Epsilon chapter on MTV2 tomorrow

[SWTXBelle]

To play devil's advocate - without a coach, how would a group without a history of stepping even compete? Or is that the point? I personally don't like bringing in professionals for any collegiate competition be it Greek Sing or Soap Box Derby - but I am in a definite minority, it seems, among alumni. The competitions just seem to get bigger and bigger, and become more about winning than the team building and fun their purpose once was.

Is the thinking by those who are critical that it somehow ruins the true intent of the competition?

I agree that all the teams should be on the same page, and if it is a problem it should be addressed in the rules.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

To play devil's advocate - without a coach, how would a group without a history of stepping even compete? Or is that the point? I personally don't like bringing in professionals for any collegiate competition be it Greek Sing or Soap Box Derby - but I am in a definite minority, it seems, among alumni. The competitions just seem to get bigger and bigger, and become more about winning than the team building and fun their purpose once was.

Is the thinking by those who are critical that it somehow ruins the true intent of the competition?

I agree that all the teams should be on the same page, and if it is a problem it should be addressed in the rules.

You have pretty much paraphrased my entire feeling on the matter.

I'd only add to it that much of the meaning of learning how to step is being taught by the older chapter members or alumni. The fact that somebody is willing to volunteer their time to teach the traditions.

I also realize that this whole tangent is based on potentially inaccurate information put forth by Elephant Walk, but his word happens to be one that I value and trust.

[SWTXBelle]

Got it - thanks.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

without a coach, how would a group without a history of stepping even compete?

They can watch videos on-line or talk to GLOs on campus that have an experience with stepping.

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

Is the thinking by those who are critical that it somehow ruins the true intent of the competition?

Perhaps and it cheapens the whole meaning. GLO stepping (the actual "stomp" stepping and not the "dance routines" that were done before) began with collegiate BGLOers and alumni BGLOers coming together with ideas and learning along the way. They sometimes had other chapters (and some even had other BGLO frats and sororities) help them. This process included making mistakes, having crappy routines, and eventually learning how it's supposed to be done. This is how it is still done in undergraduate and graduate chapters.