I have received quite a few emails from aspirants asking if they have to already know how to step or learn how to step in order to join a Black Greek Letter Organization, so I decided to write a blog about stepping.
Stepping is one of the perks of joining most undergrad chapters and a few graduate chapters have step teams. So first you may ask "What is Stepping?"
"Stepping 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. The tradition of African American stepping is rooted within the competitive schoolyard song and dance rituals practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, beginning in the mid-1900."
Stepping is fun, exciting, hard work and a great way to advertise your organization.
At my college, we would always host a "yard step show" at the beginning of the school year to show off our "stuff" to the incoming freshmen and transfer students. I have been involved in tons of Stepshows both as a member AND as a step-master and a judge. I enjoy stepping because its another way to create close bond with your sorority sisters and/or fraternity brothers. Practices can be long and tiring but the end result is worth it. (Especially if you have a few pounds to lose, because believe you me, you will lose weight practicing steps).
Stepping is an extra-curricular activity and is NOT a requirement for membership.
