CATCH Charter

Stepping is a form of percussive movement in which the participant’s entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps. Stepping is generally performed by groups, often in arrangements that resemble military formations.

The tradition of stepping is rooted within the college experiences of historically African American fraternities and sororities. Stepping finds its origins in a combination of military drill and African dances, such as the “gumboot” dance.  Popularized by National Pan-Hellenic Council, The Divine Nine, member organizations that perform at local and national competitions, stepping has been featured in films and shows such as,  Stomp the Yard(2007), and the TV series,  A Different World.