Originally Posted by baci (Post 1901825)

Congratulations ZTA as everything you did in your performance was amazing! You earned your win!!!

I can understand the frustration felt by the other groups, but when a large competition is created involving a sizable prize there should be ironclad rules and nothing should be left to be misunderstood by those that enter. If you are not allowed to use steps that are "known" to be of another groups it should also be stated.

Originally Posted by als463 (Post 1901830)

I think we should embrace the fact that NPCers won a competition mainly set aside for D9 groups.

Originally Posted by Senusret I (Post 1901834)

Why?

And please be mindful of the language you're using. These competitions are not "set aside" for D9 groups, they were conceived, originated, and perfected by D9 groups with Sprite coming aboard to market their product.

Originally Posted by als463 (Post 1901830)

I know Phi Mu did some sort of step-show at Alabama, Auburn (or one of those southern schools-sorry-don't remember) and they did awesome. I found it online.

Originally Posted by Senusret I (Post 1901834)

These competitions are not "set aside" for D9 groups, they were conceived, originated, and perfected by D9 groups with Sprite coming aboard to market their product.

Originally Posted by Senusret I (Post 1901828)

Part of the judging criteria is originality, so it DOES go without saying.

Be Original = STOP STEALIN.

Gosh, first our men, now our steps!

:D

Originally Posted by baci (Post 1901825)

Congratulations ZTA as everything you did in your performance was amazing! You earned your win!!!

I can understand the frustration felt by the other groups, but when a large competition is created involving a sizable prize there should be ironclad rules and nothing should be left to be misunderstood by those that enter. If you are not allowed to use steps that are "known" to be of another groups it should also be stated.

Originally Posted by Sistermadly (Post 1901728)

I've been away from Greekchat for a year or so, but logged back in just so I could say how gobsmacked I was by the performance of the Epsilon Chapter in the Sprite Step-Off. Those ladies stepped hard, and my mouth was like :eek: the entire time!

From where I sit, Epsilon chapter not only deserved the award because of their performance, but because of the humility and respect shown by the step team leader in the post-performance interview where she talked about the honour and respect ZTA has for the NPHC, and how graciously she displayed love for her sorority without disparaging others.

Now if only I could make out what the women were chanting during their routine...

Again, well deserved congratulations, ZTA. I look forward to seeing you -- and other NPC sororities -- participating in step shows in the future (are you listening, Alpha Phi?) ;)

Originally Posted by Senusret I (Post 1901828)

Part of the judging criteria is originality, so it DOES go without saying.

Be Original = STOP STEALIN.

Gosh, first our men, now our steps!

:D

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest (Post 1900467)

This is not the issue. There are a whole lot of different feelings out there from the D9. Some really don't care and actually agree with you, some feel that non-D9 orgs should not share in our tradition at all, some feel that only D9 should have participated in this particular show since the money pot was so big and we are the ones that have made stepping what it is today and also were used to heavily promote this event, some take issue with the fact that many non-D9 orgs that are embracing stepping today have no idea of the history or tradition, and many other feelings.

Also stepping is about innovation, creativity, and originality and some are quite pissed that ZTA brought nothing new and instead used all D9 steps in their show, even the stepping on the raised platform. Some say that if the judges were greek and not celebrities, that they would not have won doing other orgs' steps which is not looked upon favorably by those that know and appreciate stepping. So this is what all the feelings are about.

But I say congrats to ZTA. I just hope they will bring the creativity and originality next year. I think more people will respect their performance then. However, I can't be too supportive when you are doing steps that have been in my org for years and yes they had a little bit of everyone's steps in there. Most non-D9 step teams study us but make up new moves if they care about not copying and disrespecting us. ZTA needs to do the same.