Michael Kelly dances with his sister-in-law Valerie Dixon at Piggy’s Cafe in Hartford in preparation for the Royce Banks Birthday Celebration and dance weekend in Hartford on Feb. 26-27. Kelly and his brother Archie Kelly, members of the Hartford Steppers, organized the three-day event for renowned Chicago style-stepper and instructor Royce Banks. The event also marked a relaxation in COVID restrictions and attracted about seventy-five dancers from throughout the United States.
Michael Kelly dances with his sister-in-law Valerie Dixon at Piggy’s Cafe in Hartford in preparation for the Royce Banks Birthday Celebration and dance weekend in Hartford on Feb. 26-27, 2022. Banks is a renowned dancer and instructor from Chicago. The birthday and dance weekend attracted about seventy-five dancers from throughout the country. PHOTOGRAPH BY PATRICK RAYCRAFT FOR C-HIT