Performers from Step Afrika!

Springfield, Ohio – Evolving from dance rituals performed by historically African American fraternities and sororities in the early 1900s, a dance form called stepping has emerged. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, Step Afrika!, a group dedicated to stepping, will perform in Wittenberg's Commencement Hollow as part of the university’s Homecoming 2007 celebration. UPDATE: This event has been moved to the HPER Center due to the threat of rain.

Washington, D.C.-based Step Afrika!, billed as an ambassador for the African American culture to the United States through its annual tours throughout the country, is making its second appearance at Wittenberg. Prior to the evening performance, Step Afrika! will host a stepping lesson at 4 p.m., also in Commencement Hollow.

"Based on their memorable performance here a few years ago, I know Step Afrika! will be an exciting addition to our Homecoming 2007 celebrations," said Mark DeVilbiss, Wittenberg’s director of the student center and student activities.

Stepping involves the use of the whole body as an instrument to create rhythms and sounds. Footsteps, claps and spoken words are common features of stepping, which has since spread to high schools, middle schools and elementary schools around the country.

The lessons and performance by Step Afrika! will be free to all individuals, and no tickets are required for admission. In the event of rain, the events will be moved to the HPER Center Gymnasium.

Written By: Sarah Fetters '08

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