This next key person in the history of steppin in L.A. truly has a phenomenal part. If you were to see a group picture of the first eight contributors to the history of steppin in L.A. she would be the only woman in it showing she can hold her own.

She is a stepper, promoter, and at times has even helped instruct. I first remember her at Hollywood Park Casino back in 2007 (yes, I’m still a newbie). She was well known. Every successful class, set, and event going on at the time she was part of it. Just last year she brought to L.A. four Chicago “heavy hitters”: Casper, Darlinda Russell, Tony Dow, and Darrell Davis for free lessons for the L.A. community. By her doing so, besides the 8 count, some of us were exposed to the 6 count for the first time and also got the chance to learn how to add an old school groove to our style. Her contributions has in one way or another benefited us all by being an early contributor to steppin in L.A. Check out her interview.

Nikki: What made you become involved with steppin?

Lana: I started Steppin in LA because one of my girlfriends at the time had just came back from a visit to Chicago and was so excited about the dance that she saw there, so I searched on the internet and found a Friday class at the Hollywood Park Casino that we started taking together. Within months after starting that class I actually traveled to Chicago myself doing some other promotion and got to see Steppin firsthand. As far as my actual "involvement" with Steppin, I think that happened when I started organizing group trips for Los Angeles and bringing instructors to LA. After that, my efforts progressed and I became very active not only in LA but with all the various cities.

Nikki: How long have you been in the steppin community?

Lana: I started taking classes in 2003 at the Hollywood Park Casino.

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

Lana: Things that have brought awareness about Steppin in LA to a wider audience: Getting local Los Angeles Steppers the opportunity to perform on local TV with Gayle Anderson, at the UniverSoul Circus, at the Los Angeles Clipper game, arranging for media coverage of the 3rd Annual Steppin to King's Dream by local news media, getting LA talked about on the Michael Baisden show and then taking a bunch of folks to step with him during his visit to LA. Also, getting Baisden to come out and support Steppin at the Hollywood Park Casino which drew a major crowd of non-Steppers. Getting the City Council, the Governor, the Mayor and the President of the United States to recognize the efforts of Steppin to King's Dream and Steppin through commendation letters. I've organized alot of Steppin events and promoted alot of people in the Steppin community, so much so that I can't remember it all.

Nikki: What is your favorite memory?

Lana: My first trip to Chicago.

Nikki: Any memories that make you laugh?

Lana: I've organized quite a few group trips and woowee there are some funny stories we come home with, but I think out of respect to the folks I rolled with that I'd best keep my mouth shut :)

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

Lana: I love to watch alot of Steppers, way too many to name. My taste has shifted over the years, so as my skill and knowledge of Steppin has grown I've learned to appreciate things differently in a dancer.

Nikki: Who taught you how to step?

Lana: That's sort of a two part answer. When I first started Steppin in 2003, Terance and Garry of 2BFC (Two Brothers From Chicago) were my instructors, but at that time they were teaching the old school six count Bop version. The Steppin that you see me doing today on the floor, Steppin B gave me that foundation and I was polished off by dancing with as many dancers as I could in a variety of cities to develop my own individual flow or flair.

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

Lana: More Steppers, more bodies, more folks!!! That in itself will require some adjustments to the current promotion/marketing techniques that are used by most in LA.

Nikki: What about taken out or less of?

Lana: People will be people, that is just the nature of things (especially when you get numerous people from a variety of backgrounds). We will disagree, we will fight, and we will befriend each other on Tuesday and belittle each other on Thursday. It would be my hope though that collectively we take a stance as a community for the dance and not let the distractions of human nature slow down progress.

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

Lana: That I'm happy, that I love peace in my life and at the age I'm at I will do what I feel is best to keep that positive state of mind. Even if that means Steppin or no Steppin :)

I would like to say thank you Ms. Lana Reid for coming into this dance steppin it up with your promotions and support. I hope to see you soon on the scene again as well as the floor to demonstrate the graceful flow seven years of steppin can create.

For more information about Lana check out her site at Lanareid.com.