Local schools introduce new generations of students to the art of stepping

Stepping is a unique African American art form with origins in African culture. According to the African American Registry (AAR), Africans who were transported during the Middle Passage brought their dancing styles with them to the Americas.

Modern stepping evolved with the formation of Black Greek fraternities and sororities in the early 1900s. Beginning with celebratory “Greek Sings,” these organizations added movement to their songs, eventually creating what we now know as stepping.

“In stepping, the body becomes an instrument, using footsteps, claps and spoken word to produce complex poly-rhythms,” according to Step Afrika, a touring dance company focusing on the art form.

Tiffany Evans, principal at GEO Academies near downtown Indianapolis, wanted to introduce her students to stepping and Black Greek life during Black History Month.

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