Perps of the Art of Stepping
 

Good Morning to all of the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

I would like to get the opinions of some of the members regarding what is thought of non BGLO members who call themselves "soul stepping divas" and those who have incorporated the art of stepping in their sorority/or fraternity. Do you think that it is appropriate for other organizations not included in the divine nine to step as one of the main features of their organizations?

well, let me ask...

why wouldnt it be appropriate?:confused:

Huh?
 

Stepping is a wonderful form of artistic expression. The Divine 9 doesn't OWN that form of dance. So, anyone has the right to express themselves...whether it's a greek org, a youth group, church step team, etc. Some of the girls at my church want to start a gospel step team. I think it's a wonderful idea...even though we may have some "older" folks who don't agree. If our youth find spiritual power in this form of expression, then praise God. (sorry if I got off the topic.)

Well, I belong to a service sorority, and we have chapters that do step and have also won step shows before. Of course I've had others ask me "what does stepping have to do with being a service sorority?" Nothing really, but we just have talented sisters who can get out there and do their thing, and show something positive about our sorority.

I think I know which sorority you are talking about, and while I won't "bust them out" they have prided themselves on good stepping. I have seen them step before, and they're good. Are you more upset because this particular sorority is stepping overall or because they too also have used the term "soul stepping divas", which is, for the most part, associated with Delta?

I don't see anything wrong with groups other than the D9 stepping. It's an art form and a form of expression. I agree with prayerfull. As long as it is done well, it's all good.

Yes and No
 

I don't really see a problem with non-Divine Nine groups stepping I would just rather the steppers be black. Maybe its archaic, or a little un-PC, but that is how I feel in my heart. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO tired of other cultures "stealing" aspects of our culture, and then claiming them as their own (i.e. the Blues, Rock and Roll, jazz...) If there was truly a historical precedent for cross-cultural "Sharing" I'd have no problem with non-blacks stepping, but as in this country things tend to not be credited to whom/where they initially originated-- I have a problem.

I'm sorry, it just really burns me up to see the Hispanic/Latino (I mentioned them specifically because they do it the most) GLO's at my school stepping and taking it around parties. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Why? Go Salsa, Merengue, Mambo, I don't care--be original!!! Why step? Half of the time they dont' even know what it means!!!!

sorry...just my .08 cents.

Re: Yes and No
 

Lol. I feel you in a sense.

Prayerfull: Well said.

I couldn't agree with you more, Exquisite5. Aspects of our culture are always being claimed by non-members and I would like to preserve these precious characteristics for just African Americans. I agree with you 100 percent!!!!

Re: Yes and No
 

*nodding*

I agree or at least can see the point with most of what you said, although I honestly never saw it as much of an issue at college- if only because the latina frats/sororities just didn't have much stepping talent. They could do their little party strolls, and that was it.

As long as they know that when we came through they needed to move out the way, it was all good, lol. We took strolling to damn near sport levels.

Those were the days....

Re: Yes and No
 

Just because you're Hispanic/Latino doesn't mean Salsa, Merengue, and/or Mambo are part of your culture. They are a part of most Latino culture, but not specific for ALL Latino culture. And if that was the case, then wouldn't/isn't everybody who's jumped on the Salsa/Merengue bandwagon be considered "not-original (for lack of a better term)"?

Anyway, they don't only step and they can get original. For example I know of orgs who do Machete routines, Salsa/Merengue strolls, and/or incorporate aspects of their own culture into their step or stroll routine.

You see, it may not have the same meaning for them that it has for you, but it has meaning nonetheless. I really don't think they're trying to away any credit either. EVERYBODY knows where stepping came from and that will NEVER change.

There's a website: www.latinosstep.com that has the history of stepping in Hispanic/Latino organizations. I haven't checked it out in a while, but if I remember correctly, it specifically states that stepping originated with BGLO's.

If there was truly a historical precedent for cross-cultural "Sharing" I'd have no problem with non-blacks stepping, but as in this country things tend to not be credited to whom/where they initially originated-- I have a problem.

But, at the same time, I understand what you mean ;)

Re: Re: Yes and No
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by NoShame_Gamma
Unfortunately no shame,our culture has essentially been stolen that's why so many BGLO's are adamant about this topic. Because of its meaning, it is very relevant to us. It's the principal of the thang! Alot of people won't admit it but their lineage is African American,Mayan,Aztec Indian,etc. But first and foremost its us . The salsa and merengue are dances based from our culture. It has yet to be OFFICIALLY recognized as such. It would be very hard for those orgs. to be original when we ARE the originators. Please don't be fooled for one minute if you think that credit will not be given where credit is due! Topics like these and others are generational...i.e. 40 acres and a mule! I digress... Yeah EVERYBODY knows where stepping came from and you may personally acknowledge that fact. However, there are so many more orgs. that do not understand the mere essence of stepping and for them its a fad not a cultural fact.

Devil's Advocate...
 

What if the org stepping has Black members, only it's not a BGLO? Then what? Like band frats, stuff like that? Or service oriented orgs, or even multi-cultural orgs? Would it only be ok for the Black members of those orgs to step? Where are these other orgs LEARNING how to step? Cuz you can't learn just by watching, that's for sure. So someone had to teach them, right? What about that? As for latino/a orgs, what if they are, por ejemplo, Dominican? They 'look' Black, but are not (in accordance with how we view race in America, not abroad). Then what?

Is it the issue that it's 'stolen' and there is no acknowledgement that we are the originators, or do we just not want to share?

I'm not sure how I feel on the topic, perhaps I'm desensitized to this issue (robbing our stuff), I dunno. I know I am intrigued by Irish Step Dancing. If I learn it and teach it to others, will I be stealing the art form? This is a confusing (to me) situation. On the one hand, I feel like art (in all forms) is just that, and is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all. But on the other hand, I don't like when something GOOD comes from our culture, and we get no props for it. I guess I straddle the fence. :)

Interesting
 

I think it would be foolish to deny the fact that stepping was "embellished" by BGLO. I am a member of a caucasian founded fraternity, yet our chapter is all African American, as well as many other chapters within the fraternity. I never remembered anyone teaching me how to step. It was something that came naturally. Well, then again, I am a percussionist, so rhythms, syncopation, and timing comes quite naturally.

I agree that some things should stay within our culture. It's a shame that damn near EVERYTHING we compose, one way or another is ilfitrated by non African Americans. I'm not in shape, nor fashion racist. I just feel like "dang, can we keep anything for ourselves??" Though we have additional Independent Greek Fraternities on our campus, we are the only ones who actually step, and win at that. I've personally composed step shows for several fraternities and sororities at TSU, so I guess it's safe to say that we really don't have those problems about non-bglo's stepping. It's all good here. I've seen a few non African American teams perform, and let me be the first to tell you that it was the dreads of humanity. .........Well, then again, that "Unknown Sigma Step Team" came down here and rocked the auditorium. They're an exception though.....I guess.:confused:

Re: Devil's Advocate...
 

I have to take it back to the chit chat post.

I think most here agree that race is a social construct, but that in America daily we live and work within that social construct. So to me its not really about how someone looks, its about someone's cultural and historical identification and affilitation.

For instance, I wouldn't say that a fair black person was less deserving of stepping than a darker Dominican. Its not about skin color, and anyone who truly believes that is missing the point.

Its about culture! Its about the culture that is most identified as an African American one being REPEATEDLY and UNDENIABLY pilfered for its ideas and talents, yet somehow always called out for its shortcomings.

To the question about sharing vs. stolen I cannot answer in "we" as the question was asked, I can only speak for myself. If I were confident that non-black steppers truly understand and credit the history of stepping I am more than willing to share the art form with them. My problem is as miss priss pointed out for many of these groups stepping is a fad, the "cool" thing to do and no respect or revernce is given to it. Many don't know a thing about it, nor do they care to learn.

The TAMU chapter of NPHC hold an annual even called Stompfest in which a D-9 group is paired with a CPC Sorority. We teach the CPC groups how to step and then the CPC groups compete against each other. ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A MANDATORY WORKSHOP ON THE HISTORY OF STEPPING.

I support this event and even helped teach our group because I was confident in the girls knowing the history and their sincere desire to pay homage to stepping through their performance...not take and cultivate into something that is their own.

Generally speaking, I think some people have a big problem with non-NPHC GLOs (non-greek letter orgs/LGLOs/AAGLOs/MCGLOs and AGLOs) stepping, strolling (party walking), having hand signs, calls, and any thing else similar to NPHC organizations. They feel these aspects of greek life were exclusive to NPHC greeks and should remain that way. I don't have a problem with people who feel that way. That's fine. What bothers me is when people just don't like or respect these organizations at all and instead of just saying that, they nit-pick about everything from stepping and calls to the very reason why these orgs were created in the first place.

As for the issue at hand, while some people in these organizations may not know the history behind stepping, I think the perception is that these organizations as a whole know nothing about the history and therefore should not step - which is ridiculous. There are going to be people in every org who want join for the stepping, calls, hand signs, etc. because they that's what is important to them. Sad, but true. But to take it as far as to say the majority (if not all) of these orgs and the individuals in them, only step because it is a fad and nothing else is just utterly ridiculous to me. That's just not true.

I bet if a LGLO were to give/attend a workshop about the history of stepping, demonstrated this knowledge, gave credit where credit was due and then participated in a stepshow, there would still be people who had issues with it.

Oh ~ I also wanted to add that it is also a misconception that all of these types of orgs have patterned themselves after the NPHC alone. There are some LGLOs/AGLOs/MCGLOs, etc. that have patterned themselves after NPC sororities and have rush parties, bids and all that. It just depends on the organization and the location. No one gets up in arms because a certain Latina-Interest sorority has rush shirts made up, rush events/parties and gives out bids to their new members or had crush parties and pledge exchanges during their process. No one would care. And, no one on campus would support them either ( fill in the _GLOs) because they had a "white" process.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that although something may look similar to another on the outside, inside it may be very, very different and quite unique.

As for the SoulSteppin' Divas ~ they always perform well at step shows. But more importantly, they work hard to fight against Domestic Violence and have contributed greatly in the fight against AIDS. Overall, a really great organization.

Re: Interesting
 

So would you be offended at seeing a non-black chapter of your own org step?

Just wondering.

To be or not to be .......
 

....that is the question. Look, I think it would be fair to say that stepping is an art form based on our culture. But the underlying factor is that the very African American art form which was denied for many years is now a "popular dance" which is undeniably not credited to us. Absolutely nothing is wrong with sharing dance stepping or whatever you want to call it. If I (a Black person)am in a predominately Caucasian or Latino sorority and I choose to step am I merely expressing my heritage or am I just glad I made it and having a good time with my friends/sorors? Did I acknowledge Mother Africa? Pour a libation? Do other BGLO's do ritualistic ceremonies before they step? Basically,no. But it does not mean that their is no symbolism. It's the principal of the thang! _GLO's can step till they are blue in the face but it is still a Black Thang for everyone. If Riverdance appeals to you,then learn it! If the Polka, toots your horn toot it! Noone can deny that these dances are not credited to these particular cultures. It just seems that our dances, steps, history,etc. are shunned and it is conveniently popular when the cigarette smoking man/woman says so....:rolleyes:

More Multicultural Shows
 

At Georgetown, we used to have an annual multicultural step exhibition. . .ironic, because Georgetown has a ban on Greek Lettered Organizations.

At our shows, we knew that no matter the background of the step team, we knew that the purpose was to exercise our freedom to associate, and share the purposes of our organizations with the campus community. Stepping was the ONLY way that our administration would allow Greeks to operate on campus.

So, in my context, stepping was used as a form of resistance. . .it didn't matter the race of the stepper.

I'm not Greek but I had to respond to this thread.

This thread tripped me out. I understand that African-Americans often don't get credit for our work, but does not help us any to return the discrimination.

If we all stayed within our cultures then there would be no BGLO's because the WGLO's were started first in the 1800s.

Secondly, stepping is not African-American, it is African in nature and is derived by AA people from the rituals of the mother continent. Do we pay enough homage to that?

Lastly, there are several things that we as AA people imitate from Caucasian folks, relaxers to straighten our hair, colored contacts, blonde hair, etc.

Instead of being mad we just have to be sure that non-Black people know the true history of stepping and recognize that we can share the ritual but will not let its origins be diluted.

How about we turn this question around. What have "we" as Affrican Americans "stolen" from other cultures?

What if the Greeks said you have no right to use the letters and symbols that you use because you do not have a deep enough understanding of the Greek language, culture, etc.?

What if Italians told Denyce Graves and Leontyne Price (sp?) they could not sing opera because they are not culturally aware enough? Do you think they should stop?

Should the Dance Theater of Harlem remove ballet from their shows and only do dances that are autentically and culturally African or African-American? While they are doing that should they make sure that their dancers have a certain percentange of African blood and the correct level of appreciation and reverence for the history of the dance?

Should Jose down at the local Mexican joint or Chang at the chop suey place on the corner give us a test on our knowledge of Mexican or Chinese culture before they allow us to buy their food?

I always find it amusing when we, as African American, want to talk about what belongs to us, without thinking about those parts of other cultures that we "borrow" on a regular basis with out thought. No one "stole" jazz from "us"--if anything, we opened the door and left it sitting on the back porch for any and everyone to take. The last few time I went to a blues or a jazz concert my husband and I were in the minority as black people--and both were in Atlanta! Was someone making all of the folks crying about "folks not respecting our culture" forced to stay away. Did the white establishment say "It belongs to us now, y'all can't come?"

Back to the orginal question, should non D-9 organizations step as one of the main features of their organization? My answer would be NO--No sorority or fraternity should have stepping as a main feature. If they want it to be a main feature they should start a dance troup. If they want to do it as a little "side item" then I say more power to 'em. If D-9ers want to make sure that the history of stepping is remember then it is up to them to promote that history, starting with insuring that the history is correct. I have heard several different theories about how stepping started and who started it.

Of course this is from someone who is not in a D9 or other sorority, so what do I know, right? ;)

The issue of other non-black organizations stealing stepping is one that has been well addressed in many mediums. I cannot agree more with Eclipse, though, because sometimes I believe we get carried away with "ownership", and forget culture is usually a grand transposition of social activities we do not own patents to.
Stepping is an artistic form of expression which a lot of historically black organizations take part in. Usually, if there is one characteristic the average Joe on the street can attribute to the D-9, it most probably would be stepping. Still, this is by no means the greatest asset of the D-9; the countless hours which are used to uplift our society is the greatest legacy of our organizations. Much as we'd love to think otherwise, the D-9 do not own patents on stepping. As much as I love to see a stepshow, you have not seen one until you've seen an original boot dance done in Africa. I understand the frustration when one sees a routine perfected by a particular org appropriated by another, but no matter what form of imitation, nobody in a nonblack GLO will ever stomp like an Omega, or twirl a cane like a Kappa. What BGLOs have is something unique, that cannot be touched by any organization, no matter how hard they try to "copy".
Now, for me, "stealing" is a strong term. What gives us the right to say culture has been stolen from us? Lest we forget, a lot of hispanic people have close ties to us ancestrally. Some have roots to Africa, from where we imported and developed the art form. In the strict sense of the word, we did not invent stepping; thus to accuse people of "stealing" almost borders on the preposterous. Eclipse used a set of seemingly simplistic arguments, and they make a lot of sense.
This is my attitude: Let them "borrow" the art form. Just let them. Latino people go through a lot of the stuff we do, and their using the art form is not the worst thing happening to the preservation of the great things the Divine Nine do, or the continuation of the programs that help black people and society in general.

this post cracks me up. i have yet to meet a chinese guy with the first name chang.

Re: Re: Interesting
 

Naw, I wouldn't be offended at all. I've actually witnessed a all white chapter attempt to line, stroll, hop, (or whatever you wanna call it) with us. I agree with most of the post here. As long as others know the history of stepping, and it's orgin, then it's fine by me. I think it would be quite interesting to see.

Re: Interesting
 

hmph.... :D

seriously

i dont see why there would be a problem with independent greeks stepping. as long as it is acknowledged where the roots of stepping came from, then there should be no problem at all. like my bruh said before, we are in a whilte founded fraternity, but our chapter the all black. we perfrom at step shows and those we do not plan on performing in, we are invited. stepping should not be limited to just a race or certain group or organizations. it is an art form and should be treated as such. others should be able to learn this art form and not be hasssled with. as long as those people know where it was originated, everything should be fine.

This comment is directed towards TLAW:

Yes, I do agree with some aspects of your post when you state that Latinos go through alot, discrimination and so forth in this country, as do African Americans. However, I have encountered many Latinos who get offended and become outraged when they are mistaken for African American. I have even been in situations where many Latinos, although they may be darker than the average African American, deny any type of affiliation with having African ancestry. I am very aware that there are ignorant members of every ethnic group, but my comment is that a great number of Latinos show such pride in their culture, and as a result of this great demonstration in culturalistic pride, whether those of domincian, puerto rican, colubian, argentian heritage, why not extend and display the aspects of your own culture, which they have plenty and various cultural, artistic dances in their own sororities and fraternities. Anyways, the bottom line is that the creation of their sorority or fraternity was established in order to distinguish themselves from D-9 sororities or fraternites, uplift their own communities, and expand "Latino/ Hispanic Pride." So why not take it a step further and truly distinguish yourself by being original and creating characteristics that are only distinctive to your organization.

Sincerely,
Black~n~Pride

Re: Re: Interesting
 

*this is bro_strawter, not Bro. Jones, posting*

My bad. I forgot all about E Gamma I. We still the coolest frat on the yard.:cool: lol

Black~and~Proud:
I feel you on that, and I fully understand your sentiments. It is an interesting perspective that deserves thought.

MTV
 

did anyone see that mess on MTV last night at CAU?

I see it as if someone wants to do it, do it with pride
 

As a member of the I.F.C, Phi Kappa Tau, and not in one of the five fraternities in the Divine Nine, my opinion may not go far with this question; however, as a black male I feel as if there is justification for my thoughts. I feel that anyone who wants to step should, because stepping is an African thing and any decedant has a right to it. Now in this day, though when we watch non-blacks do it, some may get mad rightfully so, but I ask if you don't ask them on their race, how do you know they are not blacks. I am mixed with Japanese and Black but look straight up Mexican, I know, WTF:eek: but hey, today their are so many mixtures we have to be careful not to disrespect.
-Prophet

One of my sisters sent this to me today...and it took forever and a day to load...*smh*

I thought it was really good. I think the Alphas helped out with this show and for the most part I enjoyed it...

I think this is common practice at some schools for the IFC/PHC groups to get with NPHC groups and do a stepshow routine.

Black n Proud,

I personally think it's a pretty cool thing. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

Why shouldn't we feel proud that someone wants to copy something that we do to exhibit love for our organizations? I mean I sorta don't want to stop taking my belly dancing lessons!

Yeah. They gave the Alphas a lot of shout out and even did some of their stuff. I knew that I was hearing a lot of skee-wees from the audience! :D The show was good! It appeared to be well rehearsed and the crowd was into it. They did a good job.

I personally don't know the history of stepping, but I always thought it came from the Greeks too. I notice their dance step and claps from the movie National Lampoons European Vacation. (The scene where Chevy Chase run through the festival and he is up on the stage with the Greek Guys stepping to greek music in the Alpine outfits) They were stepping and slapping their legs and feet. I just thought "we" as African Americans added the "soul" and strolling to it.

uuuhhhhhh.....

It's all regional honey because on my campus, they wouldn't dare and more than likely the NPHC wouldn't hear of it.

I think that was German dancing.

Pardon the intrusion, but I while reading this thread, I had a question: When I was a sophomore, I went to a residence hall conference held at a big Texas school that a bunch of other students from other schools attended as well. We had a bunch of seminars.. some were fun, some were related to things about residence hall councils. One of the fun seminars I went to was a stepping one. A bunch of members from D9 GLOs were teaching other people to step, myself included. I wasn't really that good at it, b/c I've never been a very coordinated person, but is it ok for D9 GLO members to teach stepping to others? Or is that not a big deal?

Why is that? That's very sad.

Yea I would have to agree. The IFC/PHC greeks on my campus don't step, but I know the Latino GLOs do.. they put on a step show every year WITH the NPHC GLOs