Chicago teams step off in pursuit of scholarships
kevin1914 | Jan 23, 2010 | Comments 0
Teams of college students will “step” in the name of loot this weekend in Chicago.
The teams nationwide are competing for a share of $1.5 million in scholarships in the largest stepping competition in history, the Sprite Step Off.
In Chicago, teams will perform today at the Regal Theater, 1645 E. 79th. Rappers Ludacris and Wale will also be on stage at the competition, which is open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The winner of the Chicago contest will compete in nationally televised finals in Atlanta next month.
The competition is unique not only in terms of its size — teams across the country are competing in more than 20 cities — but also because it includes a community service platform and carries the blessing of the nine largest black collegiate fraternities and sororities.
The University of Illinois at Chicago chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority is the only Chicago area team still in the national chase.
Popularized by black fraternities and sororities, stepping is a form of percussive dance, its participants producing rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, chants and hand claps.
The 2007 movie “Stomp the Yard” spotlighted the art form and is spawning a sequel to be released this year. Despite sharing a name, it is unlike the smooth hand dancing advanced in song by R. Kelly.
Performers at past qualifiers have included Keri Hilson, Lupe Fiasco, Monica, Soulja Boy and Mario.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Filed Under: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. • College Life • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. • Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. • National Pan-Hellenic Council • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. • Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
