Stepping (African-American)
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Stepping or step-dancing is a dancing tradition which consists of choreographed dances performed at celebrations, ceremonies, performances and athletic events with rhymes or chants sometimes spoken over the dance.
Stepping is often seen as good for improving a group's morale, cohesion and pride, as well as communicating something of value to both the performers and the audience. Stepping generally involves clapping and stomping, sometimes done at the same time. In extreme forms acrobatics, gymnastics, the use of fire or explosives, or other dangerous stunts may be a part of the routine. Some forms of stepping include the use of canes, handguns, swords, knives and sometimes the wearing of masks.[dubious — see talk page]
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[edit] History
Originally derived from the African Welly boot dance, it was formalized in the traditionally Black fraternities and sororities on United States college campuses around the middle of the 20th century. Popularized by National Pan-Hellenic Council member organizations who perform at local and national competitions, stepping has been featured in films and shows such as School Daze (1988), Mac and Me (1988), Drumline (2002), Stomp the Yard (2007), and the following TV series: A Different World, Sister, Sister, Seinfeld, and Cheers. Today, it may also be seen performed by groups in predominantly black high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and preschools outside in the street or in a program.
There is a national Annual New Years day Stepshow and Party in New York for Step teams called Step Correct.
[edit] Latin-American Participation
It is important to note that there are several predominantly Latin-American fraternities and sororities that are known to step, being that some of them descended from historically black fraternities. One of the first Latino organization to embrace stepping was Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity. Other Latino fraternities and sororities that step include Omega Delta Phi, Sigma Lambda Beta, Sigma Lambda Gamma, and Lambda Theta Nu, among others.
[edit] Attire
The Stepping uniform consists of any type of clothing, including heels, sandals, and tap shoes. Highly skilled steppers often use canes, fire sticks, and swords, which they swing at each others heads as they step.
[edit] External links
- StompShow.com has a comprehensive catalog of DVDs available depicting Stepping.
- PledgePark.com is a popular online community comprising of members of the Nation Pan-Hellenic Council. Stepping is frequently discussed there.
- StepCorrect.com for Team Registration and to purchase tickets
