Stepping out

African-American fraternities, sororities practice stepping for show, unity, communication

Incorporating stomping, clapping, shouting and the occasional use of props, stepping -- an African-American fraternity and sorority form of dance -- is much more than dancing.

"By displaying each distinctive stepping style, members express the pride and love they have for their organization," said Kamia Hobson, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., 108 S. Hibbs.

Unity among the African slaves is how stepping originated, said Hobson (senior-management science and information systems).

"While locked in handcuffs and shackles, they used their feet to make rhythmic beats to sing to," she said. "It was a way to communicate and make music with their bodies."

Through the years it evolved into a way for African-American fraternity and sorority members to communicate, as well.

"Stepping started with African-American fraternities and sororities as a way of controlling anger because of the hostility that existed between fraternities and sororities," said Chad Merriweather (sophomore-business administration), a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., 215 HUB. "It's a way that separates us from everybody else, but in the same way it brings unity not only to our organization but to everyone as a whole."

Now it has become a tradition that has grown in popularity; other minority fraternities and sororities, such as Asian-American and Latino groups, have added stepping to their repertoire.

But more than just a tradition, these fraternities and sororities use stepping as a way to enjoy and express themselves, Hobson said.

"Throughout the year we focus on doing community services and this gives us a chance to be loose and have fun," she said.

But such fun requires a ton and a half of practice and commitment, Merriweather said. His fraternity has already begun practicing three times a week for its step show in April.

Time is taken to create new steps as well as putting new twists on old steps, he said. Each organization has a different style and historically has its own unique steps. Incorporating other groups' steps is discouraged, he said.

"People do not understand the preparation involved," Merriweather said. "It's not hard to learn, but it takes a long time for everyone to get in sync."

However, the preparation does pay off. The National Pan-Hellenic Council will be sponsoring its annual step show at the end of April.

During these heavily competitive shows, the fraternities and sororities involved are given the opportunity to out-step each other.

"Everyone takes a lot of pride in their fraternity (or) sorority, so it's fun," Merriweather said.

Many steps include vocal chants in which the groups try to "dis" each other out, but it's all in love, he added.

Hostility is not the focus of these shows, he said. Fraternities and sororities want to demonstrate that they're not about fighting, he said, but can pull together through these events. Stepping competitions are not for the fraternities and sororities but for the public to watch, he said.

"I definitely encourage people to come out because there's a lot of hard work involved," Merriweather said, "and it's pretty cool to watch, too."