The Sunshine After the Rain - Charnice's Birthday Party Back

Jun 14, 2010

By Cynthia Robinson (MSBU. SOD.)

Steppin has brought me some good times, good memories, and

good friendships. Thinking back to my early years of steppin, many Milwaukeeans hopped on the bus with MSBU to go to Chicago parties, contests, etc. These days everyone just hops in their ride, car pool, or stay the night over in Chicago to hang out. Admittedly, I stopped going as much when it was no longer a mini-trip with everyone all together. That, in addition to me just spending more time with family; rather than going out of town. Anyhow, I decided to attend Charnice's birthday party. I've read about her, figured she was cool, and know that she's one of the pioneers in the dance. Enough said.

Sooo. The week of the event tragedy strikes my family through what seems like a land slide of heartache, loss of life, accidents and dissension. Needless to say, I didn't feel like being anywhere but under the covers. I missed MSBU's Friday After Next Party; which I felt bad about because the students are really supportive in attending our events and I wanted to be there to dance with them. I had also changed my mind about going to the Sisters in Sync workshop and party.

Saturday afternoon comes and I'm still in my feelings about personal matters and after getting a text from Lisa, a light bulb came on and I said to myself 'you need to get out' and I'm so glad I did. I jumped up got ready and was on my way to meet with my MSBU members to head to Matteson.

Charnice's party was great. All of the notable faces and figures of the dance community were there. It was cool to match the photos of people on sites like ILoveSteppin.com and Facebook with the actual faces in the crowd. It's funny how you feel like you already know someone through reading their posts or seeing pics of them at different events across the country. In fact, I found it much easier to introduce myself to someone knowing that we have already communicated through social networking online. It was also great to see some of my Detroit friends who I haven't seen in some time (((remembering good people, good times))).

The party had everything you would want and expect at an event. After finding ample parking and walking into the hotel, there were vendors selling CDs, jewelry, t-shirts and a cool guy I met selling 600 count satin sheets. The buffet was lavish. Charnice's birthday line was off the hook; I'm sure there will be some video on Youtube with highlights. Carmichael gifted the crowd with a great live performance. Check Carmichael out on iTunes. By the way, you don't need an iPod, iPhone, or iPad to get music from iTunes. If your local DJ doesn't play him at your sets and then ask your local DJs to play him at your sets (especially his hit Rock It).

More than anything, I really have appreciation for the mood of that night. The social interaction was on point that evening. Sometimes we loose track of all that is good about what we're doing. It feels so much better when there's good energy and good people around. The guys were gentlemen and the women were cool. Most important was that everyone was receptive to each other and it was a great time. This weekend hanging out was the sunshine after the rain.

That's what stepping will do for you.