WLSC – World’s Largest Steppers Competition 2023

Welcome to the WLSC 2023 page at StepintheChi.org – a stepper’s source for information about the World’s Largest Steppers Competition in Chicago. Here you can find information about most things Worlds Largest. Find information on:

• Contest Rules and Categories for 2023
• World’s Largest 32nd Annual Preliminaries Schedule and Dates
• Videos from Contestants
• Interviews with WLSC contestants from the livingthe8count blog
• The winning history of the World’s Largest Steppers Contest

StepintheChi.org, livingthe8count.com, and/or all of its affiliates are not sponsors of the World’s Largest Competition but we love to talk about all things WLSC and to share information for the contestants and contest supporters.

About the World’s Largest Steppers Competition

The social dance Chicago Stepping has spread across the United States into many cities nationally and a few internationally, but the roots and essence of what stepping is stay in Chicago. You may find stepping contests in other cities like Minnesota, Houston, Detroit, and Milwaukee, but the largest steppers contest that pulls the best of the best ready to make a claim and show their stuff is the World’s Largest Steppers Competition in the mecca of stepping, Chicago. On September 16, 2023, this annual event organized by Pete Frazier and the Majestic Gents returns to showcase contestants on the big stage at the Tinley Convention Center. This is the 32nd year for this contest and performances are based and judged on originality, synchronization, footwork, and appearance. The WLSC 2023 contest will be judged across different contest categories.

WLSC Weekend Schedule

2023 Contest Categories for Steppers

There are five categories for contestants to compete in for WLSC 2023.

• New Skool Category. While this category shares many of the same elements as the Original Category, the Original New Skool category differs with respect to the emphasis placed on Turns, Dips, and Drops. While dips and drops are not required or preferred over creative dancing in the Original New Skool Category, they will not be frowned upon. Routines are also acceptable in this category, as long as the basic pattern of Steppin’ exists. The New Skool Original category will be judged by Steppers who began dancing after 1995, so plan your dance accordingly.
• Beginners Category. Beginners should have less than 2 and ½ years of total dance time. Beginners are judged on the Old Skool Original rules. The judges for this category will be the Original Old Skool judges, so plan your dance accordingly. Emphasis For Beginners Will Be Placed On:
  • Timing and coordination
  • Synchronization with partner
  • Mastering basic turns and basic footwork
  • The initial development and/or foundation of a unique style
• Original Old Skool Category. Original Steppers should be masters of all the basic elements of the dance. The emphasis in this category will be placed on fancy footwork, pulling the female dance partner in close while Steppin, and overall style and rhythm. Turns are accepted but dips and drops will result in deductions in this category. Timing, Style, Footwork, Close Dancing, and Slow Bopping are all elements of original style dancing. Routines will be frowned upon in the Original Category. The Original Category will be judged by dancers with 25 Years of experience or more, so structure your dance accordingly.
• Walkers Category. There are no rules posted
• 60 & Over Category. There are no rules posted

WLSC 2023 Contestants List

Preliminaries Schedule for WLSC 2023

Preliminaries are held across different cities in the Midwest, East Coast, and West Coast in the summer months between June and August. Check the schedule for preliminary dates and times.

Date	City	Location	Time	Cost	Categories
Wednesday, July 12, 2023	Chicago	The Grand Ballroom, 6351 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60637	Doors open – 7 pm. Prelim starts – 9 pm.	$5.00	New Skool, Beginners
Wednesday, July 19, 2023	Chicago	The Grand Ballroom, 6351 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60637	Doors open – 7 pm. Prelim starts – 9 pm.	$5.00	Old Skool, Walkers, 60 & Over
Saturday, July 22, 2023	Los Angeles	Lead & Flow Dance. 3660 Nogales St, Unit J, West Covina, CA 91792	Not listed	$40 – General, $50 – At the Door	All Categories
Wednesday, July 26, 2023	Chicago	The Grand Ballroom, 6351 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60637	Doors open – 7 pm. Prelim starts – 9 pm.	$5.00	Last Chance – All Categories
Saturday, July 29, 2023	New York	Radio Hotel. 2240 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY	8 p.m. – 2 a.m.	$65 or FREE with Pass	All Categories
The Weekend of August 25-27, 2023	Milwaukee	Brookfield Conference Center, 325 S Moreland, Brookfield, WI	7 p.m. – Midnight	$25 General Admission, $35 at the door	All Categories

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Other WLSC 2023 Information

Media coverage for the World’s Largest Steppers Competition is extensive. Live coverage, contest recaps, contestant interviews, and national features in magazines contribute to the extensive coverage and popularity of Chicago Stepping. Read other important information about the WLSC including rules, the History and flashback to 2022.

Contestant Interviews