Schwab Auditorium will come alive tomorrow night as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Step Show takes the stage with beats and rhythms that could raise George Atherton from his grave.

NPHC President Tahiirah Allen said this weekend's annual Step Show will feature a friendly competition between seven greek organizations that have each choreographed a step dance and developed a performance theme to present their talent in front of an audience and judging panel.

"Stepping has always been a prominent part of being a NPHC greek. It's a traditional thing," Allen said. This African tradition was adapted by greek organizations in the 1960s and continues today.

Originally, step was used in Africa to communicate across cultures with drums and dance, Allen said. Now, step has evolved into a dancing performance that features beat stomps, hand claps and chants in order to create a pulse without instruments.

Participating groups put in a lot of time and effort preparing for this event. Alpha Phi Alpha President Osvaldo Lee said his organization has been practicing since January and rehearsed every night from 9 p.m. until midnight this week in preparation for tomorrow's big event.

"It's going to be extraordinary because there are a lot of organizations participating," Lee said. "They put in a lot of effort and hard work."

The dances are complicated and require agility and athleticism. Additionally, steppers must have a strong sense of rhythm. Themes and costumes further add to the entertainment value of the step show. Each performance will be evaluated by a judging panel comprised of one member from each organization. Placement awards will be granted to a sorority and a fraternity based upon difficulty of dance moves, precision of steps, crowd appeal, theme and costume.

Allen said the show would be a good competition. After watching a few of the groups rehearse, she said she thought the show would provide great entertainment.

"It's going to be a very creative and lively show," she said.

DJ Flow, from Philadelphia hip hop radio station WUSL-FM (98.9), or Power 99, will play music for the event.