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Racial Legacies and Learning

Upcoming Events

Step Show

Saturday, April 13 | 2 p.m. | Parrish Auditorium | Hamilton Campus

The art of “stepping” was made known by sororities and fraternities and is said to come from the African Gumboot dance. The tradition was carried on by African-American sororities and fraternities, who often publicly displayed their stepping techniques. The “step show” usually consists of teams who compete for a title. Witness the display of talent, precision, and synchronicity throughout our region as teams compete for bragging rights and prizes. 

Deadline to register and fees must be received by Friday, March 29, 2024

Review Rules and Regulations

Step Afrika!

Saturday, April 13 | 6 p.m. | Parrish Auditorium | Hamilton Campus

Step Afrika! is a dance company dedicated to the African-American tradition of "stepping." It is a non-profit organization that tours nationally and internationally, presents residencies and workshops worldwide, and uses "stepping" as an educational tool. Songs, storytelling, and humor teamed with their pure energy will make your heart pound right along with them!

Step Show Rules and Regulations

Teams

  • There will be three (3) categories of Step Teams: Fraternity, Sorority, Non-Greek Teams (any team not clearly identify as Fraternity or Sorority, and any team that is mixed gender).
  • Teams must consist of at least five (5) members. This will give the judges an opportunity to assess for precision, uniformity, and skill level. Teams should dress alike or points will be deducted from your final score.

Performance

  • The Step/Stroll show will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm in Parrish Auditorium on Miami University’s Hamilton Campus (1601 University Blvd. Hamilton, Ohio 45011). Parking is free.
  • Each organization will have the option of a 3-5-minute walk through session before the show. Please plan to arrive 1- 2 hours before the show to accommodate all teams. This will be first come, first served.
  • Each team will be given up to TEN (10) minutes for its performance. Performance must include at least one (1) Step routine and One (1) Stroll routine. This includes up to a maximum of EIGHT (8) minutes to perform and TWO (2) minutes for prop setup. Time starts when the first vocal or verbal sound is made and time ends when the last performer exits the stage, music has stopped, and/or a clearly defined end to the show has occurred. If a team goes over their time, 5 points will be deducted by the Time Keeper.
  • There will be no obscene gestures or profanity during the show. This includes disrespecting other organizations (no form of Bashing) and/or profanity or obscenity in music selections and props. Failure to abide by this rule will result in automatic disqualification. If a step team member is found to be unsportsmanlike, causing a disruption to the step show, the step team he/she represents will be disqualified.
  • Step teams assume all risk in their performance of as authorized by this agreement and are responsible for all actions committed by your team that may cause harm or injury to persons or property. Therefore, no team will be allowed to pull anyone from the crowd onto the stage. If this occurs, there will be a 5-point deduction in the team’s final score.

Miscellaneous

  • Step Show winners will open for Step Afrika at 6:00 pm. There will be a cookout immediately following the Step/Stroll Show.
  • All music must be provided on a pre-recorded device or flash drive and given to our sound representative prior to the show time. It is your responsibility to have a representative with the sound technician when your team performs.
  • ALL MUSIC MUST BE CLEAN AND APPROPRIATE. FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THIS RULE WILL RESULT IN THE STOPPING OF THE SHOW AND IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION.
  • There will be a mandatory meeting 30 minutes prior to the start of the show to go over rules and regulations of the show and to draw to determine the order of the show.
  • All members who are not competing in the show or serving as prop and technical assistants must sit in the audience.
  • There is to be no use of fire or pyrotechnics (i.e., candles, lighters, matches, etc.). Failure to follow this rule will be an automatic disqualification.
  • No throwing of any objects into the crowd (i.e., canes, candy, boots, people, etc.) in your show. Failure to abide by this rule will result in your team being disqualified from the competition.
  • Any team that damages Miami University equipment will be assessed for the damages and disqualified!
  • Any questions or concerns should be submitted to:  Dr. Bennyce Hamilton, hamiltbe@MiamiOH.edu, 513-785-3283.

Timekeeper

  • The timekeeper will keep the show moving and on track.
  • The timekeeper has the right to recommend disqualification if a team goes over ten (10) minute time limit!

Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Hamilton Campus Rentschler Hall 114
Middletown Campus Johnston Hall 100