How 3 Southern Maryland Women Turned A Dance Group Split Into A 62-Member Community

SOUTHERN MARYLAND — When a popular local line dancing group unexpectedly came to an end, many participants feared the music had stopped for good. Instead, within an hour of learning the group would be dissolved, three Southern Maryland women came together to create something new.

Today, the Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz have grown to 62 members and continue adding new dancers almost daily, creating a thriving community built on fellowship, fitness and Southern soul line dancing.

“When our previous line dance group manager decided to quit, I immediately reached out to Latoya Louis and Patrice Lucas,” said co-founder Jorita Meredith in an interview with The BayNet. “Without hesitation these ladies agreed to form our own group. Within a matter of 60 minutes, we created our name of the Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz.”

Meredith said the idea stemmed from a desire to make line dancing more accessible to residents throughout Southern Maryland.

“I truly enjoy line dancing and constantly invited friends and family members to join the former group,” Meredith said. “Their main reason for rejecting the offer was the drive to Prince George’s County. They were willing to participate if the classes were closer.”

Confident in their local connections throughout the tri-county region, Meredith, Louis and Lucas launched the new organization together.

“It was never a one-leader group,” Meredith said. “We all have equally built this group from the ground up.”

What followed exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Meredith said she remains amazed by the community’s response and support.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected our group to grow this quickly,” she said. “We are growing in size on a daily basis and our door will remain open to anyone interested in joining the family.”

The group’s appeal, she believes, comes from offering both convenience and connection.

“Most people love to line dance, but they don’t want to do it alone,” Meredith said. “There are not many Southern soul and R&B line dance groups in the area. The fact that we are in the tri-county area makes it convenient for all interested parties.”

For many members, the experience goes beyond learning dance steps.

Practices combine instruction, laughter and social connection. Meredith describes the atmosphere as welcoming and supportive, particularly for beginners.

“Our practices are full of laughter and fellowship,” she said. “Oh, we do learn a few line dances in between.”

Instructor Patrice Lucas teaches each dance step-by-step, ensuring participants are comfortable before moving forward.

“Although Patrice is our instructor, we are a big family and everyone will help each other out,” Meredith said.

One of the most rewarding moments, she said, is watching newcomers overcome self-doubt.

“Quite often, we get new members that doubt themselves. They don’t think they can learn the dances,” Meredith said. “It’s such a rewarding feeling to watch how they prove themselves wrong every time.”

The group welcomes participants of all ages and backgrounds, requiring no prior dance experience.

“Absolutely not — just bring your positive vibes, big energy and your boots,” Meredith said when asked about prior dance experience. “Those are the only requirements to be a Smooth Steppa.”

As membership grows, the organization is also becoming a community partner. Meredith said businesses and organizations have begun reaching out to book performances, helping introduce members and followers to local establishments they might not otherwise visit.

“We are bringing customers to said businesses,” she said.

The Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz already have a busy summer schedule planned. Upcoming classes are scheduled for:

Looking ahead, Meredith hopes the organization will continue expanding throughout the region and eventually host its own major event.

“We are eager to continue expanding our family and hopefully host our very own trail ride and line dance festival,” she said. “We would love to bring line dancers from all parts of the United States together.”

For anyone considering joining but hesitant to take that first step, Meredith offers simple advice.

“Be like Nike and just do it,” she said. “You don’t need any experience to start, and everyone was a beginner once. It’s a great way to have fun, stay active and meet new people in a friendly and supportive environment.”

Based on the group’s rapid growth, it appears many Southern Maryland residents already have.

More Than Dancing

While the Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz may have started as a line dancing group, many members say it has quickly become something much deeper.

For Lashonda Clyburn, joining provided an opportunity to focus on herself after years spent raising children.

“My children and bonus children are now grown. I had to find something to do for ME,” Clyburn said. “This group is not only providing an environment to get together and dance/exercise but also meet new people and develop new friendships. It’s a win-win!”

Angela Waul said the group offered both community and the chance to try something entirely new.

“Community, great camaraderie and delving into uncharted territory,” Waul said. “It’s all new to me, but I’ve always admired line dances from afar.”

For Marcia Carter, the experience has been especially meaningful.

“As a disabled person, Smooth Steppaz has made me feel like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to,” Carter said. “I didn’t have confidence that I was able to do a lot of movement without being in pain, but I leave practice and events feeling more confident in myself without any judgment or pressure from anyone.”

Several members described the group as a source of friendship and belonging.

“The SOMD Smooth Steppaz has become much more than a line dance group to me—it is a source of friendship, support and connection,” said Patrice Davis.

Davis said dancing together has allowed members to encourage one another, celebrate life’s milestones and create lasting memories. Others echoed similar sentiments.

“I came to an event sponsored by the Smooth Steppaz. When I walked into the room, the vibe was contagious,” said Liz Young. “We all come together to have fun and most of all dance.”

Cynthia Swann described the group as a place where friendships are valued and newcomers are welcomed immediately.

“This group is like a community where friendships are cherished, new friendships are welcomed, and everyone is treated like family,” Swann said.

Lakisha Douglas summed up the experience simply.

“The group is a family,” Douglas said. “A community of women and men allowing themselves to move their bodies, bond, have a good time and release a little stress.”

Additional Member Perspectives

Michelle Pottinger said the group has become a place where members can be themselves while creating lasting memories.

“The SOMD Smooth Steppaz is more than a line dancing group, it’s a group of unity where one can be their authentic self,” Pottinger said. “This group is a family where we create memories through dance and travel, curating memorable moments that will last a lifetime. I’ve found my happy place and am grateful to be a part of this movement.”

For Latisha Hill, the group offers both physical activity and meaningful social connections.

“I am happy that I decided to join this step group, the Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz,” Hill said. “We get to learn new line dances as well as making new friends. We as a group have become a family.”

Hill said the group encourages members to stay active while enjoying time together.

“It gets me out of the house, I get to move my body, exercise and learn the latest line dances,” she said. “It’s a win-win for us all.”

What began as a simple effort to keep local line dancing alive has evolved into something much larger — a growing community built on music, movement and meaningful connections. For updates on classes, performances and upcoming events, visit and follow the Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz on Facebook.

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