The smooth sounds of R&B can be heard outside classrooms in the Huey P. Long Fieldhouse on Thursday nights while participants learn the basics of Chicago Steppin’.
Chicago Steppin’, an urban ballroom dance is the topic of a new University leisure class.
The dance originated in Chicago and dates back to the jitterbug, according to University alumnus and Chicago Steppin’ class instructor Christopher Jarrell.
The dance was brought back to life after the disco era and came to life in the Midwest during the ‘80s, Jarrell said.
The dance spread outside Chicago around 2000, and R. Kelly truly revived the form with his 2003 song, “Step in the Name of Love,” Jarrell said.
Chicago Steppin’ allows dancers to express themselves, he said.
“The footwork doesn’t change. It’s all about individual style,” Jarrell said. “The song dictates how you dance, and that’s what makes it