[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by nwu43

Oy, looks like this thread is starting branch out into two topics already haha

I'm gonna have split this post.

First, good job Nate in your efforts to bring us together! I'm a bit disappointed/puzzled as to why our nationals rejected or declined to be a part of NAPA. Unfortunately when it comes to the politics of our organization, I really have no idea what's going on. I guess part of the problem are Asians like me who cannot stand all this business and just choose to stay out of it . I agree with your views but I really do not know what I can do. Mostly, I'm concerned with fulfilling my role as step-master and trying to keep the brotherhood in my chapter tight. My reasons for wanting to educate other chapters about step are as much because I don't want them to ruin our reputation (and that I hate it when people steal or copy in general) as because I don't like the idea of them stepping without knowing anything about it. Fortunately, most bros in my chapter are more ambitious than me . I'll ask the president and midwest lieutenant governor about this issue, maybe get them to register for Greekchat (I'm starting to like this place more and more), though I really don't know how much we can do, as lambdas in the Midwest have very little power in influencing national decisions.

Also, I crossed the same time as you. We're syands
(hooters #43, spr2k4, Northwestern Univ)

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Anyways, back to step again, I was wondering if you guys could help me out with specifics i.e., what are signature or unique styles that different Orgs are known for and what kind of things we should avoid (partly because I want to make something new right now, and partly because it's also very interesting )
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What I know so far (and correct me if I'm wrong!):

APhiA - A-train. Anything with hats?

KAPsi - Canes

Phi Beta Sigma - I'm not sure. I saw two step shows where one guy does a frontal handspring and ends up on top of another guy who is standing? Is that a unique move?

Iota Phi Theta - Some told me something about centaur walk? Though I'm not sure what it is.

Omega Psi Phi- the omega hop

Also, I think I saw a step where steppers would split into pairs, and within each pair each individual's leg was tied to another's leg so they had to step in unison with each other. It was quite amazing! Does anyone know which Greek org does that?
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I've never seen step from Latino fraternities, so I have no idea what they do

Finally, there are moves or props that I used to think were universal but now I'm not sure. Just to be on the safe side, are the following unique to any Greek organization or are they incorporated into step by everyone?:

-Using chairs as props?

-A move where steppers would hop on one foot, kick with the other, and flail their arms wildly while making the sound "Ah, Ah, Ah"

-The move where steppers would make a "brushing sound" with their teeth while making movements that look like they're brushing off their uniforms? I used to think it was a universal thing (and a lot of our West Coast chapters incorporate that into their step), but so far I've only seen Alphas do it.

Again THANKS

It seems you know something about everyone (the fraternities at least). To answer some of your questions, yes, the Iotas do the "Centaur Walk" but I'm almost certain no one else will come up with it since it's rather unique. I can't really explain what it looks like so you'll have to see an Iota stepshow. The Sigmas (Phi Beta Sigma) are a bit more adventurous/daring IMO than the other groups...always pulling stunts that others might not attempt in a show, so yes, you might definitely catch them flipping over something/someone or just doing things that are sure to impress the audience (but what they do exactly can depend on the chapter since they like to add new moves to their signature steps). In other words, they like to put on a show. My sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho, has a step where we tie our legs together with another member and step but I have not seen all chapters do this.

Overall, one thing you should know is that there are moves that all of the D9 do and these moves are the foundation of stepping so you won't be able to help but to copy. All of the orgs outside of the D9 are copying to an extent because the foundation of stepping includes the same moves or variations of the same moves that originated with the D9 (although influenced by many things). There are also moves that all the D9 fraternities do and songs that all the D9 sororities sing. Some of these things come from the pledge process like standing with the grit face. I saw a non Greek step team (all boys) do this and I just shook my head because they were kids and they don't pledge or know the history so they don't know what the grit face is all about. Anyway, signature steps or moves are those that all chapters of a D9 org perform although there may be small variations from chapter to chapter. Some of these traditional or signature steps/moves are accompanied by chants and songs. As for the D9 sorority styles, I'm sure you won't come up with these since sorority steps are more feminine.

Bottom Line: Any step that a D9 org is doing which is not one of the foundational moves in stepping (and you would have to know what the basic moves are) is either a signature step for the entire org or a move that a specific chapter created and yes, to copy the steps/moves would be frowned upon. I suggest that you learn the foundational moves and create your own from there. It's also probably not a good idea to watch too many D9 stepshows while you're doing this so that your creativity can be fresh and new.

It would help if you had chants or songs. Does your org have chants and/or songs? What is your mascot? The D9 incorporates their mascots, symbols, sayings (see my signature below), chants, songs, history, colors, etc. into their routines. You'll need to identify these things in your own org if you're going to come up with your own style and signature steps.