Stepping
Subjects Analysis:
It has origins of West African traditions. Its very popular in the black Greek community. You create rhythms and beats with stomping and clapping combinations, with dancing too. Different organizations have different styles, theres energetic, precision, acrobatic, everything is synchronized. You have props that you use. Synchronization. Theres competitions, and you do it to represent your organization. Its entertainment, as well as something done at gatherings. These include trains as well, these are like line dancing, some [trains] are complicated, and you perform them at competition. I love it, its fun. Theres some people that may not like it because theyre not good at it. I learned it after crossing, its not necessary to become an Alpha.
Collectors Analysis:
Stepping is a very exciting, unique, and fun part of the Black Greek community. The steps do actually originate from West African origins. The step competitions or Stepshows are highly entertaining and could be considered to be festivals. The trains are really fun to watch. The frat/sorority lines up, and then go into a routine that goes with the music thats currently playing (it is considered a huge insult to join in on the end of a train if you do not belong to the organization dancing). Several of the props that are used in the stepshows are really interactive such as canes that are whirled around and tossed between each member. Sometimes the fraternities will even have themes to supplement their routines.