similar!

[@wandathomas6366]

Amen! For the grown folks/ lovers!

[@doriskent6755]

Stepping Chicago herb Kent started the stepping let’s give him his props

[@jacquelinelee5087]

He didn't start stepping phase. I don't know what he's talking about. Just Lying.🤥

[@granpamuzic]

These folks are smooth.Come to KC and see smoooooooth.All props to the 816.Steppin' like it's suppose to be.

[@djbhe]

You comparing KC to Chicago steppin. Please stop it. That's a joke I hope.

[@lutherjrriley7799]

I'm happy but we know that you are a intricate part of Stepping and We love you..Thank You...

[@bigdog5086]

I'm a native Chicagoan from the South Side... this style of dance is nothin new. Back in the day we use to call it the Bop. Friday and Saturiday nights we as teens back then would come together at a place called the Time Square ran by DJ Herb Kent the Cool Gent and we would Bop and dance all night. This took place during the mid 60's and went on to at least the mid 70's. High schools like Dunbar, Phillips, Du Sable ect. high schools from all over the south side gathered at the Time Square, the Peps, The Church and The Tuskegee located on 48th and King Drive and Bop...now they call it steppin...nothin new.

[@grandrapladyakaamb2438]

I concur. I read your comment after I made my post and we are on the same page. what they are doing these days is not as smooth and stylish as it was "back in the day" We stepped!

[@rasheedatolagbe-aro2272]

Good dancing styles in class to blend with the rhythms of the Music..

[@cummin2u]

Lookout !!! Sharp curves ahead !!!

[@conversationswithkim7672]

Yes Dre is one of the best in the Chi. I love this dance.

[@meganrobinson1707]

My favorite past time.

[@HOPE.TheresNoPlaceLikeHomeClub]

Nothing is new. The bop, the hustle, stepping...let's just dance!

[@ceebee8042]

Texas two step too. In Cali, Chachacha.

[@ginadavis5137]

No it is not the same as the hustle dance…

[@ginadavis5137]

@@ceebee8042 No those dances are not the same as bopping… which steppin originated from…

[@evelyntobias8081]

I recognize the gentleman in the blue jacket do a stepping lesson on an AARP dance event a few months ago. He is a very good teacher. I love to watch people stepping too Val. Val wear some lower heels first to learn and then you can do the high heels!

[@theresadobbins9627]

Awesome!!

[@paulodelorios8482]

I love steppin!

[@GreyMann2]

Their legs are on point! Especially, the one in the blue 👗

[@FeistyGES]

Beautiful family.❤️

[@bumpyjohnson_3rd973]

My mother and her contemporaries I should say my mother and my father they used to call it bopping and when they would slow it down of course it was called Walking that's what I like to learn Chicago walking Beyond smooth

[@shanettacane7101]

Yep bopping it was and they did it in the 50's

[@classylady2257]

It was also called stepping. You had to be really smooth with innovative, unique "steps" to be called a stepper.

[@torriebrown9607]

Love it

[@goldblooded161]

Choc James and Victor James are great Instructors also.

[@denisemitchell5308]

The steppers doing there thing😊

[@sheilabradley7766]

LOVE IT 🥰❤

[@mmsfoxxie1]

I did not know that was his daughter! I used to go to Stepper sets with Sam Chatman as the DJ. Good exercise and very enjoyable.

[@reneethornton9228]

This brings back good dancing memories. In my days we did the same style dancing only difference is we called it Hand Dancing. Men women spinning breaking away from each other coming back together never missing a beat.

[@lamoskgr]

It's funny how African dances are so similar. This actually looks like Pagode, even slow salsa

[@lamoskgr]

@Samantha Samantha True

[@VCurtis7]

Nice video interview, of the professional stepper. Nice steppin dancers, classy dance.

[@TeaDorsey]

The Dungeon! Wow

[@lisajohnson6057]

That's what's up chi town ☺️

[@drtcason]

I see you Dre! Miss you in the "A". Love you DJ Sam!

[@williephillips7805]

I love to step I'm down here in the south we call it two step

[@myway2653]

Steppin here is different than how I learned it.

[@jackiesams4818]

Great video

[@judyscott903]

I go so far back as to when me and my boys used to practice before we would go out he brought up a lot memories I'm from the South side don't take classes get a partner and just step to the music it will come

[@thebargainboss9653]

Wow ! Didn't know Samantha Chatman was DJ Sam Chatman's daughter! How beautiful!

[@frontdesk4812]

wild 100s BPSN 4 LIFE

[@irishsetterarchie]

Sam your daughter is beautiful!

[@johnevans1952]

Again ALL GOOD TASTE

[@themtb2003]

WOOO that woman fine!!! finally see her standing up!!

[@UdoADHD]

U stupid lol

[@rammerjammer9697]

She fine!!😍

[@tcwhigham1]

... CAKE FO DAYYYS

[@eddieelliott1496]

@@UdoADHD must be jelly cause jam don't shake like that

[@Richard-xo2uv]

I didn't know who you were talking about, I read this before the video started and didn't know who anyone was but I found out who this fine lady you referenced is. I concur, I like your taste. We share a similar taste I believe. Cheers!

[@EricJChambers]

Nice.

[@ceebee8042]

Smooth

[@johnevans1952]

Good

[@blairboyd4982]

That types of dancing is around for hundreds of years, they useto calling about quadrupling. I went to school in the 1960s I useto dancing in dancing class, those kinds of dancing is useto do it.The useto have a song named stepping, and when someone is leaving the area,they would said, I am stepping. That means they are leaving, I been to school in 1962 elementary school, and useto into a dancing class.

[@mamaj8332]

Awesome where are classes being offered?

[@pmjhns]

Now I understand the "eight count" after almost 50 years!

[@tyronegaltney3256]

There is none like Sam Chatman

[@jazzjones7155]

Westside the best side chi town stand up

[@charlesjackson3433]

Looking for instructional DVDs. Does Mr. Chatman any off these products for sale ?

[@kamargee9680]

Guwdgawtomighty she is killing that white dress. Tell her to step over here

[@lezordean3838]

👏🏿👏🏿🤴🏾💯🙌🏿

[@daphnerodriguez9980]

THANKS YOU GOODNESS 🌟❤️🖤💚🤎 FAMILY DAPHNE COTTON ALWAYS 💜,

[@Weedensworld]

Im in florida and want to step

[@ChavisGreenard]

Someone please tell me what song is this.

[@donhollywoodmackdonhollywo3099]

🔥🌊🔥🌊🔥🌊🔥🌊🔥🌊🔥🌊

[@beverlystepney6509]

Gary Jenkins’s I see you ❤️

[@Weedensworld]

Do they step on cruises ?

[@bishop1034]

What is the name of the music that is the playing?

[@davitamcwilliams876]

I was wondering the same thing. It sound like a mix of "count the stars" by Carmichael. He's known for his sultry stepping songs

[@danniellerush2980]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@RealJew63]

The Real Steppers are from Detroit! We call it Ballroom. I would love to challenge anyone!

[@margaretorlando4298]

Challenge accepted, bring the good times back.

[@RealJew63]

@@margaretorlando4298 All I need is TIME AND PLACE

[@MsLDSixtyOne]

CHITOWN ARE THE ORIGINAL BOPPERS And STEPPERS!

[@RealJew63]

@@MsLDSixtyOne Is this a challenge??? Time and place please…

[@keithbrown3889]

Victor Anthony James Sr. Founder of Artistic motions is the greatest Chicago stepper that I've witnessed. Google him.

[@peteholloway5473]

Do they step on cruises not really me and my wife did on Dave KOZ in one of the rooms where they played music maybe the Essence they do.. my friend in So. Carolina trying to put cruise together to travel to Caribbean Mexico

[@adoranaebeloved9061]

I love stepping it is a romantic soothing sexy dance I love to see the couples dressed up

[@JohnJohnson-xe8hy]

Southside represent, he's right tho, Westside killed it

[@shelleywatson6228]

💋❤️💐🙏✝️💯🔥

[@davidforeman8177]

I am from West Harvey, ILL. We was stepping back in 1965.

[@arciliciaoliver42]

Nope, you were boppin', check the facts...

[@davidforeman8177]

@@arciliciaoliver42 Sorry you are wrong. We boppin' but we had another dance. We called it strided', it was in between. A slow dance and boppin'. Same basic moves as steppen'. All things came from somewhere, before they got picked up by others.

[@arciliciaoliver42]

@@davidforeman8177 nope you are wrong striding was before boppin' so stay out of this there were 2 songs one said let's go do the stride if you from the Windy City you would know, so you are wrong and young and dumb...just saying...

[@arciliciaoliver42]

and harvey is how old...????????

[@arciliciaoliver42]

and you had the stroll too...I began Spinnin' in 72!!!

[@s.rosesmith6525]

I can do this but partners are few.

[@cummin2u]

Find some and U have to teach them how they should move on and off the beat.

[@s.rosesmith6525]

@@cummin2u you made me laugh.

[@cummin2u]

@@s.rosesmith6525 Smile... Laughter helps in small and large doses !!!! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@vrobbee]

She's more old school but we can all follow one another. 6-Count vs 8-Count.

[@ericwilliams460]

Don't start learning in heels

[@vivianray9464]

Those r my leopard heels like kidney Docs. Bobs

[@BettyHaney101]

Cute