While it is normally taboo to include outsiders in a step performance Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. will throw convention to the wind tonight when they host a step workshop to teach students how to step and unite the community.
Donovan Livingston a senior history major and vice president of the campus chapter of Phi Beta Sigma organized today's event.
He said the workshop to be held at the Rams Head Recreation Center" is an attempt to create an ""atmosphere where people can relax together"" after midterms.
Stepping is a type of performance art that mingles traditional African and pop culture dance with drama"" chanting and singing. It is popular in historically black fraternities and sororities.
""Stepping is very rich"" said Janel Monroe, a junior communication studies major and social chairwoman of UNC's chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. It's important to black culture.""
Step is often used as a promotional tool for fraternity and community events" said Lorenzo Hopper" a junior chemistry major and step master at Phi Beta Sigma.
""It's a passion that we love dearly and take seriously"" Hopper said.
The workshop also is a way to bring together Greek organizations.
Livingston said he immediately recognized gaps between different fraternities and sororities when he joined Phi Beta Sigma.
He said he is interested in other organizations, their philanthropy and how they conduct business. But he said barriers in the Greek community have prevented some of this sharing.
Cherise Washington, a junior business major and step master of the Delta Sigma Theta chapter, said she likes the idea of bringing different Greek organizations together.
Ultimately we all fight for the same causes"" Washington said.
Hopper said he is looking forward to educating people about the art of stepping.
Livingston described Hopper's title of step master as a coveted position.""
Hopper said he thrives on stepping in front of an audience.
""People love to watch it" Hopper said.
Washington said she was appointed step master due to her dance background.
Stepping allows you to exercise your creativity in a new way" she said.
Phi Beta Sigma hosted a similar workshop last semester, which drew more than 60 people. Today's workshop will begin with a demonstration, and then attendees will be divided into small groups to learn short step segments.
Livingston said he expects more than 90 people to attend.
It shouldn't be hard for newcomers to pick it up. Stepping is fun, Washington said, and he compared it to dancing.
Everyone loves to dance"" Washington said. Everybody can be a stepper.""
Hopper said he is most looking forward to ""having a lot of diversity there"" and ""showing our culture.""
Time: 9 p.m. today
Place: Multi-purpose room at Rams Head
Admission is free with a UNC One Card.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
