EleganceinMotion
EleganceinMotion
September/October 2025 |
September/October 2025 |
Issue Number 1
Issue Number 1
Welcome!
We are thrilled to present: The Grand Masquerade (October 25, 2025), and Cotton Club for the Dandy (February 14, 2026).
With anticipation and pride, we invite you to embark on a journey of tradition woven into the very fabric of Black history.
Publisher: Diana Stansberry Believing
EVENT DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025
Masquerade traditions reach back to African ancestral practices, where masks and costumes carried spiritual and cultural meaning. In the African diaspora, particularly within African American communities, masquerade evolved through forms like Mardi Gras in New Orleans and elaborate masked balls during the Harlem Renaissance. Masquerades provided a space for transformation, resistance, and celebration. In contemporary Black culture, masquerade balls, fashion shows, and themed events keep this tradition alive where style, secrecy, and spectacle merge. The mask becomes not just costume, but a powerful symbol of duality: concealment and revelation, tradition and reinvention. It’s an opportunity for flamboyance, mystic, or subtle secrecy of a simple eye mask.
By Manpreet Kaur
by Jaya Sood
A SHORT INTRO OR KICKER OF THE ARTICLE WILL GO HERE.
Women’s masquerade fashion embraces elegance, bold colors, feathered or jeweled masks, and gowns with dramatic silhouettes. It could just as easily be a cat-suit. Accessories include sequins, beadings, gloves, and jewelry reminiscent of Harlem Renaissance flair or a masked costume of your choice.
Men’s masquerade attire balances formal charm with cool creativity. Suits or tuxedos with brocade or velvet textures, colorful bowties, pocket squares, and masks with metallic finishes give a stylish, mysterious appeal. Costumes are also an option.
Hatshepsut Pakeman-Symister 917 921-9826
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shep.symistah
Alias Costume Workshop (NYC) About the Vendor
Alias Costume Workshop is a boutique, New York–based costume atelier specializing in everything from theatrical period wear to custom masquerade ensembles Known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, Alias offers an eclectic range of multicultural, vintage-inspired, and fantasy styles that elevate any masked affair.
Style Highlight
"We believe a costume should tell a story—your story, with flair and authenticity."
Masquerade & Custom Costumes • Boutique Rental & Made-to-Order
Contact
�� via Facebook: Alias Costumes NYC facebook.com
Ze
Saturday, October 25, 2025 6 PM - 1 AM
TheBirdcage,25 Central Street
Windsor, CT (Next to the train station)
$65 advance ends 9/25/2025, $75 after, more ATD, complimentary workshop
DJ Big Daddy (Joe Hutchinson)
GuestDanceInstructors: Marty& Yvette of NYC
Food, Specialty Drinks, Gifts, Vendors, Workshop, and Raffle
Wear a Mask and Dress to Impress (860) 794-6122 (707) 280-2085
Patricia Davis & Diana Stansberry
Cocktail Hour & Fashion Show, Chicago Steppin ZELLE 707 280-2085
Free Parking in the rear.
Next door to the train station
Train Schedule here
EVENT DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026
YOU DON T WANT TO MISS THIS!
Black Dandyism, with its origins in 18th–19th century, found a distinctive interpretation within African American culture. For Black men in the early 20th century especially during the Harlem Renaissance embracing the “Dandy” aesthetic was more than vanity; it was an act of self-definition and resistance. Tailored suits, wide-brimmed hats, silk handkerchiefs, and polished shoes projected dignity in a society that often denied African Americans respect.
Figures like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and later, cultural icons in jazz, R&B, and hip hop, carried forward this legacy of flamboyance and refinement. The African American Dandy represented more than elegance it was about reclaiming presence, refusing invisibility, and celebrating individuality through sharp and individualized style.
Today, modern interpretations of Black Dandyism continue to merge tradition with contemporary fashion, where bold colors, pattern mixing, and tailored silhouettes affirm identity, pride, and creativity.
Jomma Ewing
This sharply dressed gentleman exudes timeless Dandy elegance in a black tuxedo jacket with satin lapels, wide-leg trousers, and a crisp white shirt. The look is elevated with a striped bow tie, patterned scarf, pocket square, and two-tone wingtip shoes, all nodding to Harlem Renaissance style with a contemporary twist. The bowler hat and glasses complete the refined yet expressive aesthetic, echoing the tradition of African American men using fashion as both personal pride and cultural statement.
BY SUSAN BARLOW
A modern interpretation of the 1920s flapper style, showcasing African American glamour with a sequined cloche-style headpiece, feather accent, and sleek bob hairstyle. A contemporary approach to vintage Harlem Renaissance chic. The sparkling backdrop evokes Art Deco opulence an inspiration for setting the ambiance for the Cotton Club for the Dandy event, February 14, 2026.
A black-and-white archival photograph of three stylish African American women, dressed in fur-trimmed coats, cloche hats, pearls, and satin dresses. This captures the authentic street fashion of Harlem in the 1920s–30s, where sophistication met resilience. Their looks reflect the Cotton Club era, when fashion was both a declaration of pride and a marker of social status
Dressed elegantly in a 1920s-era flapper dress. This ensemble is a symbol of the roaring twenties, characterized by a short, sequined dress, embellished with materials such as beads, pearls, feathers, gloves, and other glittery adornments creating a shimmering effect. She is wearing a headband adorned with feathers, a signature flapper accessory. Her bobbed hairstyle is still a favorite.
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The legendary Josephine Baker in a dazzling sequined gown and dramatic feathered headdress. This image embodies the performance glamour of the Harlem Renaissance and Parisian cabaret, where Baker became an international icon of elegance, sensuality, and liberation. Her style blended theatrical boldness with haute couture refinement, symbolizing both artistry and cultural power.
Threads by Tea is a wearable art brand creating bespoke apparel and accessories handcrafted with intention, vision, and soul. Every piece is made to inspire confidence, challenge norms, and empower individuals to express their most authentic selves.
Founded by designer and creative architect Tea Montgomery, Threads by Tea specializes in made-to-measure garments, bags, and accessories for men, women, and children; each one crafted from scratch, without sketches or patterns, and guided entirely by imagination.
This is more than fashion; it’s a statement of purpose. With each bespoke creation, Threads by Tea invites you to step into your boldest self, your freest self, your truest self. Because we believe: All things are possible with confidence.
Chicago Steppin’ is a partner dance that grew out of the South Side of Chicago in the 1970s, rooted in earlier African American social dances like the Jitterbug and Bop. Unlike many fast-paced dances, Steppin’ emphasizes smoothness, rhythm, and connection between partners. The dance can be as much about fashion and presentation as it is about movement men in tailored suits or cool casuals, women in flowing dresses, heels, or whatever suits their fancy, all exuding class and cool
For African Americans, Steppin’ represents more than entertainment; it is a cultural ritual, a way of gathering, socializing, and sustaining community. It can be casual gatherings or reflect the same ethos as Black Dandyism style and refinement as cultural armor and artistic expression. Today, Steppin’ has become a national phenomenon, but its roots in Chicago’s Black culture remain strong, symbolizing unity, grace, and sophistication. The events in this series: The Grand Masquerade and the Cotton Club for the Dandy, will feature some of the best DJ/Mix Masters and Instructors of Chicago Steppin’
Dancers: James Brown and Lisa Allen
Videographer: Andres Wynter
MixMaster - Rudy Dottin Boston
DJ Big Daddy - Joe Hutchinson NYC
DJ Love and Dance
Instructor - Jerry Williams NY & CT
*Their presence at any event is not implied here.
Host of the Annual
August 9 , 20 25
Hosts of the Annual
Workshops
Stepper
*Their presence at any event is not implied here.
Bring a friend, arrive early, and be ready to step onto the dance floor!
1. Gentlemen, kindly escort ladies onto and off the dance floor, it’s a classic gesture of respect and care.
2 Please wait until a song ends before stepping onto the dance floor
3 Be mindful not to walk between dancing couples as you enter
4 Go with the flow, follow the natural direction of the dance floor (Stay in your lane)
5 Adjust your dance space based on how crowded the floor is make room for everyone to enjoy.
7. If the floor is crowded, avoid staying in the "L" position too long to keep things moving.
8. If a bump happens, a simple “Excuse me” goes a long way, grace always wins.
9. Give your partner your full attention, smile and make kind eye contact.
10. Gentlemen, stepping on a lady’s foot may mean it’s time to adjust your lane or give her more space to move.
11 As leaders, if a move doesn’t go smoothly, own it with confidence, it’s all part of learning
12 Take a moment to observe your potential dance partner to match their comfort and skill level
13 Stick to basic or intermediate moves unless your partner clearly signals they're ready for advanced turns.
14. Save challenging turns and spins for less crowded floors to avoid mishaps.
15. The outer edges of the dance floor are often for advanced dancers, give them space to groove.
16. Steppers usually dance in the center; Walkers gracefully move around the edges. Kindly yield to Walkers passing through.
17 Trio dancing is best saved for spacious floors, skip it when things are tight
18 Only join a dance if you’ve been invited by both partners already dancing
19 Focus on mastering 10–15 clean, stylish moves, quality always shines brighter than quantity
20 Work on your basics, the confidence and swagger will follow naturally!
21. Gentlemen, guide with finesse, not force. Use gentle signals and hand leads, never snatching or jerking.
22. The goal is to have fun! If a move goes wrong, share a laugh and keep dancing.
23. No teaching on the dance floor, please, if needed, step aside to a quiet spot for tips.
24. Good hygiene makes everyone’s night better. Fresh breath and clean clothes go a long way!
25. Be aware that sweat can be unpleasant, bring a towel or change of clothes if needed.
26. If you decline a dance, kindly wait until the next song to dance with someone else.
27 Gentlemen, establish a clear lane and maintain it Adjust as needed for floor traffic
28 If someone has a significant other nearby, kindly acknowledge both when asking for a dance
29. Always thank your partner with a smile after the dance.
30. Ladies, feel free to ask men to dance too! Confidence is always welcome.
31. Please keep the dance floor clear, no drinks, smoking, lingering, or blocking entrances/exits.
32. Wash your hands regularly throughout the night, especially after using the restroom.
33. Use the edges to walk around, let the center floor be for dancing only.
34. Be considerate with song requests trust the DJ to keep the vibe going.
35. If you decline a dance, do so kindly and, if possible, share a quick, respectful reason.
As Demonstrated by Iary Isaiah Israel
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19KdFAFhFp/
Jannett Jennings, OriginatorGreater Hartford Area
, Complimentary workshop
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At the heart of Elegance in Motion lies a simple belief: Elegance is not reserved for special occasions. It is a way of being it is found in the way we treat each other, the pride we take in our appearance, the tilt of a hat, the swing of a skirt, the cadence of jazz, and the generosity we show in our interactions. It is the way of the Chicago Steppers; dressing well (casual or formal), dancing freely, greeting each other warmly these are all practices that honor our ancestors and inspire those who will follow. Through style and celebration, we cultivate a sense of belonging, creativity, and joy. In this first issue let’s embrace the mystique of the Masquerade and the boldness of Black Dandyism. See you on the dance floor!
PatriciaDavis&DianaStansberry
Custom Suits, and Men’s Accesories
blackstockandweber.com
Luxury Loungewear, Men’s Accessories
Nadalia (860) 380-6501
HATS BY NATALIE
Costume jewelry, Afrocentric clothing
Natalie (203) 606-8691
THREADS BY TEA
Bespoke Wearable ArtHandcrafted threadsbytea.co
Masks, leather, bags, jewelry
facebook.com/shep.symistah
Sheppie (917) 921-9826
harrisonblakeapparel.com FALLON FARREN
African Wares
Susan (860) 897-4997 DESIGNER DONALD CARTER
One of a Kind Couture for Men & Women (203) 676-7785
