Ok, so we get it. EVERYBODY is trying to step NOW. The funny thing is, people who actually CAN and DO step….aren’t getting their 15 seconds of fame. You have actors being retrofitted into steppers, dancers (classical and street) being taught poor mechanics and Goulash (dictionary.com that), then passing it off to international audiences as “Stepping”. I swear, if I have to see one more Juilliard-trained dancer in a leotard, leg warmers, and some boots, I’mma resign from the Steppers’ Union altogether (after I throw a hot buffalo nickel at her).

Here are some tips to help reverse this trend, and still promote QUALITY stepping to mainstream audiences:

1. Audition….and FILM IT. – It doesn’t hurt actually go to one of these casting calls. There are at least 4 reality shows that you can audition for as a “dancer” (or dancers). The trick is, film yourselves. If they don’t let you film your performance in front of them, hell do it again, OUTSIDE the facility—and film it. A few hours later, upload it to Youtube and let it marinate. Believe it or not, casting directors, producers, and writers ALL search Youtube.

2. Get a S.A.G. (Screen Actors Guild) Card – One thing me and Common have…in common is that we both have S.A.G. cards (reference: Common -“Break My Heart”). What does this mean? It means that the next casting director who’s looking for steppers can get on his/her nifty Macbook and search the database for persons who dance, then refine that search for steppers. Here’s a link to get you educated about SAG cards and how to acquire one: http://www.hollywoodaccess.com/sag.htm

3. Perform ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – A lot of performers get their big breaks at the most random moments. If singers can belt out a song in an elevator to get signed, rappers can drop 16s in crowds of A&Rs, and Soulja Boy can do a dance in the middle of WAL-MART…..you better be ready to Step at the drop of a hat (and well too).

What tactics would you use to get your 15 seconds? Do you have any suggestions for aspiring performers to get noticed?