Charlotte Purple Steppers

Charlotte Purple Steppers offers instruction in traditional African American social dances, such as Detroit Ballroom, Chicago Stepping, and Line Dancing. These dances are modern descendants of the Lindy Hop and the Charleston, which were popularized by African Americans in the early 1920s. This dance group is dedicated to preserving this cultural heritage through both teaching and performance.

A unique benefit to the Charlotte Purple Steppers program lies in addressing health issues prevalent in the African American community, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, you are welcome to participate. Don't miss out on this engaging event!

With generous support from the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation

Demond Carter is the Founder and Executive Director of Purple Steppers of Charlotte and is a Master Instructor of Detroit Club Style Ballroom and Chicago Style Stepping. Over the past 20 years, Carter has focused on developing an international standardized curriculum for both styles of Urban Social Dance, while expanding the Urban Social Dance culture throughout the nation. He hosted workshops and classes for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, University Park Baptist Church, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Johnson C. Smith University, and many more organizations.

Carter was also featured on the PBS show, North Carolina Weekend, and held workshops across the country. He was recognized by the Charlotte City Council for his dedication to the dance culture and the community by naming July 16th “Demond Carter Day” and July 17th “Purple Charlotte Steppers Day.” Carter is a regular guest at events nationally and on radio programs, TV shows, and online broadcasts.

LaTanya Johnson’s rhythmic journey blends the art of movement and storytelling through voice, theater, and visual arts.

Johnson choreographed and provided movement coaching for many productions including, A Raisin in the Sun, Seven Guitars, Ain't Misbehavin’, The Bluest Eye, For the Love of Harlem, A Soldier's Play, and The Piano Lesson. She has worked with Theatre Charlotte, On Q Productions, Free Reign Theater Company, and Brand New Sheriff (BNS) Productions. In 2016, Johnson curated a dance series in celebration of the Gantt Center’s 40th Anniversary, entitled "Catch the Dance".

Johnson’s conservatory training includes Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company), Historical New Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia, and Urban Bush Women Summer Leadership Institute, to name a few. She is the founder and artistic director of the Sycamore Project, a Charlotte-based “artivist” initiative using the arts to advocate and promote social and environmental justice.