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http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/0...39808050328.txt

Stepping to positive images

The Soul Steppers perform during the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Houston, Texas. Photo provided
Soul Steppers help lead many youth to success
By Amanda Jacobson
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, June 17, 2011 5:09 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — Lyn Isbell’s goal is keeping kids off the streets. That is why she founded the Michigan City Soul Steppers Drill Team 11 years ago.

The Soul Steppers is a 501©(3) nonprofit performing arts group with 35 youth members, all possessing various talents. The group’s members — ages 11 to 21 — perform throughout the country to spread a positive youth image and represent Michigan City.

The Soul Steppers have won numerous accolades during its 11 years. Members have performed in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade for the past two years and showcased their talents for the Dallas Mavericks NBA team. They also have participated in more than 25 parades and remain undefeated in competition.

This year, the group will travel to five states in the Midwest, Washington, D.C., for a college visit and parade and New York City to participate in the largest Veteran’s Day parade in the country.

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Another highlight on the group’s calendar is the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade on Nov. 24, which will be broadcast on WGN-9 Chicago and WGN America.

The group is supported by the Unity Foundation of La Porte County and the local Community Enrichment Corp., but those funds are now depleted, Isbell said.

In order to fund transportation costs to its upcoming activities, the group is trying to raise $10,000 by way of donations from the community.

Separate donations also are being accepted for the group’s “Show Up and Show Out IV” drill team competition, which is July 23. “Show Up and Show Out” is the largest drill and drum line competition in Indiana, and more than 15 teams from all over the country will participate this year.

Including a drum line, flag squad, competition squad, straight stepping squad and a parade squad, Isbell said the Soul Steppers rehearse five days a week to keep performance levels high for each showcase.

None of the group’s participants have been classically trained in music, and all play instruments by ear. Isbell believes the training members receive helps them gain valuable life skills.

“Some of the kids, when they came in, were very shy, and this just gets them out of that,” she said. “It teaches them how to present themselves in front of others and even large crowds. They are often interviewed by newspapers and radio shows, so it teaches them communication skills as well.”

Instead of turning young people away because of grade problems or other issues, Isbell opens her group to any young person who shows dedication and a willingness to learn.

She said she takes an alternative approach to teaching youth by implementing discipline while encouraging natural talent.

“These kids are gifted,” she said. “The ones that were told they can’t learn or that they are failures in life, when they come to me, I bring the gift out of them. Not everybody is a traditional learner.”

Isbell said the group may seem like a place where kids can hang out and blow off steam, but it is much more than that. Isbell has seen many children come and go, some of them succeeding and others dropping out.

“I can tell which ones are here to gain from this and learn from this, as opposed to those who just want to hang out,” she said. “Those are the ones that don’t last. You have to give 100 percent.”

Isbell developed her passion for performing from her background as an Elston High School Devilette and as an Indiana State University Phi Beta Sigma Sweetheart. While at ISU, Isbell organized a step competition that resulted in a win for the fraternity’s step squad.

These experiences motivated her to help others succeed through the performing arts.

“I encourage those who need encouragement,” she said. “A lot of them come with packages. They are all at risk, so they need a positive outlook. Our vision is to change the negative image of youth by promoting positivity through the art of stepping.”