Youth "Stepping" Out (H.Y.P.E.)
Step-dancing, most commonly called stepping, is a form of percussive dance in which the participants produces complex rhythms and sounds through a blend of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps. Though stepping may be performed individually, it is generally performed by groups of three or more.
The tradition of stepping has been practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, beginning in the mid-1900s.
“When we step, we do it with pride, glamour and
a touch of grace;
so good can’t nobody invade our space.”
“When we step, we step like no other,
and we always take
it a little bit further.”
“With our coach by our side,
our steps go hard, as we try
so diligently not to break our stride.”
“Each team competes for the claim to fame,
as we try to put
each other to a shame.”
“We rant our creative chants and step to pass the test,
letting
one another know you’d better bring your best.”
“In our heads we all have implanted, Yeah we’re bad
and we rock, as
we lean to and fro;
We’re that team you don’t want to mess with, you
know, the one that keeps a steady flow.”
“When we step, we step like no other;
if you’ve come to compete
and your step game ain’t complete, don’t even bother.”
Photos Credits: Compliments of LaKendra Anderson