This year there was one King Dream event in Los Angeles, Steppin 4 A Dream. It had involved a collective effort of instructors, promoters, and steppers that made it a successful six day event. Wednesday night, was the regular Sexy Wednesdays set held the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month hosted by Class A Productions. I did not attend because I knew I had to save some energy to last me the next five days to come and I didn't want to miss all the the entertainment that was to come with it. Many that had attended said they had a great time and really enjoyed themselves.

Thursday night, I decided to go to Brian’s “Steppin B” class. When I arrived I was so happy to see a workshop style class that included Dre (Chicago), Victor and Carlton (Indianapolis), Drew (Detroit), Byron (D.C.), and many others. After jumping around from group to group taking in all that I can for a couple of hours the clock struck 9pm and it was time to go to the Loft for the S4AD set. When I arrived at the set cars were everywhere. I knew it was going to be packed in the building. I found a parking spot a block away and headed to the party. When I walked in they were just packing up the food. I guess I got there and missed the Wings portion of the “Jeans, Wings and Things” theme for the night. There were two floors available for dancing and our local DJ Mike and guest DJs kept the floor packed. I got my step on for a couple of hours then had to tap out. I had a workout at the class and was dead tired.

Friday night was the Black and White theme. I arrived there around 9pm. There was a $5 parking fee I didn’t expect but my alter ego took care of it (Laughing). After collecting my weekend wristband I walked into a room set up really nice. It also had two floors available to use and a patio for air and breaks. DJ Mellow Khris was on the 1’s and 2’s and the crowd was comfortable. A couple of hours later the crowd doubled making it a tight space. I was squeezing in and out of chairs to maneuver around and after a few uptempo dances found myself having to leave the room to get a fresh breath of air. Cardell gave a good performance and I was happy to see Tony Dow and his nephew Vince at the set ready to tear the floor up. At the end of the night it was a really nice set and turn out. Afterwards there was a set at the Consolidated Plaza by the World Class Alliance Group. I didn’t attend but I heard steppers packed it from wall to wall.

Saturday I had the choice to take either Brian and Dre’s steppin workshop or Tim and Yvette’s walkin workshop which was included in the package price for buying my ticket early. Sleep told me I will be taking Tim and Yvette’s workshop since it was later. When I arrived, I was happy to see Sarah Teagle (Atlanta), Drew and Sherry (Detroit), Marvin (Chicago) and Sheila (Las Vegas) assisting them. Yvette was really clear with her instruction and very patient. They both made sure every woman (of course because we always outnumber the men) had or shared a partner. Not only did they teach the moves and style of the dance they taught the etiquette as well. At the end of the workshop, Tim told the ladies to make sure they asked him for a dance when a walkin song is played during the weekend and he is available. He also encouraged the men to ask the women. I left the workshop pleased.

Saturday night was the Harlem Nights theme at the Hollywood Park Casino. After finding my wristband (I refused to wear outside of a steppin environment), I finally walked into again another nice set up. People were really dressed for the theme and looked good. Ms. Mosley was presented a cake for her birthday. Pete Frazier, Tim Yvette, and Dre were given awards by the S4AD committee. Afterwards there was a “New School” contest with six contestants. There were four judges. Three couples were to be eliminated then the winner picked the next night. To my surprise, three couples were eliminated but an old school couple remained in the contest. It raised an eyebrow. After the contest Marzette Griffith came to the stage and kept referring to L.A. as Las Vegas. He still gave us a very good performance and me a good laugh when he said “Come on Las Vegas. Sorry, nobody by that name lives here anymore”. DJ Shermax and DJ Pierre (Vegas) did they thing to keep the floor packed. It turned out to be a good night overall.

There was a $30 Sunday brunch given earlier in the day by Los Angeles Steppers Connection that I did not attend. I haven’t heard any reviews either. Maybe someone will post it.

Sunday night again had a really nice set up. Mellow Khris and Pierre were the DJ’s and mixed in some nice classics. The S4AD committee was making sure everyone had a good time. The appetizers and desserts were really good. Seeing Drew and Yvette in the contest brought back memories for me. It was on the second floor of the casino where two years ago in 2008 I competed for the first time in the beginner’s category with a young man. I remembered the crowds and how nervous I was. The other couples were Big Al and Georgette (L.A.) and Super Dave and his partner (Vegas), that’s what I heard his name is. It was a very good contest. The dips and footwork Drew and Yvette did were nice. I was confused when he picked her up, spinned her like a helicopter over his shoulder then flipped her down. I thought, like with most contests, when he lifted her off the ground they would be eliminated unless of course it was a freestyle contest. After the audience booed the judges for eliminating Big Al and Georgette and leaving the old school couple in they decided to let the couples go for 30 more seconds so the audience can judge. The audience picked Drew and Yvette as first place winners ($500), Big Al and Georgette and Super Dave and his partner as second and third (Vegas Memorial Weekend Jam tickets). I was told it was changed to an anything goes (freestyle) contest so it explained the lifting. At the end of the evening after buying drinks, DVDs and making sure I still had money left to pay for valet I hear an announcement for a one night only deal to purchase tickets for next year’s event. I missed that deal but will definitely be back next year.

The Steppin 4 A Dream committee really did an excellent job making sure everyone was accommodated and having a good time. Lonzo, Steve, Paula, Davita, Karen, Veneta, Mike, Geney, and all the others on the committee congratulations on your 5th year. I see it only getting bigger and better.