Every step counts

Five men dressed in white collared shirts and striped ties march simultaneously in a line, reciting an African-inspired chant across the front of the HUB. They stop in a row facing the crowd.

Moving in a perfectly synchronized routine of hand clapping, feet stomping, knee slapping and body thrusting, the men start repeating a chant:

"Ice, ice baby, too cold, too cold! Ice, ice baby, the black and gold!"

These are the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and this bit routine at a "yard show" to celebrate the fraternity's founding week is just a glimpse into the historical tradition of stepping, originating with the black Greek organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Putting the visual into words

Stepping is the most prominent tradition unique to African American Greek organizations, ranging from huge step shows with audiences of hundreds to performing a "stroll" at a party. Although developed by black fraternities and sororities, stepping now extends worldwide to Latino and Asian Greek organizations, high schools, church groups and dance troupes.

The author of Soulstepping, Elizabeth C. Fine, describes stepping as "a complex performance that melds folk traditions with popular culture and involves synchronized percussive movement, singing, speaking, chanting and drama."

"It's really about making music without instruments, and using your body instead, making beats and rhythms with your hands," said Sharee Pierce, president of Zeta Phi Beta.

The problem with the tradition is that the visual aspect is the absolute cornerstone. There is no one concrete definition for stepping, and to the members of black Greek organizations, it is more importantly about the bonding experience and historical aspect behind the tradition.

A rich history

The exact origin of stepping is debatable, some arguing that it did not officially begin until the first black Greek-letter societies formed, but others insisting that stepping has always been a part of African culture. There is no doubt that stepping has a significant historical significance, and draws from many aspects of both African and American culture.

The first black Greek-letter organizations sprouted from Howard University during the 1920s, and pledging rituals of fraternities displayed a strong connection to stepping, according to Fine's book. Stepping evolved from "marching on line," Fine wrote.

The pledges would display their brotherhood or sisterhood by walking in a line together around campus in a specific style and movement, proudly showing off their colors and letters, according to the book.

Groups began stepping in Howard's Yard, although the term stepping was not used yet. Probate rituals were serious performances, with the participants frequently wearing "solemn expressions ... in this liminal phase of a rite of passage," Fine wrote.

Many elements influence modern day stepping, making it one of the most elaborate performances to date. There is the military aspect of line formations and marching patterns that came from brothers who returned from WWII.

During the 1940s and 1950s, black fraternities began to mimic steps from popular groups as The Four Tops and The Temptations, according to the Phi Beta Sigma web Site. African ritual dancing became incorporated during movements of the 1960s, and women influenced stepping with the advent of cheer and various dance.

Large indoor steps shows with intricate costumes and growing audiences appeared during the 1970s, according to Fine, and stepping on the Yard started to become less common. The word "demonstration" became the term for stepping during this time.

During the 1990s, the competitiveness and commercialization began to take over the step shows, many groups taking their performances to extreme levels, such as when one sorority brought guns on stage. S.T.O.M.P became the "first syndicated television show of an annual national stepping competition," Fine wrote.

Although some organizations became wrapped up in the rivalry of stepping and exploiting its popularity, it is clear that the history of the tradition truly goes deeper than winning. This sense of purpose is apparent in the black fraternities and sororities on campus.

Stepping prominence at the UW

With eight of the nine NPHC organizations represented on campus, it would seem that stepping would have quite an influential prominence. Unfortunately, the limited African American population has kept the tradition from growing to its pinnacle compared to certain southern and eastern universities.

The Emerald City Step Show is the one major show put on by NPHC in the spring, serving as the main competition at the end of the year. The Imogen Fest is held at the beginning of the school year, which is more of an esoteric unity show. The two shows are the only organized performances during the year.

"It would be great to have more than one big step show a year, but since Seattle is such a small city, having them all the time would eventually dry out," said Tavar Proctor, a Kappa Alpha Psi junior from Seattle Pacific University.

Sporadic performances, called "yard shows," happen more spontaneously throughout the year on the HUB lawn, usually when probates are signed to the organizations.

Members occasionally show off their individual "strolls" or "party walks" at events, which is not quite stepping, but more of an organized line performance around the dance floor, according to Pierce.

"The step culture at the UW is a lot smaller than many other universities, but it is still comparable to some step teams around the nation," said Brynne Steward, a senior in Delta Sigma Theta sorority. "We have the ability to compete at a national level and do well, it just depends on how much we put into it."

A timely process

Most members of the black Greek organizations start preparing for the Emerald City Step Show two months ahead of time, which not only includes time to practice, but also to design costumes and come up with a theatrical concept.

A "step master" is designated in each fraternity or sorority, who "organizes and runs the routines and the overall performance," said Anthony Rose, a senior of Phi Beta Sigma.

Each routine runs 12-15 minutes, most organizations choosing some sort of theme to incorporate into their routine. For example, the members of Alpha Phi Alpha used an Egyptian theme in their 2004 performance, adopting such movements and dress, to follow their iconic use of the Sphinx symbol.

Practicing is not an easy feat for the performers. They have never been granted permission to use an on-campus practice facility, so the groups have to get creative.

"We wanted the practice rooms in Meany but it didn't work out," said Rose. "The concrete parking garage in Odeggaard has become the traditional practice spots for all the fraternities and sororities, and we each have our designated area because we don't want others to see our steps."

Each black fraternity and sorority has its own style, chants and unique steps that exhibit the overall personality of each organization in their performances.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

"The Sigmas are known for using their staffs during performances, which goes back to the history of our fraternity," said Rose. "We are also famous for the 'Sigma Nut-Cracker,' a step that always comes up in every performance."

The "Nut-Cracker" step originated in the late 1970s from northeastern chapters, according to the fraternity web Site, and each chapter consistently works to perfect it. The fraternity frequently shares similar steps by switching performance tapes with its sister sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, which Rose parallels to sharing game plays in sports.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

The women of Zeta Phi Beta see stepping as a crucial bonding experience.

Pierce believes that "the process really brings you closer with your sorority sisters, not only in having fun, but you learn a lot about each other."

The distinction in classes is not a negative issue, according to Pierce, who said that the older sorors (sorority sisters) help out tremendously.

The Zetas try to "get creative with themes" in order to put together the best performances, according to Pierce. The sorority's Judgment Day theme in last year's show brought them the first place prize, its fifth victory in four years, which includes the WSU chapter.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Omega Psi Phi loves to stand out, visually and vocally, according to sophomore Chris Hemphill. "Omegas are known for their camouflage and gold boots, which is a special piece we try to do. We will wear it on any day but it is most likely worn when we perform."

It isn't hard to spot an Omega, whether it is during a performance or greeting another fraternity brother. "Our step is called 'The Hop,' and we are also known to bark. Our nickname is the 'Q-Dogs' or 'nasty Q-dogs,' so when the ladies want to get a Q's attention, they ask us to bark. I like to do it when I'm running down the tunnel at football games."

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The women of Delta Sigma Theta find the day of the show most rewarding to all of their hard work. "It is the opportunity to get together with your sorority sisters in preparation for the big show," said Steward. "You really focus on teamwork and building sisterhood, learning to work together."

Bringing together the wider tradition of the sorority is important to Delta Sigma Theta. "We have something called the 'Founder Step,' which has a chant to it. It is dedicated to our 26 founders and everyone learns the step right when they join the sorority. It's the one step that brings everyone together nationally and internationally."

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Since stepping began with fraternities, it exerts a certain masculinity that Kappa Alpha Psi makes sure to incorporate in its performances.

"It is a matter of who has rhythm, who can do it well," said Proctor. "The masculinity is there; it's about the women and we love women."

Using canes during their performances is Kappas' trademark, stemming from the military influence of WWII. Their call is a simple "Yay-yo!" that gets the crowd pumped up for their complicated routines. Proctor is most proud of his fraternity's most recent Emerald City performance.

"We did a blindfolded step last year, and it was perfect; not one mistake."

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Cane stepping is not limited to only fraternities, Sigma Gamma Rho is known to use canes in its performances from time to time.

"It is more of a regional difference, but many times we use canes to add a visual element to our routines ... we do the cane beat and twirl canes in many of our shows," said Jevian Polite, a senior in the sorority.

Sigma Gamma Rho did not have the strongest presence on the UW campus, so the women wanted to make a bold statement at the Emerald City Step Show.

"Last year we did a mafia theme with the Scarface soundtrack playing in the background. We came out in suspenders and ties, and basically 'took over the yards.' It was the first year in three years a new group joined, so we wanted to show everyone we were out."

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Phi Alpha has plenty to brag about as winners of the Emerald City Step Show two years running and the OSU step show for the past three years, according to President Frank Newsome IV. He said it is really about making stepping a part of everyday life.

"Stepping has become so much a part of me. I will incorporate stepping when I am walking, or do it in line, even in the kitchen."

It takes a lot of practice to get to Newsome's level, who only has to hear a beat and it becomes part of his thinking process. Much of this discipline and dedication is from the expectation of Alpha Phi Alpha, both locally and nationally.

"Alpha Phi Alpha is known for being great steppers nationwide. There is a high expectation for our fraternity, a lot of pressure to win. I love it. It makes it so that I know I will come with it every time."

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

"Sophistication, style and grace," a line from the chant "Serious Matter," epitomizes the sorority's image, according to Christina Hardy, a member of the WSU Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter.

"We like to think of ourselves as ladylike," said Hardy. "We have more intricate and complex steps, and aren't as hardcore in our routines."

Another step unique to the Alphas is the "Ivy Pose," which shows up at most step shows. Those familiar with the sorority know them best for their ear-piercing "Skee wee!" screech that can only be done correctly by those with the lung capacity.

The future

Stepping for black fraternities and sororities is -- in its own right -- a competitive sport, but when it really comes down to it, the historical significance dominates the rivalry. At the end of the day, all the members are under one bigger organization.

"My favorite memory is from the Imogen Fest from the beginning of this year ... It brings all of us together and we teach each other. I have a lot of friends from the other fraternities and sororities, so its great to have the chance to step with people you don't normally step with."

Rose sees that stepping is about having a good time and bringing everyone together for one purpose: "The step show is really to help raise money for NPHC. It's a time to bring all you got and if you win, you have bragging rights for the whole year. But it is always fun."

Watch out for announcements of the Emerald City Step Show in May.