Black Student Union (BSU) hosted their 12th Annual Step Show on Saturday, Feb. 7, drawing performers and spectators from across the greater Rochester area. The show, which was themed “You Can’t Step With Us,” featured step teams from area high schools and several performances from UR.
The show consisted of three parts. The opening performance was performed by middle school step team League of Extraordinary Steppers. The kids’ energy and enthusiasm got the audience hyped and ready for the next segment.
Following the League’s opener, four high school step teams competed for the annual award for first place. Rochester’s School of the Arts (SOTA) sent their team, the SOTA Roc Stars, to put on a Mortal Kombat-themed performance.
The second team, the ROC Steppers, did a “Nightmare on Elm Street”-inspired routine, dressed in Freddy Kreuger sweaters and hats. They were followed by the Wilson Pearls, whose jungle-themed attire and step routine was impressive all around.
The team Distinguished Dynasty was announced last in the high school segment. This high-energy performance group took first place last year in BSU’s 11th step show, and they followed up this year with a stunning performance.
The first place prize of $250 was ultimately awarded to the ROC Steppers for their scary-good Freddy Kreuger routine. As the only team in the middle school division, League of Extraordinary Steppers was awarded a speaker with which to play music during their practices.
Following the competition, there was an exhibition of talent from UR’s own step team, Xclusive, and the campus hip-hop dance group Indulgence Dance Team. These groups provided a fantastic encore, giving the crowd a chance to stand up and cheer after a high-stakes competition. The emcees also announced an impromptu dance competition featuring members of the audience.
Following the UR groups’ performances, there was a series of short performances by historically African- American and multicultural sororities, showcasing their own talents and history. Step began as a tradition in African-American greek letter organizations in the 1980s and 90s and eventually expanded to high schools and middle schools as a competitive sport.
The sororities in attendance were Delta Phi Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Pi Chi, Sigma Phi Zeta and Lambda Pi Chi.
Overall, BSU organized one of the most dynamic performances on campus in recent memory and, looking ahead, left spectators with much to anticipate for the 13th Annual Step Show next year.
Passanisi is a member of the class of 2017.
