Step Show helps unify Black Greek Association

University movers and shakers showed off their steps Friday night at the Power Center in a display of intense dancing.

More than 500 attended the Black Greek Association Step Show at the Power Center. The show featured high-energy dance routines by the University's black fraternities and sororities.

"Basically, the purpose of the step show is to display the Black Greek Association to the campus," said BGA President Gerald Olivari, an Engineering senior. "We don't do a lot of things as a collective organization. We are trying to unify the campus, not just blacks, but the whole University community."

The price of admission was lowered this year from $10 to $5 in an effort to spark higher attendance, Olivari said. Proceeds went to the BGA.

JESSICA JOHNSON/Daily Kappa Alpha Psi members express themselves at the Black Greek Association Step Show. The event was held to promote unity in the Black Greek Association.

Two fraternities and three sororities participated in the show, which was evaluated by a panel of five judges. IFC President Bradley Holcman and Panhellenic President Mary Gray were invited to judge the show as a symbolic gesture of unity in the Greek community.

"What we've been trying to do is unify the Greek community: Panhellenic, BGA, and IFC," said Holcman, a Kinesiology junior. "The two winners tonight will be part of our variety show on March 25."

The two Greek leaders emphasized the similarities of the different associations.

"We all stand for scholarship, community service, leadership and social enrichment," said Gray, an LSA senior. "All three of our bodies have that in common. That can facilitate future activities."

Most of the step routines were performed to rap and other rhythmically intense music. Step dancing involves a great deal of foot stomping, clapping and slapping of the body, as well as the opportunity to show individual character, said Engineering senior Hillary Wilson.

"All the organizations have different methods of dancing," Wilson said. "Steps have been handed down for generations. All the rhythms come from African beats. You put your personality in the dancing and add new flavors."

Practicing for the big show can be an arduous process, participants said. Perfecting the step routine takes hard work and high motivation.

But once the dancers are on stage, fatigue is forgotten and the crowd's enthusiasm revitalizes the dancers.

"It's good when you put in long hours and see the final product and the reaction of the crowd," said Kappa Alpha Psi Sigma president and Engineering senior J. Mitchell.

"When the crowd is enthused, you get an adrenaline rush," he said.

Judging from the applause, spectators enjoyed the raucous show. Emcee Toni Minor said he enjoyed the show from backstage.

"I think the performances are going nicely," said Minor, an LSA senior. "It brings the community together and it lets the frats and sororities showcase their talents."

Audience members were equally impressed with the energetic stepping.

"It's very entertaining," said Engineering junior Charley Lloyd. "They've been working really hard. I'm kind of surprised at how well they've been doing."

02-16-98