Stepping (African-American)

Stepping or step-dancing 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.

Stepping may also draw from elements of gymnastics, break dance, tap dance, march, or African and Caribbean dance, or include semi-dangerous stunts as a part of individual routines. The speed of the step depends on the beat and rhythm the performer wants it to sound. Some forms of stepping include the use of props, such as canes, rhythm sticks and/or fire and blindfolds.

The tradition of stepping is rooted within the competitive schoolyard song and dance rituals practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, beginning in the mid-1900s.

Stepping finds its origins in a combination of military close-order and exhibition drill, and African foot dances such as the Welly "gumboot" dance. It also originally drew heavily from the stage routines and movements of popular R&B groups such as the Temptations and The Four Tops. During the mid-20th century, historically-black fraternities and sororities on United States college campuses traditionally sang and chanted to celebrate "crossing over" into membership of their respective organizations. Stepping is also performed by schools, churches, cheerleading squads, and drill teams.

NPHC Fraternities and Sororities had "Greek Sings" that were popular in the early 1900s. This tradition was passed to Fraternities and Sororities at Historical Black Colleges and Universities to celebrate initiations into the world of Greeks. The chapters would gather on campus and sing uplifting songs and cheers about their Fraternity or Sorority. In later years when the Greeks sung songs they began to add movements such as walking in a circle, and clapping hands. The Sororities were singing songs up to the early eighties, and all of the Sororities still have traditional songs that they sing today. Meanwhile, the Fraternities begin to add movement to their songs. In later years "Greek Sings" became "Greek Shows" which were a major event and still are to this day. Stepping has been popularized by National Pan-Hellenic Council member organizations who gives tributes to their historical Greek letter organizations and also perform at local and national competitions. Stepping has become popular among the Greek organizations to show spirit and pride in their Fraternity or Sorority.

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