Saturday, February 10, 2007

Stepping

Stepping or step-dancing is a form of choreographed dance performed by dancers in a group. The dance is comprised of clapping and stomping steps done in perfect unison with other members of the dance team. Rhymes or chants are sometimes choreographed into the dance routine to compliment the sound of the steps. Acrobatics and gymnastics are often a part of stepping, as well as the use of fire, explosives, canes, swords, knives, and even handguns which are used as props to perform stunts. and other dangerous stunts. Some dancers wear masks and other costumes to enhance the ambiance of their routines. Stepping is an art form as well as a musical form. In Stepping it is not uncommon to see dancers wearing matching uniforms, boots or tap shoes. This form of dancing is derived from the African Welly Boot dance. According to Wikipedia, “The African welly boot dance is an African dance, which is performed by dancers wearing Wellington boots. In South Africa, these boots are more commonly called gumboots. It is believed by some to have been a forerunner of the tap dance. The Wellington boots are embellished with bells, so that they ring as the dancers stamp on the ground.”
This subculture is popular among African American Fraternities and Sororities who practice together vigorously. The teams perform at celebrations, ceremonies, national and local competitions and athletic events. Within the Greek system stepping is considered popular for improving a group's morale, cohesion and pride, as well as improving the name of a fraternity or sorority.

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