I would like to introduce myself to everyone who would like to associate the face with the voice behind Steppin It Up. I am currently an active stepper on the scene and promote the dance every opportunity I can as well as some instruction when requested. I decided to start Steppin It Up the organization as well as Steppinitup.com the webpage to add to the promotion,ngrowth and unity of steppin here in L.A. from my own perspective.

Qiana "Nikki" Heidelberg 

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
YearsSteppin: 2.75 (Yep, need the .75)
Steppin Activity: Stepper, Promoter, Instructor
Favorite Songs: "Everyday" Jamiroquai, "Love Love Love" Donny Hathaway, "The Makings of You" Gladys Knight ...(Too many to name)
Favorite Steppers: Rodney "Doc" Ellis (Atlanta), Steve Satterfield (L.A.), Mykel "Shorty Smooth” (Milwaukee) ...(Too many to name)

Most Memorable Moment: Winning the Beginner's Category in 2008 at Stepping to Kings Dream

Events such as the West Coast Steppers Picnic, Instructors/Promoters meetings and my part in doing volunteer instruction for middle through high school kids for their summer program are so far just a few things I have put to action to do my part to keep this dance united and growing in Los Angeles.So far I have organized one grab bag contest which had twelve couples at all levels. I would like to see and is currently working on giving more contests for the fun and exposure of different levels in this dance as far as styles and moves. I believe it will also build the confidence of the new steppers if they challenge themselves by participating. It would be nice to see a strong representation of Los Angeles in Chicago's World’s Largest Steppers Contest this year.

I am very grateful for my beginning days stepping with the 2007 Steppin B crew, Garry of Celebrity Steppers, the late Robert Pires (L.A.), my out-of-town steppin family Mykel "Shorty Smooth" and Deon Farr (Milwaukee) as well as Feo Duncan and Candace Hinton (Flint) that have given me a solid foundation to get me where I am now. I appreciate Casper, Darlinda Russell, and Darrell Davis for coming to L.A. giving free classes teaching us a way to incorporate an old school style to the dance. Last but not least Steve Satterfield (L.A.), Drew Alexander (Detroit), Tony Dow and Vince (Chicago), Tykman and Dre (Chicago) for constantly putting up with my challenges, thousands of questions, and determination to get the right aspect of the dance and its techniques. I thank them all for helping me step it up in this dance.