Check Out De Barker’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to De Barker.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story started when I was a little girl about four years old. My dad would go out on the weekend and come home with all his close friends… he would then come upstairs and wake me up to have me dance for all of them. Dad’s friends would clap for me, loudly, encouraging me to keep dancing while they steadily smiled and laughed with glee.

They would all give me money for my performance, but the funny thing is, I wouldn’t take any coins, the money had to be a “buck “or more. They started calling me “Buck Benny” and THAT led to their song for me— as I did my best Chuck Berry “twist” moves! The song lyrics – “Buck Benny don’t take no pennies” repeatedly about 10, 11 times!!!

My family always got together on most weekends and holidays and we danced! All of the young cousins would make up performances have “shows” for the adults, with complete costuming with hair and makeup using our mom’s lipsticks and high heel shoes! All that dancing and expression was a part of our family language as it served to bond us in some efforts while we escaped from times of oppression and despair.

My parents kept my sisters and me in many physical activities; tumbling, tap dance, gymnastics, jazz dance, etc. I went to high school (Paseo High and Manual High – where I became a cheerleader, the captain of The Varsity Squad.

After high school, I moved to Los Angeles for college. I married, had 2 beautiful daughters (Dea and Deonna). For safety reasons, I ended that marriage and obtained 2 Bachelor of Science degrees (Physical Educational Sciences – with a Kinetics/Movement Concentration) and Computer Information Systems) all the while I missed my dance roots. In 1999, I found my way back home (Kansas City, Missouri).

I became quite popular and well known for a semblance of resurgence and longevity goals for the Kansas City 2Step and Soul Line Dancing with hosting and teaching engagements with the combination of these two dance disciplines.

In 2003, I was approached by some producers Rodney Thompson and Stinson McClinton of Reel Images Film and Video Group as they were preparing to shoot a documentary – full of details surrounding the culture, roots, and vibe of the Kansas City 2 Step. I directed them to the Steppin’ scene and involvement through a restaurant/lounge called Old School, where I knew a lot of the avid steppers as well as the owners of the establishment.

I had a strong dance presence with some of the local bars/restaurants as Old School, Pete’s Place, and the ever-famous (1st home of the bigger space and presence of the Kansas City 2Step, The Epicurean Lounge at 75th Troost, KCMO – owned and operated by The Shelby Family – Calvin and Benny Shelby- RIH).

The requirements of their documentary (A Conversation in Dance) needed my assistance to gather some interesting steppers as dance contestants for a major 2Step Dance Contest – which would be a part of the filming for this documentary. Hence, the birth of The Big StepOff – a $10,000 Kansas City 2Step contest! This contest (The Big StepOff) is now in its 17th year of production for 2022! The Big StepOff has been a pivotal catalyst for the interest in 2Step for the younger generation, therefore ensuring a place for its longevity indeed.

As we, the Old-Schoolers pass the KC 2Step onto the younger generation, we keep it ever-alive here in Kansas City and when we go out of the town of course we show our skills on any dance floor and let them know this is Kansas City and this is what we do! Big “Shout-Out” to the Kansas City DJs for keeping the old-school music in their playlists and adding other new stepping tracks to the mix!

My undergraduate studies and degrees in Physical Education and Body Movement, coupled with my love of the Music and Dance Combo has expanded into organized physical & mental health goals. A plethora of positive goals is met through programming for various age groups, cultural backgrounds, and genders. I have provided my services at locations and events including community centers, fitness centers, churches, schools, Frat houses, bars/restaurants, cookouts, reunions, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays. You name it!

Regarding the Line Dance popularity and involvement, continuing from the era of the “slides” in the ’80s — that flow had lost its presence when the 2Step started being the dance of choice in the Kansas City Club scene. My roots in dancing and being so adamant about the positive results of dancing made me begin the choreography needed in making up dance slides and line dances. I started learning line dances from other cities… then I started doing them in the clubs and around at the local parties.

Soon, many people were asking me to teach them these dances, so I asked the club I was affiliated with at the time, Old School Lounge (Joe Jones) if I could start teaching Soul Line Dancing on Wednesday nights – a night of the week with fewer patrons. The night became bigger and bigger, so the Wednesday night DJ, “The Kool” and I started an entire organization (The KC Coolers) based on the newly -found popularity of Line Dancing at Pete’s Place and it just blew up them from there.

I left the KC Coolers to start a Line Dance performance group called DeUnyt- which was a group of highly talented female dancers, beautifully poised and ready for our high-energy presence of showing off our dance skills! Starting in 2007, DeUnyt spent countless hours practicing perfecting our steps – our choreography, our attire, our “look’ and dance flow. We performed all over Kansas City and many other cities as well.

We had a wonderful time as we partnered up with organizations and visited other Line Dance functions in Detroit, Louisville, Toledo, and Indiana (to name a few places) for an annual event called United We Dance. We (DeUnyt) became a part of the worldwide line dance community as we kept line dance and The Kansas City 2Step flow flourishing in Kansas City in our performances and showcase.

DeUnyt was at the TOP of the Tier in their drive and efforts for Kansas City and I will never forget to thank the people involved in that fierce explosion of dance relevance in the Midwest! Renta Shelton, Kimberly Rogers, Carmen McGee, Michelle Smith, Keva Hayslett, Nikol Straws, and Deanna Winfield.

My current day dance and event production organization (IDWD – I Dance Wit’ De – which was started in conjunction with KC2SS – Tracy Weaver Sawyer. Keisha Baker, B’Yonca Garrett, and Y’Nette Donley -Perkins) has kept that DeUnyt energy and has worked hard to add to it and keep that torch lit! IDWD consists of 24 members of very talented and committed men and women, inclusive of my 18-year-old granddaughter, DeLea (now attending NC A&T) – she has danced with me since the age of 3.

There are several young steppers and dancers involved with IDWD who assist the teens and youth interested in the KC 2Step and Soul Line Dance direction. IDWD holds Kansas City 2Step & Line Dance classes weekly at the Linwood/Nutter YMCA and partners with entities whose missions target physical/mental health & wellness factors.

In the Kansas City 2Step & Line Dance Community, there are many people/groups who are on the same mission as me to make sure we keep these culturally derived dances alive and well. I recognize and applaud their efforts, wholeheartedly. I also accept the title given to me over the years, The Kansas City Queen of Line Dance and The KC 2Step – which I proudly wear and uphold both badges of honor… EVERY DAY!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, yet, I wouldn’t trade the learning opportunities involved in the struggles. Oftentimes women are looked at differently when they are pushing agendas traditionally upheld by men. I’ve had to” jump through fire-burning hoops” to keep my dignity, credibility, and clarity for my worth and direction with no tolerance for any disrespect allowed.

I’ve had to be in an environment where I’m the oldest ones in the room doing the same thing (with the underlining edge of competitiveness) where there are a host of people much younger than myself yet prove I could “hang” with them and have a seat at the table!

Again, I am NOT in competition with nobody, only myself, striving to improve my presence, my skills, my knowledge, and approach with the goals of upholding and proving you can live a better and healthier lifestyle if you attend to your physical and mental health early on. Adapting and committing to those goals becomes habitual and effortless as you mature and age… to your personal perfection in self – actualization, and preservation.

I’ve been discriminated against for being a female, black and an older adult, and now a senior citizen. NONE of that at all stops me… it’s the fuel that propels me! Hopefully, my footprints will remain in the sand of at least one life to lead an easier path conducive to someone’s personal growth and goals.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work for the better part of my life was engulfed in software code, system design, implementation plans, and business analysis as my undergraduate studies led me to a career in IT Software Engineering and Development. This 2nd half of my life spiraled into service in the community using both of my undergraduate disciplines —The B.S. Degree in Physical Educational Sciences pushing any platform that supports and resources physical and mental health & wellness.

I work with my community to positively build upon the culture and traditions already in place. I re-route those cultural habits and traditions into added goals/outcomes for better lifestyles. I’m connecting The Music & Dance Combo with a physical and nutritional regimen coupled with mental stress relief methods, camaraderie, and networking.

I strive to use my teaching methods and activities to ultimately lower cholesterol levels, lower diabetes A1C levels, decrease standing heart rates, decrease blood pressure readings, decrease stress and anxiety, help with dealing with depression, the stain of empty nesting, and even the strain of divorce. I came up with this list based on the testimonies of my students, customers, and clients.

I am most notably known for my relationships and rapport in the community e.g. I wholeheartedly commit to each person who comes in my path. I try to find the good in that person, as I recognize and applaud “that” good. This type of engagement provides a sense of mutual trust where I’m able to provide the caveats of my agenda to their schedule, lifestyle, and conversations (… and I’m a good listener).
My approach also helps, if only for an hour, a person forgets about their pain or dilemma, or even gets some semblance of hope in combating their troubles another day.

When someone seeks a reference in the dance community, I am oftentimes tagged on social media platforms, messaged, called on my cell, or paid a visit as the best source (or at least one of the best sources for my creativity, resourcing, and skillset). I’m extremely proud that I have made a small to large difference (positive effects) in the lives of a good number of people in my community because this, in turn, benefits me physically and mentally.

I do believe what sets me apart is when people see me dance… they see pure commitment, purpose, and passion atop of skill!!! The fact that I’m up in age, I am a testament to my platform and agenda in my classes, showcases, performances, and partnerships in the community…and beyond.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for mentoring would be in a combination of research (database search engines), partnerships with other non-profits /businesses, social media promotions/platforms, getting that message out through personal relationships (family and friends), lastly seeking mentorship in “out of the box”, not-so-normal arenas — every time you are around people, mention your mentoring goals to any audience!

Pricing:

• $5.00 group class dance sessions
• $25.00 private dance sessions
• Donation accepted for showcases/performances at events/celebrations
• Partnerships with other organizations pushing Health & Wellness
• Negotiable pricing for event planning, decor, arrangements, etc

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @debarker74
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/de.barker.7
• Youtube: [email protected]
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/IDWDProductions

Image Credits
Michael Orr, Vell Davis, and Nate Stevens