Step Afrika!
DATE Monday, April 20
- 10:15 am
- 12:15 pm
GRADES Grades 4 & Up
DURATION 60 Minutes
Step Afrika! is the world’s first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping — a polyrhythmic, percussive dance form that uses the body as an instrument. Founded in 1994, Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional West and Southern African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances integrate songs, storytelling, history, and audience participation, while demonstrating life skills of teamwork, discipline, and commitment. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique. leaving the audience with their hearts pounding. Step Afrika! is featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture with the world’s first stepping interactive.
SOL & Curriculum Connections
SOL Connections to English: 4.RL.3 (C), 5.RL.1 (A), 6.RV.1 (A), 7.RL.3 (A), 8.RV.1 (H); SOL Connections to History and Social Science: WG.8 (A,B,C), WHI.8; SOL Connections to Fine Arts (Dance Arts): 4.3, 4.4, 4.6,4.18, 5.5, 5.6, 6.4, 6.6 (A), 7.16, 8.6, DI.3 (A,B), DI.4, DI.5, DI.6, DI.7, DII.3, DII.4, DIII.6; (Music): 4.6, 4.7, 5.7, 6.6, 6.16, 7.6, 8.6, MIB.6; (Theatre Arts): 4.9, 5.6, 6.6, 7.6, 7.7, 8.6, TI.6, TII.6; Curriculum Connections to the concepts of stepping, teamwork, discipline, commitment, achievement, cross-cultural understanding, rhythm and polyrhythm, dance styles and choreography.
