By Larissa Check
Elm Staff Writer
What is stepping?
Many have not had the experience of being at a stepping competition, while many wonder about what defines stepping. Some link stepping to a form of African “gumboot” dancing, in which the performers rhythmically slap and stomp their feet with passion and energy.
Stepping is more than just the rhythm of the dancers. It is more than just the dancing of passionate steppers. It is more than just the music that inspires these dancers. It is stepping.
Stepping is, according to Wikipedia.org, a percussive dance in which the “participant’s entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps.”
Stepping is about the energy of steppers. It is about the cultural history of the American people to which stepping provides a link.
In an effort to not only highlight the exceptional art form of stepping, but also to positively highlight the impact of multicultural experience on the college youth, The Black Student Union, in collaboration with the Cleopatra’s Sisters and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, would like to invite the Washington College campus to this year’s second annual step competition.
In an effort to follow the footsteps of many African American organizations, the step competition not only preserves and promotes African-American cultural history, but also recognizes the importance of making a difference in their communities. The goal of the step competition is to showcase a dynamic culture that will bring a fresh perspective to how young people view college life as well as show a different aspect of a diverse culture.
The step competition is bound to be entertaining. To highlight the passion that exists behind stepping, the sponsors will create content that showcases the different aspects of the competition. Some students will perform to a mix, others will perform fine acts, and best of all, there will be an alternative dance workshop. Even better, the step competition will showcase a special appearance by the P.L.A.Y.E.R.S. club, a club known to open up performances for celebrities like Alicia Keys and “America’s Got Talent.”
Are you interested yet? Here is a chance for you to express yourself through powerful music, rhythm, and dance. Come be part of this amazing opportunity and get the true stepping experience this Monday April 26 at 8 p.m. in the Gibson Performing Arts Theatre.
Hope to see you there.