I skimmed the article provided above and this quote "African Boot Dance, from which stepping derives, has its seeds deeply planted in political and social oppression. " spoke to me. Essentially, anytime that people were enslaved, oppressed etc. their oppressors tried to take away their dance, culture, language, what have you and those peoples were forced to become resourceful, in order to preserve their dance and culture, without their oppressors "catching on" as to what was going on.

The roots of the Brazilian dance "Capoeira" (pronounced cap-where-uh) are similar. I believe that enslaved people from Africa were in Brazil and they were forbidden to practice their self defence and fighting. So they "hid" their moves in a dance called Capoeira. A quick search on the net should yield more fruit.

Therefore, the common theme throughout is that anytime that people were oppressed or prevented from expressing themselves "freely", those people became resourceful and creative and found ways to express themselves, without their oppressors actually realizing it.

Another example:
I visited a now-closed prison near in Fremantle Perth, Australia. (http://www.fremantleprison.com.au/ )
The prisoners were NOT allowed to talk to each other. They were also separated by compartmentalized seating in church services held at the prison. So how did they communicate with each other? In church, during the singing of hymns, instead of singing the words, they would sing introductions to each other, as to what their name was, where they were from, etc. Ingenious? Perhaps? Resourceful and innovative? Definitely.

Hisrotical Roots of "Stepping"
 

As far I as know, the proximate historical roots of "stepping" was the jazzed up marching routines of black soldiers in armed forces. In my Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi,our "stepping" competitions at our Grand Conclaves are still called Marchdowns,and until recently the marching style was the main focus of stepping. Now it has veered off, in many places, to dancing routines and slick gimmicks."The value of our Fraternity is not in numbers, but in men, in true brotherhood. Eight men thoroughly immersed in the true Omega spirit are far greater assets than eighty with lukewarm enthusiasm"

SMILING
 

The WE stands for all of us! Let me rephrase that "Sororities & Fraternties" that participate in "STEP SHOWS." I would like to give a round of applause for all the various of members whom represented their organization with adult answers.

This chat line is for members!!!!!!!!!! If a member has a question other members should offer answers. (RIGHT)

Again the question was "Is stepping a part of history"?

WHAT IS WRONG- (") (Is) (stepping) (a) (part) (of) (history) (") (?).

Okay everyone, let's begin our GreekChat.com English course.

That means if your organization compete in a STEP SHOW, how did "stepping" orginated.

If everyone wants to be REAL!!! Numerous of organizations DO NOT ANYTHING ABOUT STEPPING!!!!

This isn't a survey, it's a question and only a few people knows the answer.

I feel sorry for all of the members whom focused on my errorssssssssss. Because this posting clearly shows how many members from different organizations-- focus on errors instead of the questions other members are asking.

Again, it's OKAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TO BE HONEST--I have to take a close look at myself. Because I am a school teacher and I do make mistakes and so do my KIDS. In which I truely enjoy begin around on a daily basis. So for all the members who showed me my errors--I'm not bitter at all.

Please do not respond to this posting because most of the members on this site DON'T KNOW about stepping.

Re: SMILING
 

Let me tell you something, sistergirl.



You know what, nevermind.....anytime somebody prefaces a statement with "Let me tell you something" and/or "sistergirl" it's not going to be polite. So I can either squash it here or pass along the baton.....

I believe I took my first steps as a 10 month old. :D :p

:D

Re: SMILING
 

Re: Re: SMILING
 

Say it!! Whatever you are thinking...SAY IT!


LOL!!

Re: Re: SMILING
 

PRETTY
MUCH!!!:o :o :o :o