Step Afrika to Perform at Northwest January 28th

The highly-energetic, immersive dance group, Step Afrika! will return to Northwest Missouri State University as part of the Identity365 program hosted by the Center for Engagement and Community Connection and the Student Activities Council (SAC).

The performance begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the Mary Linn Auditorium at the Ron Houston Center for Performing Arts. It is free and open to the public.

“Learning about identity – your own and others’ – helps people better understand different perspectives and interact more thoughtfully with those around them,” Dr. Shay Malone, Northwest’s assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement, said. “These events create shared experiences that spark conversation, build empathy and strengthen connections, making them valuable for anyone who wants to grow, learn and be part of a more connected community.”

Founded in 1994, Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation promoting stepping as an educational tool for young people, teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding.

In addition to touring about 50 colleges each year, the dance company headlined former President Barack Obama’s Black History Month Reception in 2016 and performed at the White House’s first-ever Juneteenth celebration.

”Events like Step Afrika! use energy, rhythm, storytelling and humor to help audiences learn about culture and identity in a way that feels accessible and engaging, not academic,” Malone said.

Identity365 is a year-long celebration of the vibrant experiences, backgrounds and cultures that shape Northwest. Through collaboration with student organizations, faculty and staff, Identity365 offers opportunities to explore and honor varied identities, foster greater understanding, community and connection.

SAC plans and administers activities for Northwest students to contribute to a more well-rounded social, recreational and cultural life for the campus and community. The student-led organization organizes late-night activities and events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, movies and comedians.

 

Dance troupe Step Afrika! to perform at Northwest Feb. 18

The world’s only professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping is coming to Northwest Missouri State University.

Step Afrika! will perform at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, in the Mary Linn Auditorium at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. The show is part of the Encore performance series and is co-sponsored by the Office of Campus Activities and the Student Activities Council.

The performance ties into February’s African-American History Month celebration at Northwest and chronicles the journey of “stomp and stroll,” a dance rooted in African culture.

“It’s very high energy,” Director of Campus Activities Angel McAdams Prescott said. “It’s loud, it’s exciting and our students really wanted to bring this show to the campus. Some of them saw a preview of this show when we attended a national conference, and they were amazed by it. It’s a different look at dance, and it gives our audience another cultural perspective.”

The performance is part of Step Afrika!’s annual 50-city tour of colleges and theaters during which the Washington, D.C., group promotes teamwork, academics and multiculturalism through stepping. The 12-member company has performed in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

Stepping is a rhythmic dance with a 100-year history. It began when historically black fraternities and sororities added a modern beat to the ancient African tradition of telling a story through percussive dancing, clapping and spoken word. The dance form has found recent popularity through talent-based reality TV shows and dance-themed movies.

Tickets are free for Northwest students, who pay a student activities fee as part of their tuition. Tickets for the public start at $13 for children and $23 for adults. They may be purchased at the Student Services Center, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on the first floor of the Administration Building, or online at www.nwmissouri.edu/campusactivities/encore.htm.

For more information about Step Afrika!, visit www.stepafrika.org.

The 2012-2013 Encore performance series is themed “Discover the Arts.” Remaining shows feature The Parker Quartet with Shai Wosner March 11 and Missouri Poet Laureate Dr. Bill Trowbridge with musician Bob Walkenhorst April. 11.