Johnson County Community College
Press Release
College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, associate vice president, marketing communications, ext. 3120
Diane Carroll, writer/editor, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, sports information director, ext. 3122
Step Afrika!
01/04/11
Step Afrika!
Step Afrika! performs for students
 High resolution photo |
 High resolution photo |
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Step Afrika!, the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping, will perform at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb. 1-2, in Yardley Hall of the Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College.
Stepping is a unique dance tradition created by African American college students. In stepping, the body is used as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and spoken word. Stepping comes from a long and rich tradition in African-based communities that use movement, words and sounds to communicate allegiance to a group.
Stepping is without question a rising art form and an important part of America’s artistic and cultural heritage. As stated by historian Jacqui Malone and author of Steppin’ on the Blues, stepping is “one of the most exciting dance forms to evolve in the 20th century.” The form is also spreading its wings to new venues and participants, such as Latino and Asian American Greek-letter organizations.
Recommended for grades 6 and up.
Tickets are $5, available by calling the PAS box office, 913-469-4445.
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