Mr. Garry Fields is a premier stepper, promoter and instructor here in Los Angeles. He was the other half of 2BFC (2 Brothers from Chicago) along with Terance Jones.

After their years of dedication promoting the dance and establishing new steppers together, they both decided to split ways in different directions and form their own organizations so an even broader area can be exposed to the dance. Garry’s direction has lead him to establish Celebrity Steppers, LLC. It has lived up to the name and taught celebrities such as Vivica Fox and Angela Bassett as well as landing a role in a major GMC commercial. Did I mention I was the one of the other celebrities he taught (laughing)? Garry definitely had a part in my early development of steppin’. His contributions and presence is still strong in the steppin’ scene and 99.99% of the time you will see him at the sets and events on the dance floor doing his shimmy, high step, and famous “Matador” spin. Check out his interview.

Nikki: What made you become involved with Steppin’?

Garry: Actually, that’s a good question… While growing up as a teenager in Chicago, during those young years I was always impressed with the slightly older guys -“dudes” we called them then –who seemed to always have the girls standing around watching them do Man/Man dance maneuvers during high school lunch periods. Yea, most people around the country ate lunch during lunch period; in Chicago we did acrobatic Steppin’ moves (boppin’ back then) to impress the girls. Of course I was hooked after that.

Nikki: How long have you been in the Steppin’ community?

Garry: In Los Angeles, the actual commencement date is May 23, 2002. This date marks the very first Steppers Party promoted by a new group called “2BFC” or 2 “Brothers From Chicago” represented by Terance Jones and myself, Garry Fields. FYI: I have several of those original 2BFC flyers we used to promote this set.

Nikki: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment as an instructor and/or promoter?

Garry: As a Promoter: In that just about everything within the current day LA Steppin’ was indeed a direct or indirect result and/or product of what Terance and I began back in 2002 is a very humbling piece of history, and to think that LA is still in the infancy of what it will eventually become as a Steppin’ Mecca for the West – takes my breath away.

As an Instructor: My happiest accomplishment is reflected in the many, many faces of smiling Steppers as they grace any floor here in LA or around the country. While watching my thoughts go something like this… “Wow, look at the that brother or sister over there, they have really come a long way” I just simply keep’ on lookin’ and smilin’ cause I now realize that I have been smiling right along with them.

Nikki: What is your favorite memory?

Garry: My favorite memory is the period in which the 2BFC Chicago Steppin Organization was maintaining a class size of nearly 100 weekly students with an effective 80%  retention factor of those numbers over a long period of time. FYI: I have compiled a DVD of a lot of those classes w/ large numbers of students present.

Nikki: Any memories that make you laugh?

Garry: Yea, plenty… can’t think of any right now!

Nikki: Name a local or national Stepper or two who you love to watch that you feel really represent steppin.

Garry: I watch everybody. However, if I had a wish list on whom I would like to grow-up to be, as far as old-school, it would have to be Mr. Pete Frazier. Man, that YouTube video with him and Linda Steppin’ is off the-chain! Pete is cuttin’ a serious rug in that video! Locally, I’ll have to give praise to Mr. Steppin’ B.

Nikki: Who taught you how to step?

Garry: Tough question. Insofar as I have watched all persons at every opportunity, i.e. sock hops, waist-line rent parties, etc. I guess you could say I learned how to step on the streets of Chicago. FYI: I won my first Boppin’ contest at 13yrs of age.

Nikki: What would you like to see added or more of in our steppin’ community?

Garry: More steppin’ and more camaraderie.

Nikki: What about taken out or less of?

Garry: Less bickering.

Nikki: What else do you think people should know about you?

Garry: I intend to continue promoting and teaching. I’ve been working on a unified concept: I would like to see new promoters and would like to see them put the word out about what we do. Further, I have a working concept for a combined effort represented by all local groups – working together to promote ONE HELLAVA BIG EVENT where we all pool in the promotional money to do a major media-based, citywide casting call. Ask me for more details on what this vision entails. Trust me though, IT IS VERY DOABLE and has never been done before – and I mean anywhere else in the country!

I really appreciate Garry’s strong presence, participation, and support in the steppin’ community. He is very humble and always put in way more than expected to keep this dance growing. Congratulations on your “1^st Chicago Steppers Ball” held last week. I can only see bigger and better things coming our way through you.

For more information about Garry check out his site at Celebritysteppers.com.