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Contents
1 Stepping
2 History
3 Contests
4 Stepping in other cultures
5 In popular culture and media
6 See also
7 References
8 Bibliography
Stepping
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.
History
NPHC Fraternities and Sororities had "Greek Sings" that were popular since the inception of black Greek
organizations in the early 1900's. This tradition gradually beame to be used 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.
The most popular step routines have been passed down, and many of the songs are still used and housed in each
Fraternity's and Sorority's history archives. Many times a step performance ends or incorporates the use of a
chant that is associated with the respected organization. A chant is a song that is worded or has a rhythm
specific to that organization. Each particular organization has their own.
Over time, more and more organizations have created moves to continue this growing passion, however certain
steps and moves originated and are considered signature to particular organizations. For example, "The Nut
Cracker" is unique to Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. "The Dove" is unique to Zeta Phi Beta sorority, "the Q Hop," is
originally from Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and "The Alpha Train" is a staple of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Contests
The first nationally syndicated stepping contest, S.T.O.M.P., aired in 1992 was created by Frank Mercardo
Valdes, produced by the World African Network and Vic Bulluck and choreographed by Vernon Jackson and
Jimmy Hamilton of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Again they were also known as Step by Step Stomp aired 92-
96. Stepping was also featured in the movie Drumline (2002) and Stomp the Yard (2007). The Howard
University "Beta" chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha stepped at former President Bill Clinton's inauguration, after
appearing in a Foot Locker commercial in December 1992.[1] Stepping was also featured in the Opening
Ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.[2]
See also
Step dance
Showtime Steppers
Gumboot dance
Stomp the Yard
Get down
National Pan-Hellenic Council
Drill team
NALFO
References
1. Stepping it up: Big competition in Cincinnati brings together stellar stompers (http://www.enquirer.com/e
ditions/2004/09/17/tem_frilede17.html)
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po9AV3p7qkUM
3. Fine, Elizabeth (2003). Soulstepping: African American Step Shows. Chicago: University of Illinois
Press.
4. Lambda Sigma Upsilon National Website (http://www.LSU79.org)
Bibliography
Hughey, Matthew W. 'Re-membering Black Greeks: Racial Memory and Identity in Stomp the Yard.'
Critical Sociology 37(1): 103-123, 2010.
Malone, Jacqui. Steppin on the Blues. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1996.
Ross, Lawrence Jr. The Divine Nine - The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities.
Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2001.
Brown, Jamie. "Black Fraternities and Sororities and the History of Stepping." Yahoo! Contributor
Network. Yahoo! Contributor Network, 10 Jan. 2008. Web. 3 May 2013.