MICHELE DAWSON AND CALVIN JARRETT
WRITTEN BY MARCIA FOSTER
This article will focus on the partnership of Calvin Jarett and Michele Dawson emphazing the dance-- "Chicago Steppin"--as described in the song "Step in the Name of Love" by R. Kelly on his Chocolate Factory CD.  The majority of the contents of this article was written for "Eye on the Hand Dancer" in 2003.
The first person of this partnership is Michele Dawson, a native Washingtonian, born in June (Gemini).  She learned various forms of dance as a young girl, has natural rhythm, a brilliant hand dancer, and teaches Chicago Steppin.  She is a loving mother and her profession is in the legal and executive business fields.  I perceive Michele as being intelligent, candid, modest, talented, fun, and having an adorable personality.  Oh, did I mention she could be consider one of the greatest hand dancers and Chicago Steppers in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. She only allows herself to be associated in positive situations.

The second person of this partnership is Calvin Jarret from Chicago, born in August (Leo).  He is a loving father; has a profession as a master tailor and is a successful businessman.  As a matter of fact, Calvin made the tee shirts for both of my competitions.  Calvin's Chicago culture is deeply rooted with "Chicago Steppin".  In performing the dance of this beautiful art, Calvin is very creative, talented, and dynamic.  He speaks with authority on what he knows and everything he undertakes is important to him.  Calvin's devoted memory of the "Chicago Steppin" dance is dedicated to his dear friend, Lil Mike of Chicago, who is now deceased.
This harmonious, energetic, focused, and visionary partnership started in about 2000.  They have formed a production company called M & C Productions.  Under the umbrella of this company, they teach the "Chicago Steppin" dance. 
As I interviewed this energetic duo, I reflect back on Calvin speaking affectionately and passionately about the first time he met Michele.  "When I first saw Michele hand dance", he said, "I 'knew' she had the mechanics of learning the 'Chicago Step' ."  Well, his perception was correct because after a few months of teaching Michele the dance, they went to the All That Dance competition in Atlanta, Georgia, (around 2001) and won second place in the Advanced Steppin category.  They competed against native born Chicagoans who live the dance.
Calvin's teaching style is focused, complimentary, energetic, direct, sincere, and passionate.  He is a very proud man and he is equally proud of teaching his cultural dance--Chicago Steppin--in the metro area.  Michele maintains the rhythm of the dance and helps the students concentrate on the correct method of the steps.  Her style of teaching is gentle, forthright, and encouraging.  Their different styles of teaching compliment one another.  Together, they are a mighty, mighty duo with a favorable future. 

GOOD LUCK
MICHELE AND CALVIN
  REMEMBER
STEP--IN THE NAME OF LOVE!
Michele and Calvin
teaching Chicago Steppin
Calvin Jarret and Michele Dawson