Perps of the Art of Stepping

Black~n~Proud · #1 07-02-2002, 02:31 AM

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?

Bro. Jones · #2 07-02-2002, 06:22 AM

well, let me ask...

why wouldnt it be appropriate?

prayerfull · #3 07-02-2002, 12:08 PM

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.)

gamma_girl52 · #4 07-02-2002, 01:39 PM

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.

Exquisite5 · #5 07-02-2002, 05:16 PM

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.

bro_strawter · #6 07-02-2002, 08:51 PM

Lol. I feel you in a sense.

Quote:

Originally posted by Exquisite5
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.

TLAW · #7 07-02-2002, 08:52 PM

Prayerfull: Well said.

Black~n~Proud · #8 07-02-2002, 10:25 PM

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!!!!

lovelyivy84 · #9 07-03-2002, 04:31 AM

*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....

Quote:

Originally posted by Exquisite5
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.

NoShame_Gamma · #10 07-03-2002, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Exquisite5
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.

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

miss priss · #11 07-03-2002, 01:00 PM

[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.

Ideal08 · #12 07-03-2002, 01:27 PM

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.

bro_strawter · #13 07-03-2002, 02:37 PM

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.

Exquisite5 · #14 07-03-2002, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ideal08
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).

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.

Serenity · #15 07-04-2002, 10:01 AM

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.