Stepping (African-American)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stepping or step-dancing is a form of 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. Though
stepping may be performed by an individual, it is generally
performed by groups of three or more, often in
arrangements that resemble military formations.

Stepping may also draw from elements of gymnastics,

break dance, tap dance, march, or African and Caribbean
dance, or include semi-dangerous stunts as a part of
individual routines. The speed of the step depends on the
beat and rhythm the performer wants it to sound. Some
forms of stepping include the use of props, such as canes, The Bronx's P.L.A.Y.E.R.S. Club Steppers, a stepteam
rhythm sticks and/or fire and blindfolds. that has performed at theWhite House.

The tradition of stepping is rooted within the competitive

schoolyard song and dance rituals practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities,
beginning in the mid-1900s.

Contents
1 Stepping
2 History
3 Contests
4 Stepping in other cultures
5 In popular culture and media
6 See also
7 References
8 Bibliography

Stepping
Stepping finds its origins in a combination of military close-order and exhibition drill, and African foot dances
such as the Welly "gumboot" dance. It also originally drew heavily from the stage routines and movements of
popular R&B groups such as the Temptations and The Four Tops. During the mid-20th century, historically-
black fraternities and sororities on United States college campuses traditionally sang and chanted to celebrate
"crossing over" into membership of their respective organizations. Stepping is also performed by schools,
churches, cheerleading squads, and drill teams.

History
NPHC Fraternities and Sororities had "Greek Sings" that were popular since the inception of black Greek
organizations in the early 1900's. This tradition gradually beame to be used to celebrate initiations into the
world of Greeks. The chapters would gather on campus and sing uplifting songs and cheers about their
Fraternity or Sorority. In later years when the Greeks sung songs they began to add movements such as walking
in a circle, and clapping hands. The Sororities were singing songs up to the early eighties, and all of the
Sororities still have traditional songs that they sing today. Meanwhile, the Fraternities begin to add movement
to their songs. In later years "Greek Sings" became "Greek Shows" which were a major event and still are to
this day. Stepping has been popularized by National Pan-Hellenic Council member organizations who gives
tributes to their historical Greek letter organizations and also perform at local and national competitions.
Stepping has become popular among the Greek organizations to show spirit and pride in their Fraternity or
Sorority.

The most popular step routines have been passed down, and many of the songs are still used and housed in each
Fraternity's and Sorority's history archives. Many times a step performance ends or incorporates the use of a
chant that is associated with the respected organization. A chant is a song that is worded or has a rhythm
specific to that organization. Each particular organization has their own.

Over time, more and more organizations have created moves to continue this growing passion, however certain
steps and moves originated and are considered signature to particular organizations. For example, "The Nut
Cracker" is unique to Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. "The Dove" is unique to Zeta Phi Beta sorority, "the Q Hop," is
originally from Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and "The Alpha Train" is a staple of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Contests
The first nationally syndicated stepping contest, S.T.O.M.P., aired in 1992 was created by Frank Mercardo
Valdes, produced by the World African Network and Vic Bulluck and choreographed by Vernon Jackson and
Jimmy Hamilton of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Again they were also known as Step by Step Stomp aired 92-
96. Stepping was also featured in the movie Drumline (2002) and Stomp the Yard (2007). The Howard
University "Beta" chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha stepped at former President Bill Clinton's inauguration, after
appearing in a Foot Locker commercial in December 1992.[1] Stepping was also featured in the Opening
Ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.[2]

Stepping in other cultures

Stepping is a complex performance that melds folk traditions with popular culture and involves synchronized
percussive movement, singing, speaking, chanting, and drama. Developed by African-American fraternities and
sororities, it is now practiced worldwide.[3] For example, the tradition has been emulated by Latino fraternities
and sororities over the past decades. Pioneered by Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity in 1979 they are
noted as the first Latino Greek organizations to embrace the traditions of stepping.[4] This has led to an increase
in participation of Latino Greek organizations in step show events. Often adding influences from Salsa,
Merengue, Bachata, as well as other traditionally Latino music. Latino Greeks are performing in more step
shows, stroll competitions, and social functions on college campuses throughout the United States.

In popular culture and media

Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew featured the Strikers All-Stars, a step-based crew that took
fourth place in the show. Strikers All-Stars originated at the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical
University.
In the finals of America's Best Dance Crew, the two finalist crews - Jabbawockeez and Status Quo (not to
be confused with the English rock band) - for the first time in the competition, battle and cooperate in a
step performance.
Stepping has been seen in the mainstream, with involvement in motion pictures including School Daze,
Mac and Me, Drumline, and How She Move.
In the 2007 box-office film Stomp The Yard, stepping was used throughout the entire film. The main
character, D.J. (played by Columbus Short), looks to lead his step team to win the national step show
competition.
BET Networks has aired numerous short step show exhibitions and competitions in its programming
since 1989, when an early episode of Teen Summit featured members of Alpha Phi Alpha from Howard
University, and members of Omega Psi Phi from the University of Maryland. Stepping has been featured
 on 106 & Park (during the Wild Out Wednesday portions), and on BET's annual spring event, Spring
Bling (on the show Get 2 Steppin').
At the beginning of Alicia Keys' video, "Teenage Love Affair", which is based on the 1988 movie School
Daze, a step team is shown strutting in an all black outfit during a rally.
At the beginning of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air episode "Blood is Thicker than Mud" a group from the
fictional fraternity Phi Beta Gamma (though all are real members of Alpha Phi Alpha, namely Vernon
Jackson, Jimmy Hamilton, Phillip Cox, Marcus Legall, Steve King, and Dameion Harris) perform a short
step show.
Stepping is shown throughout the TV series A Different World, a show based on the fictional historically
black campus of Hillman College. During the 2nd season, characters Whitley and Jaleesa choreograph a
step routine for a homecoming competition, and during the fourth season, several primary characters
step-dance as part of the fictional Greek letter organizations Kappa Lambda Nu and Alpha Delta Rho.
Arsenio Hall also introduced stepping on his '90s late night talk show by introducing the group "Step by
Step" Vernon Jackson and Jimmy Hamilton along with their fraternity brothers from Alpha Phi Alpha as
well as members of Omega Psi Phi, who were the first winners of S.T.O.M.P, the first nationally televised
step show.
Stepping has been featured in films and shows such as School Daze (1988), Mac and Me (1988), Vernon
Jackson and Jimmy Hamilton, both members of Alpha Phi Alpha and known as the group "Step by Step",
choreographed the movie House Party 2 (1991). They also choreographed a couple of stepping episodes
for the TV series A Different World, in which they also were featured stepping in and also featured
members of various fraternities.
Stepping, along with Gumboot dance, is a distinct component of the list of styles included in the World
Hip Hop Dance Championships.

See also
Step dance
Showtime Steppers
Gumboot dance
Stomp the Yard
Get down
National Pan-Hellenic Council
Drill team
NALFO

References
1. Stepping it up: Big competition in Cincinnati brings together stellar stompers (http://www.enquirer.com/e
ditions/2004/09/17/tem_frilede17.html)
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po9AV3p7qkUM
3. Fine, Elizabeth (2003). Soulstepping: African American Step Shows. Chicago: University of Illinois
Press.
4. Lambda Sigma Upsilon National Website (http://www.LSU79.org)

Bibliography
Hughey, Matthew W. 'Re-membering Black Greeks: Racial Memory and Identity in Stomp the Yard.'
Critical Sociology 37(1): 103-123, 2010.
Malone, Jacqui. Steppin on the Blues. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1996.
Ross, Lawrence Jr. The Divine Nine - The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities.
Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2001.
Brown, Jamie. "Black Fraternities and Sororities and the History of Stepping." Yahoo! Contributor
Network. Yahoo! Contributor Network, 10 Jan. 2008. Web. 3 May 2013.

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This page was last edited on 24 August 2017, at 21:24.
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