The step shows today are a far cry from what they used to be. I can remember pledging a sorority back in the 1970's. I was on a line with only three other young ladies, but the four of us knew how to "light up" the 'block'. (That's what we called the area at the student union building that was designated for stepping.)
I've seen a lot of the sororities and girl groups step today and they are typically rough, masculine, and vulgar. Stepping for young ladies used to be an art form. We would sing, create beautful harmonies, and choreograph some really great routines that emphasized our appreciation for being young ladies.
And the crowds loved it!
The frats were always a little raunchy and I can recall how the Q-Dogs would always create these step routines that involved going into the crowd and grabbing the young ladies. Can you imagine? We would be standing there in the crowd watching them step and all of the sudden they would run into the crowd and start grabbing young ladies and literally carrying them onto the step "block". That scared me to death!
I wish someone would show these wannabe steppers of today how to really put on a show.
I agree, "the block" has changed quite a bit. I have always enjoyed watching video clips of old step shows and I remember being in high school and seeing the 2004 and 2005FAMU homecoming step show on the internet. Competitive. Precise. A good time is what Id call it.
No doubt, I would love to be in the place for the classic not for the feeling of the old or new but moreso the simple delight in the showcase of African American tradition. Something that I feel as a student we often take for granted.
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The step shows today are a far cry from what they used to be. I can remember pledging a sorority back in the 1970's. I was on a line with only three other young ladies, but the four of us knew how to "light up" the 'block'. (That's what we called the area at the student union building that was designated for stepping.)
I've seen a lot of the sororities and girl groups step today and they are typically rough, masculine, and vulgar. Stepping for young ladies used to be an art form. We would sing, create beautful harmonies, and choreograph some really great routines that emphasized our appreciation for being young ladies.
And the crowds loved it!
The frats were always a little raunchy and I can recall how the Q-Dogs would always create these step routines that involved going into the crowd and grabbing the young ladies. Can you imagine? We would be standing there in the crowd watching them step and all of the sudden they would run into the crowd and start grabbing young ladies and literally carrying them onto the step "block". That scared me to death!
I wish someone would show these wannabe steppers of today how to really put on a show.
Prof. Kinchlow, thank you for sharing your history of stepping! 1970s huh?
I would go but all of my funding is going toward the food!!! lol
Professor Kinchlow!!! That was a very exciting story! I could imagine you and your sorority sisters stepping and dancing through your description!lol
Anyway I don't think I will be going to the step show this year, but I love the art of stepping and hope that it will be a great show!
Nice story!
I agree, "the block" has changed quite a bit. I have always enjoyed watching video clips of old step shows and I remember being in high school and seeing the 2004 and 2005FAMU homecoming step show on the internet. Competitive. Precise. A good time is what Id call it.
No doubt, I would love to be in the place for the classic not for the feeling of the old or new but moreso the simple delight in the showcase of African American tradition. Something that I feel as a student we often take for granted.
Good luck to all who are in the show!
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