Sprite Step-Off Update: ZTA and AKA to share 1st place

[Tippiechick]

Ok, I would really like to understand this. I am not being sarcastic or facetious. I am genuinely wanting some deeper understanding of the whole thing.

Here are the things I think I have learned from this thread. Correct me if I am wrong...

1. Each d9 group has their own steps... For someone else to do the steps, it would be like an ADPi doing a crown handsign instead of a diamond. (Yes, I am aware that handsigns were not originated by NPC groups...) You just wouldn't do it, b/c it's as clear as night and day that the crown just isn't appropriate for an ADPi to use. Because, everyone just knows the crown is a ZTA thing.
So, by ZTA using the steps they were offensive and unoriginal. Correct?

2. Sprite fucked up the judging.

3. ZTA should have made up their own steps and choreography. So, based on the scoring system, the judges should have recognized the unoriginal steps and ZTA should have been dropped down in placement.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by Tippiechick

Ok, I would really like to understand this. I am not being sarcastic or facetious. I am genuinely wanting some deeper understanding of the whole thing.

Here are the things I think I have learned from this thread. Correct me if I am wrong...

1. Each d9 group has their own steps... For someone else to do the steps, it would be like an ADPi doing a crown handsign instead of a diamond. (Yes, I am aware that handsigns were not originated by NPC groups...) You just wouldn't do it, b/c it's as clear as night and day that the crown just isn't appropriate for an ADPi to use. Because, everyone just knows the crown is a ZTA thing.

So, by ZTA using the steps they were offensive and unoriginal. Correct?

2. Sprite fucked up the judging.

3. ZTA should have made up their own steps and choreography. So, based on the scoring system, the judges should have recognized the unoriginal steps and ZTA should have been dropped down in placement.

You are essentially correct.

[Tippiechick]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

You are essentially correct.

Thanks!

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by Tippiechick

Ok, I would really like to understand this. I am not being sarcastic or facetious. I am genuinely wanting some deeper understanding of the whole thing.

Here are the things I think I have learned from this thread. Correct me if I am wrong...

1. Each d9 group has their own steps... For someone else to do the steps, it would be like an ADPi doing a crown handsign instead of a diamond. (Yes, I am aware that handsigns were not originated by NPC groups...) You just wouldn't do it, b/c it's as clear as night and day that the crown just isn't appropriate for an ADPi to use. Because, everyone just knows the crown is a ZTA thing.
So, by ZTA using the steps they were offensive and unoriginal. Correct?

2. Sprite fucked up the judging.

3. ZTA should have made up their own steps and choreography. So, based on the scoring system, the judges should have recognized the unoriginal steps and ZTA should have been dropped down in placement.

This is pretty much how the thread started off although since then other bigger issues regarding culture and American society have come up and are now being discussed. But yes, although D9 groups make up new moves all the time (to keep things creative and original) some steps each group is known for doing and some have been in their orgs for years, which might be known as "signature" steps within the org; meaning that every chapter (among the stepping chapters) knows these steps in some form although modifications can be found from chapter to chapter. Those in the D9 and followers of stepping, can see a signature step and recognize which group does it right away. We do however do eachother's steps when we are paying tribute and it is obvious (usually a sorority will tribute a fraternity or vice versa).

As for the judges, most agree that the judges should be greek and be very familiar with the stepping tradition and frequent stepshows. In the case of the Sprite Step-Off, celebrities were used, not greeks with a good knowledge of stepping. Also rules were clearly in place and the judges obviously didn't judge correctly in the area of creativity/originality regarding ZTA. The other issues are about the Sprite Step off being promoted as a D9 event, used D9 heavily in their advertising, but yet let others enter the competition which was not clear to some.

[SthrnZeta]

Originally Posted by Tippiechick

Ok, I would really like to understand this. I am not being sarcastic or facetious. I am genuinely wanting some deeper understanding of the whole thing.

Here are the things I think I have learned from this thread. Correct me if I am wrong...

1. Each d9 group has their own steps... For someone else to do the steps, it would be like an ADPi doing a crown handsign instead of a diamond. (Yes, I am aware that handsigns were not originated by NPC groups...) You just wouldn't do it, b/c it's as clear as night and day that the crown just isn't appropriate for an ADPi to use. Because, everyone just knows the crown is a ZTA thing.
So, by ZTA using the steps they were offensive and unoriginal. Correct?

2. Sprite fucked up the judging.

3. ZTA should have made up their own steps and choreography. So, based on the scoring system, the judges should have recognized the unoriginal steps and ZTA should have been dropped down in placement.

This is what I learned also, but it seems like since the judges themselves had no knowledge of these specific steps then they couldn't judge appropriately, hence Sprite f-ing up the judging and allowing ZTA to win. (See? I do actually read the whole thread).

I understand that there were rules set out, but I feel (my opinion here) that they were slightly unclear - the judges would have called ZTA out on their lack of creativity IF they had observed it - BUT they didn't. I think that makes the rules unclear, at least to the judges.

At the end of the day though, ZTA won. Period. If this competition was meant to include only D9 orgs, then they need to change the rules and the judges.

[Prettyface08]

Originally Posted by SthrnZeta

At the end of the day though, ZTA AND AKA won. Period. If this competition was meant to include only D9 orgs, then they need to change the rules and the judges.

Fixed that for you.

[SthrnZeta]

Originally Posted by Prettyface08

Fixed that for you.

Sprite felt the need to "fix" it well after the final competition. That was just dumb.

[Prettyface08]

Originally Posted by SthrnZeta

Sprite felt the need to "fix" it well after the final competition. That was just dumb.

That's true. They should have had a good ole 'step off' between the co-winners and let the most creative team win

[I.A.S.K.]

Originally Posted by Prettyface08

That's true. They should have had a good ole 'step off' between the co-winners and let the AKAs win

Fixed that one.

Am I the only one who is still amused by people saying:
"I don't know jack about stepping and I don't know jack about step shows but ZTA was the best. They were totally awesome!"

Watching ZTA reminded me of KidzBopKids except KidzBop might be a bit more original. I mean at least they take songs made in the last decade. lol. I can hear their stepcoach announcing now:
"Next years routine will include hot new features like:
The Ivy Stance
Pretty Girls wear Crowns
The Duck Walk
Twirling Canes
That leaningbacktogetherinaline thing they do"

In summation: Next years Show will be called "Bring it On: Step up to the Challenge" lol.
AKA: You better bring it. (flips hair)
ZTA: Its already been brought! (rolls neck like a 1 month old baby)

[SthrnZeta]

Originally Posted by I.A.S.K.

Fixed that one.

Am I the only one who is still amused by people saying:
"I don't know jack about stepping and I don't know jack about step shows but ZTA was the best. They were totally awesome!"

Watching ZTA reminded me of KidzBopKids except KidzBop might be a bit more original. I mean at least they take songs made in the last decade. lol. I can hear their stepcoach announcing now:
"Next years routine will include hot new features like:
The Ivy Stance
Pretty Girls wear Crowns
The Duck Walk
Twirling Canes
That leaningbacktogetherinaline thing they do"

In summation: Next years Show will be called "Bring it On: Step up to the Challenge" lol.
AKA: You better bring it. (flips hair)
ZTA: Its already been brought! (rolls neck like a 1 month old baby)

I know you're not pointing your finger at me for that one - you'd definitely be putting words in my mouth there.

I am coming at this as an outsider and I admit that. Do I think the Zetas looked great and was I entertained by their routine - absolutely. BUT, we are all going to naturally root for our own orgs, that's only natural. You can't fault GCers from ZTA and other NPC orgs for congratulating ZTA, especially those of us not familiar with stepping.

[Prettyface08]

Originally Posted by I.A.S.K.

Fixed that one.

Am I the only one who is still amused by people saying:
"I don't know jack about stepping and I don't know jack about step shows but ZTA was the best. They were totally awesome!"

Watching ZTA reminded me of KidzBopKids except KidzBop might be a bit more original. I mean at least they take songs made in the last decade. lol. I can hear their stepcoach announcing now:
"Next years routine will include hot new features like:
The Ivy Stance
Pretty Girls wear Crowns
The Duck Walk
Twirling Canes
That leaningbacktogetherinaline thing they do"

In summation: Next years Show will be called "Bring it On: Step up to the Challenge" lol.
AKA: You better bring it. (flips hair)
ZTA: Its already been brought! (rolls neck like a 1 month old baby)

SEE! LOL, I was trying not to go there, I was being fair. To the bolded, please, just no.

The Bring it on reference is hilarious....that's my movie, though

[Ch2tf]

Originally Posted by SthrnZeta

This is what I learned also, but it seems like since the judges themselves had no knowledge of these specific steps then they couldn't judge appropriately, hence Sprite f-ing up the judging and allowing ZTA to win. (See? I do actually read the whole thread).

I understand that there were rules set out, but I feel (my opinion here) that they were slightly unclear - the judges would have called ZTA out on their lack of creativity IF they had observed it - BUT they didn't. I think that makes the rules unclear, at least to the judges.

That doesn't make the rules unclear, it makes the judges unqualified, hence Sprite effing it up. No that isn't ZTAs fault, but that does account for a "scoring discrepency". In addition, given that ZTA had been stepping for 16 years, I'm sure the chapter (and possibly the girls involved) knew that those were borrowed steps/themes.

[SthrnZeta]

Originally Posted by Ch2tf

That doesn't make the rules unclear, it makes the judges unqualified, hence Sprite effing it up. No that isn't ZTAs fault, but that does account for a "scoring discrepency". In addition, given that ZTA had been stepping for 16 years, I'm sure the chapter (and possibly the girls involved) knew that those were borrowed steps/themes.

Then perhaps AKA should have educated the Zetas when they taught them how to step 16 years ago...

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by SthrnZeta

Sprite felt the need to "fix" it well after the final competition. That was just dumb.

Disputing scores is not uncommon at these shows.

Originally Posted by SthrnZeta

Then perhaps AKA should have educated the Zetas when they taught them how to step 16 years ago...

Who's to say they didn't?

[SthrnZeta]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

Disputing scores is not uncommon at these shows. I didn't know that before reading this thread - it's a strange concept to someone like me who has little experience with step shows. I still feel like Sprite should have reconciled this sooner than they did if AKA and ZTA truly deserved to share the 1st place win or if AKA deserved to be the only team taking 1st place.



Who's to say they didn't? Whether they did or they didn't (we really have no way of knowing short of having one of those AKA sisters here on GC to respond), I for one believe that the ZTA chapter members that compete next year should and will come up with a wonderfully unique and winning routine next year, especially in light of all this controversy over their win this year and AKA should do the same - then and only then will it be a fair competition.

.