"DON'T BLAME ME

IF I STARE"

by Hadiyah

Don't blame me if I stare when you glide across

the floor; I'm not trying to compare, but I am a

stepper myself

longing for more.

Your choreography

sends a message to my mind; a thought of

our royalty that is smooth

and so divine.

You lean strategically

with each beat; I am spellbound by the smoothness  of your feet; and as my eyes rise to

the top of your being,

it is at that moment our facial expressions meet.

You caught me in 

a stare; I'm

hoping you stare back

and admit your majestic

personality, by sending

me a look or a glance putting up both

on the right track.

You see, your stepping is

rich and your talent is divine;  and just for those few seconds, or the

length of your

expressions, until the

song is now a memory in

a collection, 

we become entwined;

I become you and you

become mine.

There's no need to

beware of the onlookers stare;  it's a greeting you see,  bearing witness to your extraordinary stepping ability. 

So don't blame me if

I stare as you glide

across the floor; 

I am just a stepper myself longing for more.

"SAVE ME A DANCE"

by Hadiyah

As the smooth stepper looks at me and says “Save me a dance; I’ll be back,” 

I beam with affection as I wonder,

“What’s up with that?” 

Doesn’t he know I admire him so;

now I am waiting patiently but he doesn’t show.

"Save me a dance" he said as he

drifted off into the heart of the set. Where did he go? He’s dancing with

someone else I bet.

As I watch him move through

the crowd, I envision him and me stepping proud.  He’d be the King

and I’d be the Queen,

He’d be regal and I’d be serene.

Where is he?  Did he forget about me?  The time is fleeting and it will soon be 3.

Oh well, maybe the next time I see him out, he’ll ask me to step without a doubt. 

For if I’m consistent and enjoy myself

in spite, he’ll get around to knowing he just ain’t right.

I wonder if he’s available because he keeps looking at me; or maybe he’s just forgetful or committed you see.

I can relate to the abandonment; I understand all that, but don’t promise me a dance and never come back.

“Save me a dance” is a stepping phrase waiting to be heard; don’t kill the game by not keeping your word.

Peace.

"IF I COULD TELL MY PEOPLE A STORY"

by Hadiyah Al-Sudan

(saluting our greatness)

If I could tell my people a story,

I’d try to save a life.  I’d focus on our past history’s pain, humiliation and strife.  Very quickly I would switch the subject so those who could hear

would also perceive-- that faith and sincerity, hard work, and

perseverance were the tools that

set us free.  Collectively or

as an individual, we need never be defeated again by adversity.

If I could tell my people a story,

I would be capturing a key element in my journey of living.  I would try to reach another's  heart and quench his or her thirst through giving.

I would let my people know that faith, sincerity, hard work and determination are what brought us from the depth of despair to the surface; and one by

one, if  you sincerely believe and want lasting results, The  Creator will

reveal to you your royal attributes

and purpose.

The Creator, if He so decrees, can restore majestic dignity in each of us again and again, not just for display

on the outside but within.  This is

what I would tell my people, this is

what I would share; I would pour

out my heart; I would stress how

much I care. 

I would try to reach the person that keeps struggling because of a glimpse of light, and impress upon his or her intellect and emotions that

our Creator, if He so decides,

will bring him or her forth from a seemingly endless whirlwind plight. 

If I could tell a story to my people,

this is what I would say, and I would sincerely pray that my story is passed on to each of us every step of 

the way.     Peace

  "I feel so

  StepChi

  free in

  Cyberspace...

I feel so StepChi free

in cyberspace;

free to share with

the world the joy and

the pride in me, as I focus

on the kings and queens

of Chi that are superb in their dance—and royal in their social abilities.

I marvel at the chance to

capture a stepper that understands I have

no hidden agenda,

and one who knows

I do what I do when I take pictures for the art of steppin' splendor.

To illuminate the stepper

when I too am out to have fun, gives more meaning

to my participating in the

Art of Steppin',  a phenomenon under the

moon, stars and sun.

So thanks to the New School, Main Stream

and Old School too

for without your charismatic performance and gracious acceptance of StepChi,

I would be on

the shelf in cyberspace,

visited by few.

Peace, Hadiyah

"I saw you from Afar"

by Hadiyah

Dear Stepper,

I saw you last week

from a far distance;

my heart skipped a beat,

yet I knew not to be persistent.

So I turned and I nodded

to keep things intact;

You acknowledged my nod

and then nodded back

I didn’t see you for the rest

of the night because the set

was so packed;

Yet, the thought of your

being present meant you may show back.

Now I’m no hell of a stepper

and probably could use a

few classes;

however, what I do bring

to the table is love for the art

of steppin' and no baggage.

Therefore stepper,

when you come

to a set again and our

souls meet,

Just remember its spring;

it’s time for a steppin' thing;

it’s time for a StepChi treat.

A SALUTE TO THE STEPPIN' KINGS IN THEIR HATS

by Hadiyah Al-Sudan

I love to see the

Steppin’  Kings in their Hats, i.e.

Dress Hats, Top Hats

And all kinds of Hats with Brims;

Sports Caps and Western Hats to wear

in the Windy City,

And Military Hats to Defend;

Fez or Kufi for those

that are making awareness

statements; 

all creating a sea of dress-excellence that has no limitations.

Whether The Steppin' King's Crown matches his clothes

or is thrown in for effect;

a King in  his Hat is royalty

at its best!

I love to see a

Steppin’ King

crowned  with a Hat

thereby

dressing to impress,

or a Cap turned

backwards

revealing his stunning

youth-ful-ness. 

  Yes, A Steppin’ King

in a Hat is gallant

everywhere,

  still, I must be fair-- 

I also admire Corn Rows,

Fades, Close Cuts,

even Processed hair

is back,

but give me a Steppin’ King crowned with

his own  style,

sealing in his

own identity

in the Steppin’

Time Zone,

and sealing it with a Hat!

Steppin' Poetry by Hadiyah

StepChi

.

A STEPPER’S MEMOIR

by Hadiyah Al-Sudan

I longed to see you

last night Stepper;

you didn’t show;

and even though

there was good music

and steppers everywhere,

I kept my eyes on the door.

I realized by ten

I should refocus within,

yet my heart said be patient and wait some more.

Then all of a sudden,

I saw you do a walk by.

You didn’t look my way;

I thought I would die. 

I felt crushed, I must say; because I had envisioned

you and me being partners

for the rest of the night

like a steppers' play-day.

It would not have

mattered if you had

taken me in your arms

to do the six court or eight;

I would have improvised,

and my timing would

have been immaculate and never late.

Even though my

expectations may have

been high; I was stunned

when you  passed me by, because last month I was

the apple of your eye.

However,

I must remember all things change; nothing stays

the same, and each

set brings new opportunity

in the steppin' game.

So, I’ll look for a new

steppin' partner that

will swell me with

inner pride, for life is

fleeting and I’ve come

aboard the steppin’ train

not for let-downs

but for a glorious ride.

At the next set,  I’ll look for someone  that compliments

my moves, works with me

on my flaws, and caresses

my entire being, like a

stepper above the law.

I'll choose someone

who will make me smile,

not just for a while

but the entire night through,

so I can anticipate him

and forget about you.

When you read my memoir

don’t worry about me,

'cause my new steppin’

friend and I will reach for

the sky as we watch

the night flee.

We’ll step into a night

of pure bliss, because this Steppin' King will  give

me heaven on earth 

and seal it with a kiss.

STEPCHI STEPPER

by Hadiyah

Step shy stepper,

let all your creative

moves blend,

then reach deep into your soul and bring forth the artistic being within. 

Step shy stepper, then emerge like a sunrise or a shooting star,

while glances from 

on-lookers recognize

who you really are.

Step shy stepper,

and let the Shy-ness remain

upfront in your soul--not

far back, then,

let your composition

explode on beat, calculated, and exact. 

Step shy stepper,

as you recogize in that very moment that the cut

is almost over and it will be time to return to your seat...

just make sure you keep

your eyes on the king you

are dancing with in case his gesture to step again

comes across oh so sweet.

Cause two dances in a row,

with the right king and the right flow, that produces

in you a royal glow, can turn the night into a StepChi treat.

  

"I Appreciate  Steppin' Kings..."

by

Hadiyah Al-Sudan

I appreciate Steppin’ Kings that take the

time to raise Queens from their seats, hence, removing their frowns. 

I appreciate a Steppin’ King that

loves the art of stepping so much that he passes his talent around.

I appreciate that King that takes a Queen

by the hand and pulls her to the floor;

especially, after she has paid seven to fifteen dollars at the stepping-set door. 

Many may say bring your own stepping

partner when you come to the set and others will say come out more often and the Kings will eventually be impressed.

I see entire tables of Queens longing to be discovered and wishing  that Steppin' Kings would give them a dance because they are so bored.  The right age,

shape or style does not make her exempt;

many are mainstream steppers,

just down right being ignored.

So I appreciate seeing a King that is not burdened  by peer pressure or his

environment, and zeros in on a Queen

thereby, changing her temperament. 

A King can give a Queen heaven in just

one song, thereby enlightening her heart and allowing her to proceed into the night

knowing nothing could go wrong. 

You see when a Queen dresses to impress

and takes a journey into the sea of Kings,

she has already conditioned herself to

keeping the night smooth and serene.

Now all she needs is a little attention from Steppin' Royalty to bring to life her most

enchanting Steppin' dreams.    

  Peace.

Hadiyah's Perspective

The fine essence of the Bopper/Walker/Stepper

belongs solely to him

or her

just like the color of

his or her eyes

and the texture

of his or her hair.

Our intellect,

spirituality,

and attributes are

all fine ingredients specifically

placed in each of us,

to produce

the royal person

from within. 

Kings and Queens that

recognize their

greatness also

recognize it takes a

life time process of

study and

adaptation to

perform and continue

to perform great works.

Thank you for visiting StepChi

Steppin' in Chicago

A StepChi Ad

TV is Scheduled; Videos are Fast;

But if you're on StepChi's Slideshow

your Steppin' Fame will last.

A Salute to the The Black Man's Role

( by Hadiyah)

A King leads when he dances with a Queen

but that’s not the only time;

he also leads in his union of man with

woman because of the Creator’s outline. 

The reason the King is at a status above the Queen is not because he’s so fine

and his nature makes him reign supreme,

but because he’s made in the best of mode

and is supposed to be our protector over

mountains and streams.

Where  Queens do have the ability

to be equal with Kings is in our

comprehending what the Creator

wants to convey; this is where our

intellectual capacity is equal,

needless to say.

 

Yet, our physical design

is where the difference comes in;

the King was put on earth by the Creator

to be our anchor, our comforter; our friend.

If the King directs the way for the Queen

and does it correct,  of course he can lead  us

without protest; but that’s only if he’s sincere

and stands for truth and exhibits

character at its best.

A King is definitely capable of providing

leadership of a correct kind-- he is well defined;

for to be able to lead a Queen

is one of the Creator’s exact designs.

Correct  leadership of the precious Queen

must be learned and taught to other

young Kings which takes time,

just like the creating and serving of

a fine chilled wine. 

So congratulations Black Man

brcause you've been endowed with the necessary attributes to lead a Queen;

and the traits that truly

win her  heart is when you're oh so kind; 

strong;  yet  serene.

Peace,

11/06/08

Hadiyah's Perspective

.

C

Ask a King to Dance

Peace ladies and Gentlemen.

Come on out to the club there is so much to do and see,

yet the protocol for the ladies has changed a bit

to set all steppers free.  So for the ladies that sit there

and don’t get a chance, just rise from your seat

and ask a King to dance.  You could get turned down

for one reason or another for the King may have other obligations or be a stubborn kind of  brotha.

But don’t let that stop you; you’ve got to move on,

‘cause the music is nice and the night is still young.

Press ahead ladies, those that came out to dance; those that don’t mind being on the front

line like a soldier and asking a King for his hand.

For those ladies with a built in steppin’ partner or are well

known by even a few,  this message isn’t meant for

nor does it apply to you. 

I’m talking to the infrequent stepper, the un-discovered

stepper, and the new; why sit there all night

when you can take matters into your own hands like a confident stepper would do.

Ask a King to dance.

Peace, Hadiyah

12/08

It Happened To Me Last Night

by Hadiyah

12/08

It happened to me last night; the wings on my feet took flight; a King took a chance which allowed me to display my dance; it happened to me last night.

The reason why this is

significant to me is

I was able to step magnificently;

at least that’s how I felt.

The music was what I wanted

to hear and it seemed as though

our flow captured glances

far and near--

leaving me to believe I will eventually get more dances;

because, no matter a Queen’s age or how many classes she has engaged, it is all void if she

doesn’t get steppin’ time

chances.

It happened to me last night;

the wings on my feet took flight;

a King took a chance which

allowed me to display my dance;

it happened to me last night.

If the mood is right and a steppin’ King reaches for a Queen’s

hand to step; he should take

heed that this gesture

is fitting for a Queen. 

It’s not about her

trying to choose or messing

up a King’s image or groove

just because she wants to dance;

if her love is deep for the

steppin’ beat then

accommodating her with

a dance is an act of kindness

and  a wonderful plan.

On the other hand, asking a

King to dance doesn’t work every chance and sometimes a Queen can be subtlety insulted if she dares.  So many Queens sit back and wait for that break when a steppin’ King will share;

then she won’t have to continue sitting there like she is all

unaware and just don't care...

Instead she can end the night

and wake up the next day

saying the following phase…

It happened to me last night; the wings on my feet took flight; a King took a chance which allowed me to display my dance; it happened to me last night.

Peace Steppers

"On The Ocean"

(My Ship Has Finally Come)

A short Steppin' Poem

Dedicated to all Steppers by Hadiyah

As we step through the night and await tomorrow,

the steppin' scene fulfills a dream and eradicates our sorrow.  The yesterdays, today,

and future all blend, and for those few

treasured hours our attention turns within.

Feeling safe and supreme, we have flashbacks

of our royal heritage as Kings and Queens.

Styling and profiling, we dance the night away,

bathing in the fact that

our ship has docked for another day.

Step On Steppers.

Steppers Illuminated

by Hadiyah Al-Sudan

(12/30/09)

Steppers Illuminated with royalty intact,

carved into time and known as a fact.

Steppers Illuminated,

a scene to behold

Kings and Queens pressed, dressed,

and adorned in silver and gold.

Lights, camera, action!

steppin to the beat,

two personalities entwined;

dancing on time;

looking divine;

a masterpiece complete.

Each night of stepping is special

and steppers come back for more;

you never know whom you will meet

or if you will conquer

the dance room floor. 

You step through the night

exhibiting your best moves,

not having a clue

that all eyes are on you.

Many songs are played while others

gaze upon you as you dance.

  You are the center of attraction

submerged in a majestic trance.

You wish the song would never end,

only for the DJ to start another

and you experience

bliss all over again.

Steppers Illuminated with royalty intact,

carved into time and known as a fact.

Peace be upon you.

"True Royalty

starts within

and then filters out allowing us to produce great works.

Peace to

all the Steppin

Kings and Queens that Step (in) Chi  and  global."

Hadiyah

THANK YOU

STEPPIN PRODUCERS

Thank you Steppin Set Producers for the monthly stepper sets and

special events too, and  thank you for the seasonal themes that

capture the kings and queens of steppin over and over again,

through and through.

Thank you for your arriving early at the venues to set up and

staying late after the steppers have gone.  Thank you for the

outstanding DJ’s you hire to bring us the best of sounds, letting

us know that to the steppin game you hold true, and your works

are profound.

Thank you Producers of the steppin sets; you know who you are.

Your reputations precede you in Chicago and afar. Yes, we know

what you do is for profit; that’s very clear; however, when the set

is not packed and  a deficit you fear; you just keep your eyes

on the prize, strive to reach your next goal, and once again

draw us near.

On a regular, you out do yourself and bring fame to us all.

We need you to know that we appreciate you so.   As steppers

we  have non-stop fun everytime we  attend your  sets,  because

you go that extra mile,  and without doubt you strive

to do your best!

                               Hadiyah

A Natural WomHadiyah Al-Sudan

A BLACK KING AND HIS QUEEN

by

Hadiyah Al-Sudan

May 31, 2009

Through sweat and toil

The Natural Woman fought to

get back on her throne

and through it all

she never felt alone.

From within her,

with every breath she took,

the Creator gave her fortitude

and had her take a second look. 

The Queen would remember

back in time,

how her King could make her smile

and how nice it was to lean on him

for each and every mile;

to talk to him, to counsel him,

to help him carry the load;

to let him know

that she loved him so

with each loving spoken word.

Then division hit like a ton of bricks and brought pain; 

the queens and the kings

were taken from the east

and brought to the west in chains;

thereafter, for the queens and kings

stolen from the Motherland,

there was no submission or reign. 

Thereafter, the struggle was on to recognize our own

and more than that to survive. 

The queen's submission 

to the king diminished,

the twinkles in her eyes

were finished

and the style was me, myself and I.

It seemed like a bitter sad end;

never again in history

would the kings and queens

of Africa be friends;

until one day, the queen became conscious and cried out,

“What a waste; I’m unhappy; I want my spirit to be free

and back in its natural place.” 

That place is where the

Black man is king

his natural woman is queen and together they are one;

for what is the sun

without the moon

and how can you have

a joy-filled life

without your mate being in tune. 

The woman is not a slave

to her grave

but she is a reigning queen

and needs a reigning king

to love, cherish, rule with her,

and have fun.

The king should put the natural woman first, and she has an

inherit right to a

positive relationship

with her king right here on earth. 

The nourishment of the queen’s soul

is not by knowledge and material things alone, but by each breath

that the king takes as they reign together on their very own throne.

The queen’s submission to the king

should be filled with bliss

and drenched in pure happiness for all to see, for the queen deserves Heaven right here on earth which would enhance her awareness of her royalty.

In summary, the queen was put in the king’s caring hands so he could love and cherish her, while they both receive knowledge and wisdom from the Creator during their stay on Earth.

Peace.

I LOVE STEPPIN

by Hadiyah Al-Sudan

StepChi Editor

9/10/10

I love steppin; I love it with all my heart;

I love the moves with the music;

And I love all those who play a part.

I love the atmosphere of Steppin;

I love the mannerism of the Kings;

I love the perfection of the Queens;

And I love the sharp outfits, mild to extreme.

I love the energy of the steppers from slow to fast;

I love the creativeness each couple adventures into,

for 3 to 5 minutes or how ever long the song last.

I love capturing steppers on camera

especially when the King breaks into a lean,

or when the Queen smiles struggling to hold back exuberant esteem.

I love to step, and I love to watch other

steppers do their part as they participate in a

non-ending production of a great art--

the Art of Steppin.

Peace be unto you.

THE BREAK AWAY

by: Hadiyah Al-Sudan 9/22/10

I saw something amazing and I never saw it before.

  It’s when Steppin Kings break away all at the

same time and it’s not towards the door.

The break away is like a melting iceberg but fast;

the reason is the Kings like the song the DJ has just dropped, and they want to experience it from the

starting note to the last. 

Now Steppin Queens, if you are near the Kings

when they break away and don‘t get a step, don’t be offended, don’t be disappointed, stay at your best-- because it's like the Kings are playing chess and  their moves contain calculated finesse.

However Queens, if you want to join in the fun,

don’t keep sitting there like something went wrong;

You too must break away; look around you

and find a King belonging to no one;

and ask him to dance so you

can have fun off of a favorite song.

THE MAGICAL

BIRTHDAY DANCE

by Hadiyah  01/11

Steppers, when you see a king or queen

steppin and it seems they're bigger than life,

get in their birthday dance line

for a step or two which can be oh so nice.

You may not get a chance to introduce

yourself or even get the ultimate star-glance,

yet those 30 seconds of bliss can give you a

fond memory of steppin with a steppin celeb 

that  you didn't miss.

Celebrities are relative, so if you admire a

stepper in any  season, get in his or her  birthday dance line where you will have a stepper's

legitimate cause and reason.

Peace

The Amazing Rose Wellington; the title fits, for this Queen constantly brings heaven to steppers via Paradise Production and she never quits. Yes, this Amazing Woman is an entrepreneur; and yet let me be clear; this Queen is a stepper that can hold her own among all her steppin peers. 

Rose has mastered the art of bringing to a steppin venue her best; she has persevered and surmounted obstacles over and over again, passing each season’s test.  Rose’s success can’t be measured by comparing her to another, for she is an extraordinary producer of steppin sets; there is no other. She brings to the steppers, on every 4th Saturday at Mr. G's, the best of atmosphere and sounds; it is the time and place where Paradise Production unfolds into a masterpiece right in the heart of Chi-Town.

The Amazing Rose constantly produces heaven on earth, and this is  as it should be, for the talented steppers of Chi, and visitors from other states, need a place where they can exhibit their skills and innate nobility. Congratulations Rose!   Thank you for 18 years of vision and letting us accompany you on your extraordinary mission of  bringing to the people PARADISE PRODUCTION.     

                                                 (From the Desk of Hadiyah 04/04/11)

A Touch

of Heaven right here on Earth ~

brought to you by Rose of Paradise Production

"Paradise in Chi"

Steppers,

for

us to be handed

a Rose

and Paradise

all at the same time, once every month like the Zodiac Signs,

can't mean but

one thing

it's a blessing

from the Divine. 

Now steppers

you know and

you can't deny,

that when kings and queens

come out

dressed to

impress and

travel from north, east, south, and west, providing them excellence

is no easy task; and to do it every 4th Saturday

is the ultimate

blast ! 

So come to

Mr. G's every 4th Saturday from

9 to 3; it's

only $10 at the

door and the Heaven is free.  Rose Wellington's set, the name reigns; she is Queen Supreme

in this Fantastic Steppin' Game.

(Hadiyah's Perspective 2009)

Peace

"DOWN TO EARTH-HEAVEN"

by

Hadiyah Al-Sudan 05/05/11

Summer is fast approaching and what does it bring? 

The answer is beautiful steppin queens and

good-looking steppin kings. The colors of steppin-styles

have burst onto the scene, from suits to casuals;

from designer shoes to designer jeans. 

My favorite signs of such a wonderful time

are laughter in the air, and steppers dancing the night away

in pairs with trios getting their share.

Yes, Spring is here steppers and Summer is nigh;

what a glorious time for us to partake of this art called Steppin,

whereby experiencing the ultimate of what I like to call

“Down-To-Earth-Heaven." 

Click here to add text.

Music on Hold -

Full Circle

The ultimate of steppin is to be able to demonstrate the “art of steppin” while displaying and enjoying our  royalty.  Each stepper is a king or queen with innate extraordinary abilities.

Ken Bedford’s Afterwork Steppin and Networking Set at The Alhambra Palace

completes the need to step and to be seen, because each king and queen

has his or her own throne to sit on and be all he or she can be, which is supreme.

Now this is no geography lesson for a steppin locale but a respectful fact,

that if you want to experience being supreme, while networking with kings and queens,

then come to Ken’s set where you can step, eat and rap.

Ken provides a place for us that leaves us with delightful memories after 

we have wined, dined, stepped and left; because the Palace houses an atmosphere

by design, that has been created  for the best.

So every time I can’t wait and want to experience my artistic skills on earth,

I will attend Ken Bedford’s set to exhibit my steppin skills and/or just be me, as I network.

  Peace be unto you (written by Hadiyah 5/6/10)

Hadiyah's Perspective:

"If you can't conceive that you inherited your royalty at the beginning of time from the Creator,

and then strive to promote this via your good works, then you can't project the greatness of you.

Know that good character continues to enrich and reveal our majestic nature. 

By the Creator's design, we are kings and queens.

You don't need permisson from 'man' to know and exhibit your innate royalty." 

Peace be unto you."  06/24/11

A Letter to the Steppers

From the desk of

Hadiyah Al-Sudan 12/01/11

Dear Stepper, 

As our 2011 steppin year comes to an end and we reflect over how we enjoyed so many our steppin friends, I'd like you to know that your royal presence at each set reigned anew; you didn't disappoint my capturing your excellence on camera, and I pray I didn't disappoint you.

2012 is oh so near, and then each of us will bring our attributes and extra-ordinary talents again to the steppin sphere.

It's no mystery that the essence of greatness  is a reflection of you, for our forefathers left a magnificent trail; and if the truth be told, I must say, "you wear your armor of greatness very well."

Peace be unto you all.