CLIMATE SURVEY 2010-2011
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of the ISA climate survey was to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the Steppin community. The survey population represents an estimated 3,000 Steppers throughout the international dance community. The ISA is made up of a 20 member administrative body of members organized to support the broader interest of dancers in the Steppin community.
Steppin reflects a six beat rhythm pattern developed as a result of an amalgamation of Swing dances which matriculated into a dance style popularized by Chicago’s urban community. Steppin is seeing an increasing resurgence and predominance throughout the adult urban and contemporary partner dancing culture. The dance relies on a double rhythm and two syncopated triple rhythms which pulsate on the upbeat versus the down beat. The origin of the dance has varied over the period from the early 60s until the present however it has maintained its basic repetitive six-beat form. In an effort to bring a centralized focus to the dance the ISA has recognized the name of “Steppin” to bring the dance under one central naming convention. The ISA believes Steppin will continue to evolve as more dancers expose different movements and amalgamations over time and thus enhance its development as a robust dance form of Swing dance in the international community.
The ISA is a non-profit organization organized to represent the interest of financial members, organizations and affiliates on behalf of Steppers worldwide. All services that are the result of donations, philanthropic programs and services are given back to the community through continued improvement programs. All donations, contributions or charitable activities to the ISA or on behalf of the ISA are 100% tax deductible in accordance with federal laws. The ISA accepts all donations on behalf of youth programs, private charities and operating programs. The ISA operating fund covers the administrative efforts on behalf of its financial paid members. All members and donors are advised to seek the assistance of their professional counselors for tax
advisement. ISA is represented by Clay and Allen P.C. of Fairfax Virginia. The constitution and bylaws provide written documentation and guidance on the direction and guidelines of all members of the ISA. The ISA depends directly on individual Steppers and supporters to participate as leaders, members, affiliates or partners to ensure its robust goals are met. We encourage those who have not committed to get involved today and take an active role in its success. With your cooperation we will be able to make a collective difference in our community.
The random survey was submitted via online social sources to ensure maximum exposure to Steppers internationally. The ISA was officially chartered on 26 June 2010. The official incorporation date is 11 August 2010. It was imperative to embrace social sources such as FACEBOOK and databases that would reach communities which would otherwise be limited by time, cost, location and logistics. The survey questionnaire asked a series of 28 queries related to the climate of the Steppin community.
Based on the above information the survey registered a 95% confidence level and a 2.27 confidence interval. The researcher judged the survey as valid and reliable based on the sufficiency of the respondents and questions determined for accuracy. The survey is only to be used to baseline 2010-2011 goals and objectives based on the community responses. The social context provides bench marks to obtain an overall understanding of its membership and broader community.
The survey calculations were supported by Creative Research Systems, Petaluma California, online service.
DEMOGRAPHICS
The demographic represent respondents from the international Steppin community. The largest age ranges of 40-49 represent 48% of the Steppin community. Conversely, there were no respondents in the key development ages of 18-28.
The gender population displays a majority female ratio of 72% versus 28% for male.
The education completion rate of 52% represents those who have attained at least an undergraduate degree.
Finally, the household income breakdown begins with $40K-$60K at 30.7%. This ratio provides a superb indicator of Steppers ability to pursue leisure activities.
Steppers represent a variety of communities throughout the US. There are instances of Steppers who are overseas for various reasons. Some are either teaching or students of the dance. This study provides a quantitative overview of respondents which provides a baseline of 33 local areas captured in the survey. Future studies will compare and contrast the actual representation of actual participative Steppin communities.
Steppers are attending an average of 5.12 sets per month.
Likewise, Steppers are attending 3.37 major Steppers sets annually.
ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT
From an economic perspective, the Steppin community is spending an estimated $8.8 million across various markets. On an average, it is costing each Stepper approximately $2,800 per year. Tax benefits and savings could represent over $400,000 or 3%-5% in return dollars in the community given the proper filing of IRS forms. The travel industry is benefiting to the tune of $2 million or more. Likewise, the clothing, hair and accessory industry may be achieving a robust return at the expense of Steppers. The synopsis below touches on a few prominent areas for consideration.
Annual average expenditure rate for respondents:
Air Hotel Rental Food/Spirits
$410.00 $440.00 $121.00 $381.85
Accessories Clothing Shoes/Boots
$296.00 $393.00 $362.00
Note: Figures may vary dependent on location and personal expenditure rates.
ANNUAL SALES AND EXPENDETURES
(Based on an estimated 3,153 Steppers)
Ticket purchases for Steppers events are $1,200,000.00
Airline ticket purchases: $1,305,000.00
Hotel reservations: $1,400,520.00
Rental car sales: $384,379.00
Dinning/food/spirits: $1,215,428.55
Accessory purchases: $942,168.00
Clothing purchases: $1,250,919.00
Shoe/Boot purchases: $1,152,246.00
The total amount spent annually: $8,853,090.63.
The average Stepper spends $2,807.83 annually on activities related to Steppin.
The survey reflects the economic robustness of the Steppers community. The ISA will leverage these efforts in conjunction with our corporate and business development committee chairpersons. With the help from public and private agencies, we will be able to continue supporting the Steppin community with a formal and robust program.
ISA MEMBERSHIP AND PROGRAMS
The result of the survey revealed that 73.7% of respondents stated they would join the ISA and 68.4% desired to join a local chapter.
Likewise, members desired to see a vast improvement in standardization, instructor training and certification by 61%.
This ISA is leading this effort by working directly with one of America’s finest dance organizations and instructors. The Golden State Dance Teachers Association and Ms. Skippy Blair are the first organization to partner with the ISA in codifying the dance with support from a full curriculum and annotation system recognized by the World Dance Council and World Swing Dance Council. The Steppers exclusive intensive takes place on 27-29 August 2010.
Documentation of the dance is the only way to ensure there is formal and historical validity of the dance called “Steppin.” This effort will be submitted to the Library of Congress on as Training Manual 1-1. The manual will cover the basic structure of the dance and will compliment the social progress and efforts of our legacy. Codifying the dance ensures the ISA meets its goal of standardizing and providing a core training manual for dancers internationally. The document will provide the basic Steppin principles and movements accompanied by dance phraseology and terminology as it relates to music.
As a result of ISA leadership and commitment to ensure Steppin is recognized internationally we are asking our respondents (over 66.7% supported) and the broader Steppin community to join us at the ISA Convention and Business Meeting in Chicago Illinois on 24-26 June 2011. Increased support through local organized chapters and individuals will continue the hard work and dedication of educating, training and standardization of Steppin. Seminars, education and training opportunities are just a few of the important activities being considered. Likewise, the focus on local community projects such as improved academics, increased educational opportunities, youth programming, scholarships, and charity programs will be discussed.
SUMMARY
In summary, the ISA report represents a comprehensive assessment of respondents who represented a random survey of dancers in the international Steppin community. The survey calculations were provided by Creative Research Systems who compensated for errors, omissions and anomalies. The survey represents a cross pollination of the typical dancer associated with the Steppin community in 2010-2011. Readers should see a corresponding representation in their community which mirrors the survey results above. Some areas where clusters prevail may show slight differences due to their proximity (distance) to a larger concentration in the industry. However, the consensus of the report is a greater indicator the overall market due to its 95% confidence level.
An area which must be improved is that of youth programming. With a 0% response from age range of 0-28 years of age and a 23% respondent for ages 50 and over, more emphasis and energy should be redirected to obtain increase participation in ages 0-28. Youth and community programs such as literacy, technology, fine arts and science efforts would be ideal and could improve existing community challenges across the spectrum. Likewise, there should be an emphasis to integrate immediately with other genres of dance through competition, youth workshops and training. The ISA is committed to pursuing this effort through youth scholarships beginning in June 2011. The ISA welcomes tax deductible donations for scholarships and programs through its scholarship program (501 c (3) non-profit submission should be completed by December 2010). Partnering with youth programs such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Urban League, NAACP, National Youth Leadership foundations and the like are ideal. Urban and inner city challenges (low graduation rates, crime and violence, drop rates) suggest clearly that action must be taken to ensure they are given the opportunity to succeed. Likewise, Steppin must prevail in the 21st Century and beyond and it is with the youth of the current generation that will be the Steppers of tomorrow.
The professional and social impact of Steppin may depend on increase participation of this age group. Likewise, more improvement in gender distribution should be addressed. This could be absolved by increasing youth participation in the future.
The success of a formalized group of leaders will not prevail without the financial, social and community support of donors, public and private. The ISA has appointed a corporate and business development chairperson to address these needs through donations at the charity and philanthropic levels. It is our hope that through their support the ISA operational and professional expenses will be met. With the support of donors and philanthropic organizations and individuals the ISA should be successful in providing continue youth programming and scholarship to future Steppers who are achieving through academic programs in their local community.
The response from across the country was extremely positive. The cross sectional participation provided a sufficient summary of internet users, social networking participation and geographic awareness of promotion, marketing and advertisement. All regions of the community were represented.
The social aspects of the Steppin community cannot be overlooked. The ISA supports the informal social equity-based Steppers community. There are many who will continue to dance, socialize and maintain the necessary social climate that permeates all night club dances (as identified by the World Dance Council). This is very necessary and valuable.
The ISA will continue to recognize and support the importance of the hard work of social instructors, promoters, organizers and social dance competitions at the local level. Without the grassroots nature of the Steppin community, the Steppin culture would not be unique. In kind, a robust organization must be supplanted on the international forefront to ensure the hard work and social effort of over 20 years is not forgotten and is nurtured by those who made it successful. The lifeblood of all formal organizations depends on social networking, traditional social culture and community development in local areas. Together, the ISA will build on both efforts to ensure that the history and culture of Steppin is documented and shared with the voices of the entire community represented.
JOIN TODAY!
The ISA is looking forward to more participation from those who would like to leverage their social experience by joining and participating in a formal organization geared toward improving the education, training and standardization of Steppers. The ISA encourages each Stepper to get involved today with the mission and goals of the ISA. The ISA needs dedicated members who are committed to moving Steppin in to the broader industry of dance. There are thousands of men and women who compete in the professional, Pro-Am and amateur ranks (World Dance, DanceSport, World Masters). International, national and regional associations sponsor dance conventions and competitions to help promote the overall body of dance. The ISA is making great strides to be a part of the industry but we need your individual and local chapter help to make this possible. We are slowly but certainly getting there. If you are thinking about joining, do so today and make a difference in the lives of future generations of Steppers who need your leadership, time and attention today.
The ISA is in need of strong leaders who have an opportunity to share their professional organizational talents. The ISA is providing a robust opportunity to make available leadership positions that will transfer to the professional environment. Whether improving present skills or gaining new exciting possibilities, one’s resume can be documented to show your leadership skills to other professionals. If you are trying to build your resume or change career fields in the future take this opportunity to get in on the ground floor and sharpen your skill set in the industry.
Join the ISA today! Annual membership is only $50. Lifetime membership is $300. All membership fees are tax deductible. Please contact your tax advisory accordingly. Payment should be received at www.paypal.com.
Keyword: internationalsteppersassociation@yahoo.com.
For membership information, please contact Ms. Anissa L. Guyton at isa.vpofmembership@yahoo.com or 313-587-5065.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
In light of the overall assessment of survey respondents, the ISA will address the following recommendations.
1. Actively communicate the progress and improvement of the Steppin community to the formalized leading organizations of international and national dance.
2. Submit formal recognition of Steppin as a Swing dance as prescribed within the rules and guidance of the World Dance Council through the World Swing Dance Council.
3. Increase support from private and public donors for improved charity and community based program specifically in the arts and entertainment and youth programs
4. Continue to foster local chapter based programs to ensure community programs are central to local awareness and cooperation
5. Encourage ISA leadership and management opportunities through local chapter organizations
6. Encourage the establishment of formal youth and young adult based Steppin programs for ages 0 – 28 which is certified by federal and state education authorities
7. Develop and support international, national and regional competition based programs to encourage professional and social networking with other genres of dance
8. Publish ISA Training Manual 1-1 (basic characteristics and attributes of traditional Steppin and Steppin 101 curriculum at a minimum) to ensure standardization of movements and phraseology and for widest dissemination to members and sister organizations review and participation
9. Establish ISA Scholarship and Awards foundation program to be presented annually utilizing membership fees and donations from Fortune 500 and minority based programs
10. Seek financial assistance from civic organizations (private and public) for institutional funding of grants to support ISA operations and mission to support increased scholarship and educational opportunities
11. Encourage legacy Steppers to aggressively partner and/or support ISA programs and committees that are needed to ensure sustained long term success in a collaborative and non-attribution forum at the national level
Appendix 1 : Invitation
Appendix 2: Thank you letter
Appendix: 1
Dear Steppers,
We are inviting you to participate in a community climate survey. Our short questionnaire asks a variety of questions about your Steppin community and culture. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
Our mission is to improve our community through enhanced training, education and standardization. With your assistance in our survey, we are much closer to sharing our positive and collective story with the international dance community.
Your participation is completely voluntary. The ISA will share the results in our annual report and upcoming newsletters throughout the year. The survey will end on 15 August 2010.
If you have any questions or comments about completing the questionnaire, simply email us at internationalsteppersassociation@yahoo.com.
Thank you,
International Steppers Association
Appendix: 2
International Steppers Association
Join the conversation, the movement, the future!
Survey respondents 7 August 2010
Thank you kindly for participating in the ISA Climate Survey. Your responses are a testament to your commitment to improving the Steppin community. With an 88% completion rate to date we know that Steppers are concerned about the dance that we love and cherish. If we are to succeed in standardizing and streamlining the way we train and educate Steppers we have to organize and make sure what we do is documented for future generations.
Our community is over 3,000 Steppers strong and we are spending over $10 million annually on accessories that support our community. That is almost $3,400 per Stepper. At some point we need to return those resources to our youth and community through scholarships and programming. We need your participation in the ISA to make sure this becomes a reality.
The survey ends on the 15th of August but that does not mean the work is over. The ISA needs your local Steppin community to get involved. We are making some historic inputs but we cannot do it alone. We need leaders, volunteers and community planners as well. We have 18 strong members as of this writing and we hope you will join us. We only ask that you do what your strengths are in support of the ISA. We are a non-profit legal entity. The resources we garner go directly back to the community and to each Stepper regardless if they are ISA members or not. As we speak we are completing a training manual for all Steppers to use. It is being codified by ISA Steppers and the Golden State Dance Teachers Association. Secondly, we are seeking corporate donations from major dance agencies internationally on your behalf. But we need your participation to make sure programs are designed in accordance with the best interest of each Stepper.
We need your resources, assistance and most of all your participation. If you are interested in
supporting and joining the ISA, contact Ms. Anissa L. Guyton, 313-587-5065 to register today. Then join or volunteer to lead a committee program. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Signed,
International Steppers Association
