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

[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.