Step Afrika!: The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence

Drums were once outlawed among enslaved Africans in the American South as a way of curtailing communication, connection, and culture. But rhythm could not be suppressed, and it was preserved and transmitted through body percussion: juba, hambone, tap dance, and stepping. The virtuosic dancers of Washington DC's celebrated Step Afrika! troupe continue and extend a long tradition of stepping--elaborate and joyful song and dance rituals performed by Black fraternities and sororities since the early 1900s. "In the bodies of these skilled performers, the beat is obviously unstoppable. Again and again, the dancers pick it up and pass it around with clapping hands and stomping feet, through the legs, behind the back, defiant and unified and inspiring" (The New York Times).

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Step Afrika is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Founded in 1994, this dance company is recognized internationally for its efforts in promoting an appreciation for stepping and the dance tradition's use as an educational tool for young people. Throughout their illustrious career, Step Afrika has performed on stages throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. This interactive and entertaining performance includes fraternity and sorority stepping styles, the gumboot dance, the South African Zulu dance and more.