Greek stepping on road to success
Step, slap and stomp. It came from historically black fraternities and sororities, and now it has come to Utah State University.
On Saturday, the USU’s step team performed its first step show at the Psi Sigma Phi and Theta Nu Xi dance party event.
The event was held from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The show began at 10 p.m. The step team consists of both women and men who practice every day for three hours, said Mandy Richmond, treasurer of Theta Nu Xi.
The evening was jam packed with music, dancing and of course an audience in awe of the performances. Two step team performances and a breakdance competition were held in the middle of the party.
“We wanted to come out and show [that] anyone can do it. It’s new to us,” Richmond said.
The step team hopes its shows will become an annual event, Richmond said.
Step teams have become traditional both on high school and university levels.
“Idaho State University has a program called ‘Steppin’ up,’ to recruit African American students,” Richmond said.
ISU has invited USU’s team to both watch and perform in their annual competition.
They have already performed at the Multicultural Assembly at Skyview High School and the Star Search, held last Wednesday.
“Our first goal was to expose the campus by starting out. I thought it would be hard but we’re glad it [has] paid off,” Richmond said.
Next year, Cooksey said, “We hope to make it bigger.”
“We can bring this here and help out the community,” said Dwayne Finley, president of Psi Sigma Phi.
Autumn Sargent, a theater major, taught the women’s step team their routine. Sargent is from New Jersey, where she started dancing in 10th grade, which led to participation in tap show competitions.
“If we could get the valley into it, it would be awesome,” said Artavis Thompkins, philanthropy chair of Psi Sigma Phi.
Students, greeks and administrators attended the event Saturday evening.
“It’s good for people to see something they’re not used to. It’s so good to do other things beside the norm,” said ASUSU Executive Vice President Celestial Star Bybee.
The step show and breakdance competition captured attention.
This is the beginning of what the step teams hope will become an annual event.