Learn Chicago Steppin', one count at a time.
Guided curriculum paths, beat-count video, and a real practice routine — built for dancers who want structure, not just a video wall.
Move of the week
Beat & count basics
Guided curriculum paths, beat-count video, and a real practice routine — built for dancers who want structure, not just a video wall.
Move of the week
Beat & count basics
Victor James Sr.
Founder, Artistic Motions
Victor James Sr. fell in love with Chicago Style Steppin' the first time he saw it, and started teaching it in 2003. Within the steppin' community he's known by a nickname that says the rest: the "Black Fred Astaire." He holds an MBA and spent over 20 years in corporate experience before leaving his ego at the door to teach — bringing confidence, style, and humility to the floor instead.
Victor sees Chicago Steppin' as more than technique. It's exercise. It's a real confidence builder. It's a way for people to genuinely grow — not just learn a set of steps and move on. That whole-person approach is what Artistic Motions was built around from the very beginning, and it's still the thing that shapes every lesson in this curriculum today.
Artistic Motions is a family business. Victor runs it together with his wife and business and dance partner, Lisa Jeff James, a retired licensed mechanical engineer. Together, they and their team have made Artistic Motions the only Chicago Style Stepper duo featured in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Since 2015, Artistic Motions has offered Chicago Steppin' instruction online — one of the earliest platforms of its kind, built well before "online dance class" was a common idea. That same year-one mission still drives the curriculum today: give Chicago Steppin' the positive, representative platform it deserves.
As profiled in Pepper Miller's Let Me Explain Black, Again (2023), in a chapter titled "Black Men: The Path Forgers."
Smithsonian-featured
The only Chicago Style Stepper with a dance partner featured in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
AMMWE
The Artistic Motions Major Weekend Event — a multi-day destination gathering for steppers from across the country, with workshops, a costume ball, and a black-tie gala.
A real, watched archive
Artistic Motions' YouTube channel has drawn well over two million views across its catalog of performance and instructional videos. Watch on YouTube →
Named in national health press
BlackDoctor.com ranked Chi-Town Steppin' among the top calorie-burning dances in America — 400–500 calories in 30 minutes, higher than most dances on their list. Watch the dance →
Tune in on Sundays. Mixmaster Victor James Sr. plays much of the music we dance to, on Rhythm Flight Radio.
Two short videos from Victor before you dive into the curriculum.
Greetings to new members: Victor James, CEO, instructor
Intro and tips on what to expect
Chicago Steppin'* is a partnered dance that grew out of Chicago's South Side more than 60 years ago. It started as a local style called "the Bop," and evolved over the decades into today's smooth, structured form — an 8-count dance built for real connection between two people, not a fixed routine.
It's danced to R&B, soul, and smooth jazz, and it's grown well past Chicago — from Detroit to Houston to Los Angeles — with a new generation of dancers keeping it alive today.
It's also a real workout. BlackDoctor.com ranked Chi-Town Steppin' among the nation's top calorie-burning dances — 400–500 calories in 30 minutes, more than most dances on their list.
AM Steppers Academy teaches it from the same foundation every real stepper starts with. Start with the count →
*Not to be confused with Greek stepping (a fraternity and sorority tradition) or Chicago Footwork (an unrelated electronic-music dance style) — Chicago Steppin' is its own partnered social dance, distinct from both.
This is the one thing that makes Steppin' feel like Steppin' — and it's not what most beginners expect.
Chicago Steppin' isn't counted on 1 and 3 like a lot of partner dances. It's counted on 2 and 4 — the backbeat, the same pulse smooth jazz and R&B are built on. That's where the "smooth" comes from.
An 8-count phrase isn't eight evenly spaced steps either. It moves in three groups, with two short pauses built in: 1, 2, 3 — pause — 4, 5, 6 — pause — 7, 8. Every number is a real step. Counts 1, 4, and 7 land locked to the music's backbeat — that's a fact about the music. But the true anchor steps are 3, 6, and 8 — where your weight fully settles right before each pause. Both matter, and they're not the same thing.
Steppin' has been counted a few different ways over the decades — old-school 6-count, new-school 6-count, and the 8-count taught here, which is the version most widely taught today. If you learn elsewhere and it feels different, that's usually why.
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Most Steppin' content online is a video wall. This is built like an actual course.
The count is taught right
Anchors, beat-lock, and the real 3-3-2 phrasing — not a generic 1-through-8 count borrowed from another dance.
A real sequence, not a playlist
Follow and lead paths built in order, so you always know what to learn next instead of guessing which video to click.
Built by real experience, not theory
Every move, modification, and count comes from Victor James' own teaching — decades on the floor, plus destination workshops and intensives across the country since 2016. Not licensed footage or a generic curriculum.
A community, not a comment section
Practice clips and real feedback are coming with membership, along with a streak-based journal that tracks your own progress.
Every video organized into a guided sequence, so you always know your next step.
Steppin' lands on 2 and 4, not 1 and 3 — adjustable speed and a live overlay show you exactly where, anchored to the real backbeat.
Filled gold counts (3, 6, 8) are the anchor steps. Underlined counts (1, 4, 7) lock to the 2-and-4 backbeat. Timing below is real, tapped data from this exact video — not a placeholder. Want to annotate another video the same way? Log real timestamps →
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Chicago Steppin' turns are won with control and timing, not speed. This is where follow and lead turn technique come together — pulled from both series and organized by turn type.
Follow turns
Half right turn
Mirroring the half left with a controlled weight change.
Also in Follow Series →
Left turn
The full rotation, built on the half turn foundation.
Also in Follow Series →
Right turn (extended right)
Extending the turn without losing your frame.
Also in Follow Series →
Half left thru right turn
Chaining turns together, put all together.
Also in Follow Series →
Right at “8” turn
Turning on the last count without rushing it.
Also in Follow Series →
Double left turn
Two rotations, one smooth line.
Also in Follow Series →
Double right turn
The mirrored double, controlled all the way through.
Also in Follow Series →
Roll out, roll back
A traveling turn variation with a return.
Also in Follow Series →
Half right w/6,7,8 turn
Timing the turn to the back half of the count.
Also in Follow Series →
Half left stroll
Adding a stroll feel to the turn's exit.
Also in Follow Series →
Lead turns
Walk thru half left and half right
Leading the turn without pulling your follow off balance.
Also in Lead Series →
Lane at “1”, lane at “8”, half-left and half-right
Connecting lane work directly into turn cues.
Also in Lead Series →
Walk thru left turn and right turn
Full rotations from the lead's side of the frame.
Also in Lead Series →
Lane at “1” thru right turn
Setting up a turn from an open lane position.
Also in Lead Series →
Right at “8”
Cueing the turn precisely on the last beat.
Also in Lead Series →
Double left / double right
Leading two full rotations cleanly, both directions.
Also in Lead Series →
Roll out roll back
The lead's role in a traveling turn and return.
Also in Lead Series →
Half right w/6,7,8 and half left stroll
Late-count turn timing and stroll transitions, from the lead.
Also in Lead Series →
Steppin' isn't just steps in the right order — it's how you carry them. This is the layer that separates a technically correct dancer from a smooth one.
Note: none of the videos in this section have sound.
Musicality and phrasing
Hearing the 2-and-4 pocket before your feet do, so counts 3, 6, and 8 settle instead of just land.
Hand styling and frame flair
Hand and arm details timed to your anchors, not layered on top of them.
Floor presence and cool control
Holding your composure inside the pause — the beat most beginners rush right through.
Adding flavor to a walk out
Personalizing your walk-out while the anchor underneath it stays exactly where it belongs.
Style over speed
Restraint reads as style. A settled anchor beats a fast, sloppy step every time.
Reading the room
Adjusting your pocket to the song, the floor, and the partner in front of you.
Once you've got the fundamentals down, this is where Steppin' gets personal. Premium unlocks every variation below — full count breakdowns, footwork, and timing for each one.
Right turn (and 1, extended right) — variations
Every variation branching off the right turn. (Regular Right Turn and Half-Right, 6,7,8 Turn Back Across The Lane aren't repeated here — they're already covered as fundamental moves in the Founders 100 content.)
Pitty-Pat
The fourth move in the Right Turn Options sequence. Counts 3 and 5 share the same foot — count 4 isn't tapped separately. That foot lands behind the other on 3, 5, 6, and 7, then 8 lands right next to it to finish.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsFollow Basic "7" Variations
All eight styles of the same count, consolidated into one video — from a simple back 7 to a two 8-count crossover combo.
Hip 7
Same footwork as the basic 7 — the flavor lives in the hip on count 7. Small movement, big difference in how it reads on the floor.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsFinale
The sequence that ties a full run together — five moves, consolidated into one continuous video.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsCapstone
The Artistic Motions Steppers Academy Routine, full sequence, start to finish. Smooth, effortless execution of this routine marks satisfactory completion of the Follow fundamentals.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsMore from the Follow Premium vault
Two more additions to the Follow Premium library.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsOnce the fundamentals are second nature, this is where lead technique grows into real combinations. Premium unlocks every sequence below — full footwork, positioning, and styling for each one.
Lead tips
Seven habits that separate a lead who's technically correct from one who's actually good to dance with.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsFundamentals
How a lead starts the dance, reads their follow, and where they stand throughout it.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsFoundational sequences
The core patterns everything else builds from, danced top-down and bottom-up.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsCarousel variations
Three ways to lead the same idea, depending on which side and which count you start from.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsCombinations
Multi-move sequences that chain fundamentals into real lead flow.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsLead right turn variations
Same names as Follow Move Modifications, on purpose — the lead is responsible for getting the follow into position to execute each one, so both sides speak the same language. (Regular Right Turn and Half-Right 6,7,8 Turn Back Across The Lane aren't repeated here — they're already covered as fundamental moves in the Founders 100 content.)
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsLead "7" variations
All of the "7" variations, consolidated into one video.
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Join Premium, $50/moWatch in Premium lessonsA look at where the community is headed: dancers sharing practice clips and getting feedback from Coach Vic.
Examples only. The cards below show what the Community looks like. Members share their own clips, and see everyone else’s, inside the Community.
Proficiency requires commitment and consistency. Log sessions, build a streak, and share your progress. Your journal is saved on this device.
No sessions logged yet — be the first one below. Saved to this browser, so it'll be here next time you visit.
Your streak
A dancer-of-the-month leaderboard is coming once there's a real community of logged streaks to rank — for now, this tracks your own.
Already have an account? Log in here. Forgot your password? Tap Forgot password? in the login box.
Locked-in rate for as long as you stay subscribed. Closes when the countdown ends or the spots run out.
Founders 100 pricing has closed for this window — Premium is now open below.
Choose your email and a password, then tap Continue to checkout. Afterward, log in with the same email and password.
Cancel anytime and keep access through the month you paid for. Payments are non-refundable. If you believe there was an error, email us and we will review it.
Finish a curriculum and earn an official AM Steppers Academy certificate: one for Follow, one for Lead, one for completing both, and the Certificate of Mastery for completing Follow, Lead, and Premium. Prefer to wait? You can go straight for Mastery.
Every certificate is personally approved by Victor James Sr., Primary Instructor, after a review of your completed lessons and one final one-on-one session, in person or virtual. It is printed on letter-size paper, ready to frame.
Finished your lessons? Reach out and we will schedule your final session.
“AM provided me with a strong foundation. I've become more precise with my footwork and confident traveling to events across the US.”
“Victor teaches with passion and precision. His instruction makes the dance feel classy, fun, and learnable.”
“The exercises and movements I practiced at home became incredible confidence builders.”
“My journey with Victor James began over ten years ago, captivated by the smooth, elegant precision of his dance style. His motto — 'If you're willing to put in the work, I can help you reach your goals' — has become a benchmark for many of his students, myself included.”
“I've been learning Chicago stepping with you for over eight years now, and the journey has been nothing short of transformational. Because of what you've poured into me, I stepped out and participated in my very first Chicago stepping contest — and I won.”
“Artistic Motions is the place to learn how to move in motion. Thank you for pouring into us and teaching us what we know about stepping — your patience and knowledge have made all the difference in our learning journey.”
“Artistic Motions' online stepping classes have really helped me grow as a dancer. It improved my technique, strength, and flexibility, and taught me how to better connect emotion to movement.”
“As a beginner, I was floored by the video instruction and in-depth information. Learning from the Follow point of view first makes for a better Lead. Having never personally met Victor, I found his video instruction to be top notch and easy to comprehend.”
“Victor James's Artistic Motions instructional videos have been instrumental in helping me learn the basics of Chicago Steppin'. They provide clear, step-by-step instructions, and I can revisit each lesson on my own schedule and progress at a pace that reflects my time, commitment, and determination.”
Want to see Victor and other dancers in action? Watch performances and interviews at artisticmotions.org.
Membership renews monthly. You can cancel anytime from your profile and you will keep access through the end of the month you paid for. Payments are non-refundable. If you believe there was an error or a problem, email info@amsteppersacademy.com and we will review it. Any refund is at our discretion. If you cancel and return later, the Founders 100 rate is available only while Founders 100 is still open.
Every dancer is different — it comes down to how well you grasp the concepts, how motivated you are, and how much time you put in. You get out of it what you put into it.
Absolutely. Fundamentals are just the foundation — a solid base helps you pick up additional moves, cadence changes, and modifications much faster.
Yes — it's low-impact exercise that's great for mobility, weight loss, and mental sharpness.
These aren't fundamentals classes — that ground is already covered in the curriculum, Free through Premium. A private, virtual, or workshop session is coaching and refinement: sharpening what you should already know, with partner-specific feedback and correction you won't get from a video alone.
Comfortable dance shoes, water, a towel if you sweat, and a desire to learn. Virtual sessions just need a reliable internet connection — your instructor will send the session link.
Yes. There are certificates for completing Follow, Lead, or both, plus a Certificate of Mastery for completing Follow, Lead, and Premium. You can wait and earn only Mastery if you like. Each is approved by Victor James Sr. after a review of your completed lessons and a final one-on-one session, in person or virtual.
PayPal, Zelle, and CashApp. Payment details are shared after your consultation, once your instructor confirms the right fit for your instruction.
Yes. If you can keep a beat and count to 8, you can learn this dance. The key is building a real foundation first, then staying consistent.
Not at all. Artistic Motions has 23 years teaching sound, fundamental Chicago Steppin' — including destination workshops and intensives across the country since 2016. You're not learning local habits — you're learning universal principles that work with any partner, on any floor.
These aren't fundamentals sessions — the curriculum already covers that, Free through Premium. Private and virtual coaching is built around sharpening what you should already know: partner-specific feedback, breaking a habit that only shows up under real pressure, and getting sharp before an event.
Rates below reflect current pricing and may be adjusted as scheduling demand grows.
Private coaching
Workshops
Prefer to talk first? info@amsteppersacademy.com · 317.258.6819
Looking for a live event instead? See upcoming performances and appearances at artisticmotions.org.
