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

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by srmom

IMO, the controversy only underminds the legitimacy of the competition (just like in scoring at the Olympics)

It was never legitimate as far as I was concerned. I don't like such mass productions based on media appeal and all that nonsense. Their "first ever" will hopefully never be an "annual."

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

LOL @ some of my bestfriends are _________.

I saw that, too.

Originally Posted by srmom

If what you're saying in this paragraph is true, then the whole event, from regionals to nationals sounds like a bogus competition where Sprite/Coke is only worried about the marketing implications and covering their ass.

Perhaps the best solution would be to take the whole event away from this "corporate agenda driven" entity and put it back into the realm of college competitions where the judges would be collegiates with the proper credentials and knowledge of history of the dances/steps to make the correct judging decisions.

IMO, the controversy only underminds the legitimacy of the competition (just like in scoring at the Olympics)

Corporate sponsorship is what makes most of these exhibition/competitions possible, like The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. And hell, without Tampax, we wouldn't have the national cheerleading competitions!

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

I saw that, too.



Corporate sponsorship is what makes most of these exhibition/competitions possible, like The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. And hell, without Tampax, we wouldn't have the national cheerleading competitions!

She means that we should just keep it on the collegiate level where we have the most creative control. For years, most stepshows have been held on college campuses where mostly college students and those in the local community attended, sponsored and organized by the BGLO's. These huge productions like the Sprite Step-Off are only a recent phenomenon since the "Stomp the Yard" movie. These big companies could care less about the tradition and culture, just about making money of course.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

She means that we should just keep it on the collegiate level where we have the most creative control. For years, most stepshows have been held on college campuses where mostly college students and those in the local community attended, sponsored and organized by the BGLO's. These huge productions like the Sprite Step-Off are only a recent phenomenon since the "Stomp the Yard" movie. These big companies could care less about the tradition and culture, just about making money of course.

This was my thought from the beginning. I, obviously, have no expertise in stepping, but from an outsider looking in, it is apparent that Sprite was looking for publicity through controversy. They found it...and more than they were looking for, I think. I don't blame ZTA, they are in over their heads. They did the best they could and won for the novelty of it. I don't think that they realized that their actions would be seen as disrespectful. Sprite used them for publicity.

[dreamseeker]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

LOL @ some of my bestfriends are _________.

i can't believe she thought anyone would take her seriously while using that line. lmao

Originally Posted by agzg

It's reaching me and I still don't give a damn. I'm only here for the trainwrecks.

likewise.

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

This was my thought from the beginning. I, obviously, have no expertise in stepping, but from an outsider looking in, it is apparent that Sprite was looking for publicity through controversy. They found it...and more than they were looking for, I think. I don't blame ZTA, they are in over their heads. They did the best they could and won for the novelty of it. I don't think that they realized that their actions would be seen as disrespectful. Sprite used them for publicity.

Interesting points, but I don't think it's really THAT deep.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

She means that we should just keep it on the collegiate level where we have the most creative control. For years, most stepshows have been held on college campuses where mostly college students and those in the local community attended, sponsored and organized by the BGLO's. These huge productions like the Sprite Step-Off are only a recent phenomenon since the "Stomp the Yard" movie. These big companies could care less about the tradition and culture, just about making money of course.

Let's not forget that some of the biggest step shows are alumni/alumnae sponsored.

[jojapeach]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Let's not forget that some of the biggest step shows are alumni/alumnae sponsored.

You beat me to it. I don't know who will disagree with me, but I honestly feel that the best annual step show in Atlanta is the All-Alumni Step Show sponsored by the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Well organized, entertaining, and your $25 in advance ticket is going back into the chapters programs to help the young people and community.

I think I'll stick with shows and events affiliated with D9 orgs and/or local NPHC chapters, but not promoters or event planners that are D9 members. There is a difference.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Let's not forget that some of the biggest step shows are alumni/alumnae sponsored.

Alumni/alumnae stepshows are the only ones that I attend.

(I also attend the occasional homecoming show. Occasional. I get tired of seeing collegiates for a number of reasons.)

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Let's not forget that some of the biggest step shows are alumni/alumnae sponsored.

Yes, certainly can't forget these although I don't believe my alumnae chapter has ever sponsored a stepshow in all the years we've existed (since 1941).

[Low C Sharp]

LOL @ some of my bestfriends are _________.

I know! You beat me to it.
________
HOT GIRLS LIVE

[DrPhil]

Isn't it funny how those who claim to challenge notions of race and prejudice (they aren't challenging racism) use cliches like "it is the 2010...why so serious?" and "some of my bestfriends are (in the NPHC)" Same type of language.

So, congrats on being different, just like everyone else.

As for corporate sponsorship making these largescale events possible, very true. I don't like largescale stepshows. Homecoming shows and local and regional shows are more than enough for me. Sure, more money is won with this Sprite thingies but I think the attempt at "reality tv" buffered the benefits of the money.

[srmom]

Corporate sponsorship is what makes most of these exhibition/competitions possible, like The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

In a competition like the Fiesta Bowl, two teams battle it out on the field. Nobody is judging the artistic content of the touchdowns. When and if the Step competitions become physical contests (like a race) with one set of clear winners with no subjectivity, then go back to big corporate sponsorship - otherwise there's likely to be more years of bad results.

When judging gets involved, it can be rife with controversy. In the case of the Sprite Step Show, it sounds like from beginning to end they didn't know what they were doing, hence having to go back and change results, which led to controversy.

They got celebrity judges, because it would make it more "marketable", but the judges had no idea about the context and history of the dance moves, so they went for the "shock" team - "Ooh! White girls dancing in Matrix outfits!" even though it had been done before and with the same steps (and better) according to the other thread.

I'm not taking anything away from the Zetas, I mean, they look pretty good to me! But, I can see where folks might be upset that "their steps" were co-opted. If alumni familiar with the history (and who "owns" the steps) had been judging, they would have been given props for the dance, but the prize would have gone to the original dancers of the steps.

(I've seen Bring It On - you don't use someone else's moves! )

[annabella]

Originally Posted by srmom

In a competition like the Fiesta Bowl, two teams battle it out on the field. Nobody is judging the artistic content of the touchdowns.

Tangent, because this is a whole other thread....
it's not subjective like you just described, but let's not act like the BCS system is based on the "content (ed: or quantity) of the touchdowns."

the bitter Mizzou fan will STFU now

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by srmom

In a competition like the Fiesta Bowl, two teams battle it out on the field. Nobody is judging the artistic content of the touchdowns. When and if the Step competitions become physical contests (like a race) with one set of clear winners with no subjectivity, then go back to big corporate sponsorship - otherwise there's likely to be more years of bad results.

When judging gets involved, it can be rife with controversy. In the case of the Sprite Step Show, it sounds like from beginning to end they didn't know what they were doing, hence having to go back and change results, which led to controversy.

They got celebrity judges, because it would make it more "marketable", but the judges had no idea about the context and history of the dance moves, so they went for the "shock" team - "Ooh! White girls dancing in Matrix outfits!" even though it had been done before and with the same steps (and better) according to the other thread.

I'm not taking anything away from the Zetas, I mean, they look pretty good to me! But, I can see where folks might be upset that "their steps" were co-opted. If alumni familiar with the history (and who "owns" the steps) had been judging, they would have been given props for the dance, but the prize would have gone to the original dancers of the steps.

(I've seen Bring It On - you don't use someone else's moves! )

We HAVE been around (collectively) for a century or so. SURELY there are at least a FEW celebrities who happen to be members of BGLOS....entertainers, corporate leaders, politicians, college presidents, etc.