Down-N-Dirty with Cynthia Robinson

1. Most people probably don't realize that you've been with MSBU a very long time.  Over the years MSBU has had some really good times and has also weathered some significant storms. Many that you weren't even aware of first hand because other members are some what protective of  you.  Do you appreciate the protection, or would you rather have the opportunity to be front and center dealing with the good, bad and the ugly?  Why?

I appreciate the protection. It’s funny because my family was also very protective of me as a child and as an adult, I can look back and see how the protection enabled me grow while still enjoying life and seeing things for what they are when my eyes and mind were more mature. It’s the same with this dance community. After learning to step from Terri Rush in 2001 and then being introduced to Cynthia W and Lisa shortly after, I began to embrace MSBU for so many of the qualities our group has to this day. Throughout the years, I only saw the good, and heard about the good within the community; which was great. I like to think that most people are good and have good intentions and that’s how I approached people and the community. Unfortunately, there are some ill-willed people out there. As began getting a glimpse into the drama, politics and fronting, it was amazing how childish adults can be. Keep in mind some issues are legitimate; especially when dealing with business interactions.
If I would have seen and known right in the beginning, what I have experienced and realize to date, I would have stopped. Not because I don’t have love for the dance, or don’t believe it would have been worth it, but because as a newcomer back then, the negativity would have lead me away. I just do not like negative energy. Some of the most respected people in the dance community have allowed themselves to become a cancerous infection to the growth and enjoyment of the dance. As I start learning more about the bad and ugly, it amazes me how committed to negativity some folks are and worse yet, how many people will cosign on it. Front and center wasn’t the place for me back then, but today I’m indifferent to it.

2. A lot of  people sleep on the fact that you really are one of the better dancers in Milwaukee whether it be stepping or ballroom.  Is this ever offensive to you?  What do you attribute it to?

Hmm. This one is more difficult to answer. The opinions or lack of outward recognition from others would never lead me to be offended.  I truly see dance as something you share and am not one to seek or relish in being one of the best. Yes, I do believe my skills and style are great. I have been dancing all of my life and have had an opportunity to work with many people; whether it was with family growing up or taking lessons in partner dances. I don’t seek the limelight, I seek enjoyment. I wanna feel good when I’m on the floor no matter who it’s with. I’m not saying those who either seek or are in the limelight don’t also seek enjoyment and good partnerships. Simply, that I don’t seek the limelight. At least not at this time.
If I had to guess what attributes to people sleeping on my skills, I’d say out of sight, out of mind.  A person could be the absolute best in their craft, but if no one sees it, it’ll go unrecognized. I don’t get out and about town as much and am traveling less these days for dance so who’d know what I’m capable of. My family is highly important to me. Negotiating my family time with my time supporting the dance community and my dance family, can be challenging at times.
By the way, I can Step, Ballroom, Bop (Milwaukee and Detroit style), Latin Hustle, Salsa and can still break dance and moonwalk.

3. What special and unique gift or quality do you bring to the table that helps make MSBU whole?

I am able to both dance and instruct well. It is important to recognize that there is a difference. It’s important for me to see the students grow while having fun in class. I’m passionate about the people who choose to spend their time with us. We have a very dedicated team of students and assistants in ballroom and this relationship has developed into a great family connection with MSBU. I also love writing and bring my writing skills to the table through our website, newsletters and other publications. Finally, I have my own special character, personality and strong sense of commitment. 

4. As of late ballroom has had a record number of students participating in class.  In some cases, students are seasoned stepping instructors.  To what do you attribute this?  

First, I must say, the students and assistants in class are the best you could ask for. They not only come themselves, but they tell co-workers, friends and relatives about the class too. Word of mouth remains one of the best forms of advertising. Secondly, our group has continued to promote ballroom over the years through workshops featuring a variety of Detroit instructors and have maintained consistent classes ensuring the growth and learning of the students. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a Detroit instructor who would coach me over the phone and help me structure the weekly classes. It’s not easy ensuring the long-term success of a dance that is new to a city. MSBU has stayed the course in making sure ballroom continues to grow.
The interest in learning multiple styles is also growing. We have steppers and boppers taking classes now. I’ve heard people say that they’re only going to step, or bop. That’s fine if that’s your choice.  It’s important for others to realize they are not limited in what they will be able to learn and perform. It shouldn’t be a matter of a student feeling like they are incapable of learning and performing more than one style of dance. 

5. What do you have planned to help progress the growth of ballroom here in Milwaukee? Do you think that Milwaukee is ready to include a Ballroom category in Milwaukee's Largest?  If not, why?  If so, why?

It’s important for people to see ballroom and know that they have choices when deciding to learn a dance. MSBU ballroom students have been putting on ballroom demonstrations these past few years. We’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate at the Milwaukee Art Museum and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. We will continue to embrace opportunities to show and share the dance with a cross section of the community. Even more, I encourage the students to be seen out dancing. We have good weekly attendance and I have had the opportunity to work with many people over the years. We have to keep dancing together. We have to be seen. Before I started taking stepping lessons or knew who taught lessons, I would see the steppers out at ARJs as I arrived for the hip-hop music afterwards. This leads to the next point of music…
We are compiling a ballroom playlist for the DJs to be sure the music is familiar and on hand for those wanting to ballroom. We will also continue with ballroom workshops given by out of state instructors. It’s important to keep a connection to those who got us started with ballroom and seek continued growth as instructors of the dance.  Hopefully, future collaborations within the city with those who have common goals for ballroom will also prove beneficial to the dance.
As far as the contest… No. Milwaukee’s Largest is a stepping contest. There was a freestyle category in the past where ballroomers, boppers, etc could enter and if I remember correctly, there wasn’t enough interest. Of course we have more ballroomers now. However, ballroom has the potential of having its own milestones and events. That’s all I have on that subject for now. What I will end saying is that, the division commonly found in stepping cannot afford to be duplicated with ballroom. There are more people ballrooming than what is seen; especially the women. What you don’t see is a cross section of ballroomers coming together and dancing out with each other.

7. How do you feel about the group dynamics in Milwaukee?  

First, Milwaukee does not have a large number of active dancers. The number has decreased from when I started. When I say active dancers, this means people who independently go out and participate in the community; not classroom dancers. But the number of dance groups have increased. Its understanding why people form groups and want to teach. It's fun and rewarding and for some its the only time they are in charge of something in their lives. What more people should consider is how/if their group will be a benefit to the dance community as a whole.

There's not enough focus on the community we serve as instructors and groups. There's a lot of self centered ambition that takes away from overall growth. There have been efforts made, for groups to come together. This is not new. I remember many,  many years ago, at ARJs, there was a coalition put together and the dance and social groups got together to promote collaboration, support and growth. As much as those kinds of ideas are started, fade away and repeat years later, the problem of group conflict exists.

I think the focus should be taken off of groups and put on the community and personal accountability. For as many instructional groups that have been created, we should have a large number of students being turned out and seen in the community year after year. If you are an instructor who does not throw parties, you should be sending your students to parties. If you are a promoter who does not teach, you should be helping build students who will be potential clientele for your events.

Problem is, instructors taint their students with gossip and condescending remarks about other instructors. This isn't exclusive to Milwaukee, but when the behavior of the leaders of the community stunts the growth of the dance, it becomes harmful to all of us.

Do I think it'll change? Hmm, I think some negative people will just get tired of themselves and slow down; but others will take their place. The rest of us may actually be accountable to ourselves and care about what happens to the community.

8. In your opinion what is the biggest misconception about MSBU?

That I'm trapped in a lifetime servitude to MSBU. Lol. Really the first thing I have to address is the fact that some have actually asked 'why don't you leave?' I am where I want to be. Realize this, throughout the years of knowing Cynthia and Lisa, we have had ups and downs; however the one constant is that they are always real, upfront, and we have always seen our way through any roadblocks. I can't say that about everyone I've dealt with. Keep in mind, when you get through something, it's no longer an issue. There are some who still bring up past misunderstandings to feed into present judgment.

I have had people choose not to speak with me depending on who's around or where we are at.  Or just because I'm with MSBU. That's too much work (trying to figure out who's really cool). I want to know who I'm dealing with and as part of MSBU, what you see is what you get. Even more, what you don't see with my fellow members is more positive than what some will have you believe.

Now, most often heard is that MSBU is an arrogant group that will take over in collaborations.  Allow me to say that individual confidence is not common despite the best efforts of mothers, fathers, and families raising children to believe in themselves. So as adults, confidence is especially challenging if it isn't already present. MSBU has been lead in confidence throughout the years and many people have been part of and have benefited from the journey.

Those who allow misconceptions to prevail about MSBU over independent thinking should understand that one persons’ mistake in judgment should not be adopted as your own.

9. Name three of your favorite male and female dancers (ballroom or stepping)?

Ballroomers, Marshall and Linda Martin. They are husband and wife and when they dance I can tell that they are really enjoying each other. They are playful and cool with it.

Boppers, Larry and Hollywood. I love to watch them. Again, they also are enjoying the dance. Its like they are performing without even trying. It's natural, and entertaining without being forced.

Steppers, Carlos and Bendetta.  They have this dance that draws my attention. Its the way they interact and relate to each other. Maybe being kin makes it easier to have a good partnership. Nonetheless it's natural and nice to watch.

Have to also mention that I enjoy watching Donald Jackson ballroom. He's really connecting to the dance and strives to look like Detroit with his moves. Plus, I like watching Melissa step because it always look like she's having fun. I enjoy watching Norb because he's always smooth. You know, we really do have nice guys to dance with in Milwaukee despite the complaints (yes, I've complained too). Each guy brings something different to the table and no matter what you like, there's someone who fits the style. Now getting guys to ask you for a dance is a different story.

10. There's a new wave of dancers popping up all over the city.  Name three women and menyou see as having the potential to be part of the elite group of really good dancers in Milwaukee.  What advice would you give them as they continue to work to perfect their skills?

I'd say Chris, Jessie, and Orlando for the men. For the ladies Jennifer, Maggie, and Ericka. Keep in mind, this is for stepping and/or ballroom.

Advice:

Don't allow conceit to become part of your dance. Confidence and conceit are not the same.

Remember the people you danced with as a beginner. Remember them by dancing with them. Character should not be compromised for popularity.

Find a dance partner; someone who will be your equal or your other half looking for growth. Many of the recognized and better dancers were known for their partnerships; Mykel and Deon, Dominique and Le-Le, Carlos and Bendetta, Joe and Peggy. If this partner wants to compete, good. If not, that's ok too. Many of the above partners have competed with other people. 

Learn more than one dance. Of course you may seek to hone your skill in one dance, just remember to add unto your dance resume. Many of the greats around the country have learned or practiced more than one dance; why shouldn't you?

Be respectful of the people you seek instruction from. Not everyone teaches the same, but that's no reason justify disrespect.

Seek to learn dance etiquette if it hasn't been part of your learning experience.

Seek to learn about the history of the dance you are doing.

Really, any person seeking growth could follow these suggestions. There's really so much good that is part of this and other dance communities. For anyone out there, don't allow yourself to embrace negativity in yourself or coming from others. Be upfront and honest and be sure if any concerns should arise, resolve them with those it concerns.