“Beats, Stepping, and Theatrics: The annual entertainment of Albany States Step Show"

KalaLife ©  Feature Story

“Beats, Stepping, and Theatrics: The annual entertainment of Albany States Step Show"

By Nkechi Ndukwe

October 18th, 2013 marked yet another unforgettable step-show planned by the National PanHellenic Council chapter of Albany State University. The popularity of step shows amongst predominately African-American collegiate students is a tradition that has become a rights of passage as generation after generation of college students, typically under a Greek Fraternity or Sorority, entertain an audience with various steps routines. It is appropriate for this type of event to be an annual event here at Albany State due to the hands on "Greek Life" amongst the students. This years Homecoming was no exception as three fraternities: Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Kappa Alpha Psi were participants as well as two sororities; Delta Sigma Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho, unfortunately not all of the fraternities and sororities were able to participate but the show delivered ample amounts of excitement.

The show began with the winners of this years "Battle of the Halls" a step-show that showcases the student of a particular dorm hall battling in a step competition, these students are not apart of the National PanHellenic Council. With the crowd warmed-up and ready for the show to start the judges seated as the show began.

The members of Omega Psi Phi performed with younger boys ranging form ages seven to eleven in a military themed event. Next were the men of Phi Beta Sigma taking a different approach they dressed in all black with their faces painted blue. Last for the men were Kappa Alpha Psi these young men dressed in bow ties and unbuttoned business attire taking a more sensual approach. After the fraternities performed that sororities entered the stage. Up first were the Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta, their them was a nursing home which added much humor to the event. Up next were the Sigma Gamma Rhos their deliverance was one very attention demanding. 

Overall the performances catered to the amusement of the audience once again the show held true to the cultural and tradition of a step-show. The winners of the event were the Omegas for the fraternities and for the sororities that Deltas. The crowd was pleased with the outcome of the event. Hopefully next years step-show will be as eventfully as this years.