Fraternities, sororities meld dance, rhythm, spoken word
On Friday night, seven organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council performed their own renditions of stepping, a dance tradition that combines rhythmic footsteps, clapping and spoken word.
The students in attendance filled nearly half of the Carolina Coliseum for the event, which was hosted by Spoken Reasons, a stand-up comedian and spoken word artist, who also provided comic relief in between dances.
Before the dancing began, he called out to each fraternity and sorority whose members recited their chants. Disc jockey T.O. played music which had many students dancing throughout the show.
Melanie Pompey, a fourth-year merchandising major, directed the event.
“I think the show went well,” Pompey wrote in an email response. “It was a great learning experience, and I would not change any moment of it.”
The atmosphere was lively and most students didn’t hold back as they cheered for their favorite dances, all of which required plenty of practice.
Sara Mooney, a first year business student, who had never attended a step show before, thought the show was a success and enjoyed the dances she saw.
“It was really impressive and fun to watch,” Mooney said.
Many of the dances were built around unique themes and were incorporated into each group’s dance moves.
The Iota Chi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, which danced to an Egyptian theme, was awarded first place among the sororities. Theta Gamma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority won second place.
Among fraternities, the Zeta Epsilon chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity was awarded first place, while the Zeta Zeta chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity took second.