As a disc jockey stood in the middle of the blue-lit stage, a single beam of light underscored his hands as they spun the pulse of the room. The beat shook the floorboards, and Stepping After Dark was underway.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council hosts a step show every year as part of the Black Alumni Reunion, which took place this weekend. More than 1,000 people watched step crews from the seven black fraternities and sororities at Ohio University compete for a top prize of $500 Friday at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. The money was awarded to the top male and female group, along with a bonus of $100 for the overall winner.
Delta Sigma Theta received first place for the sororities, and Alpha Phi Alpha won for the fraternities and ranked first overall.
Although some choreography was typical of step shows, the groups incorporated specific hand motions or signs that represent their organization. The hand gestures are used throughout the routine to represent each fraternity or sorority.
All of the moves have a deeper meaning
said Emily Perrin, a graduate student and one of the event's coordinators. It's not just clapping and stepping. They'll talk and share about their fraternity or sorority. This is a huge part of their culture.
Alpha Phi Alpha adopted a Lost theme, where the dancers found themselves deserted on an island after a plane crash. At one of the more comedic moments, one of the men lost Wilson a radio referring to the volleyball Tom Hanks loses in the movie Cast Away.
But it was the team's final move that wowed the crowd and judges. The crew formed a circle and fell back onto their partner's abdomen, while one dancer did a far-reaching back handspring over everyone.
In addition to stepping, all groups had a short video to accompany their routines. The videos told more about each Greek organization and followed the themes of the dances, which included Real World, Room Raiders and ninja.
Terrance Harris, a 1992 alumnus, said the style of step has evolved, but that the show was still enjoyable.
It was a lot different than what we remember Harris said.
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Culture
Rosie Haney
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Katharine Egli | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
