MY HOME TOWNChicagoIS.....

Dancing 1959-1965 Steves performing career began in Chicago, Ill. Performing at the Saint Peter and Paul grammar school stage productions brought the attention of Loretta Rozak, an internationally acclaimed ballet instructor. She sponsored Steve for many years including performances at Chicago cultural centers and most notably with the Bolshoi Ballet at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago. The Loretta Rozak School of Dance was located across the street from Steve's residence (9116 South Chicago Avenue), not considered the better side of the tracks however. The better side sent many of the aspiring young dancers to the school. Steve was inspired to attend where he learned and performed the Russian Jig at the Saints Peter & Paul grammar school holiday shows. Steve enrolled in both ballet, character and tap classes. Mrs. Rozak was impressed with Steve's natural rhythmic ability and passion for dance. She sponsored Steve at the school provided he would represent the school at city auditions. One audition in particular was noteworthy. The Bolshoi Ballet Company's Nut Cracker tour of select US cities included featured local up-and-coming dancers. Steve was selected and performed for the 4 weeks of performances. These experiences and opportunities inspired Steve to the next phase of his career. "I recall hiding my ballet shoes under my arms from my friends as they called on me to play baseball and football at Bessemer Park. I felt a bit uneasy in the ballet role, loved the character training especially the synchrony of beats in tap…and then the British Music Revolution happened."