By Candyce Burke
Ever take the time to compare step to other forms of dance? Step undoubtedly is unique and not easily categorized along with any other dance form. However, when compared to more mainstream types of dance, it becomes obvious that step falls short.
Allow us to tell you what we mean…
Let’s take tap for instance. This dance form is respected all around the world. It has been on Broadway, I mean, everyone has heard of the show “Bring In The Noise, Bring In The Funk!”. There are tap professionals, people who have literally made a living as tap dancers. A few “big names of tap” are Savion Glover, Sammy Davis Jr, Gregory Hines, Debbie Reynolds, and Fred Astaire. Most of the previously named are hoofers but some tap in a more ballroom style. So you see, there are noted styles of tap dance.
There are a number of terms used as titles for the tap movements as well. Common tap steps include the shuffle, shuffle ball change, flap, flap heel, cramproll, buffalo, Maxi Ford, single and double pullbacks, wings, Cincinnati, the shim sham shimmy (also called the Lindy), brushes, scuffs, single and double toe punches, hot steps, heel clicks, single, double and triple time steps, riffs, over-the-tops, military time step, new yorkers, and chugs, just to name a few. As you can see the list of named tap movements is exhaustive and has undoubtedly had a unifying effect for tap dancers all over the world. And what do tap dancers wear when they perform? TAP SHOES, of course!
Now let’s consider the “state of step”.
Anyone who knows step knows that there are definitely series of movements that everyone uses. Just think about it. We’re talking about that series of stomps and claps that seem to be in every other step we create. Although the tempo and the cadence for these series of movements may vary, why is it that there are no official names for these universal movements?
Steppers who appreciate the art form and their bodies as instruments know that footwear should be supportive and whatever you decide to wear should not interfere with the execution of your steps. At steps shows we have seen people wear anything on their feet from timberlands and shell-toed adidas, to high-heels and sandals. And let’s not even get into the range of uniforms that steppers hit the stage wearing. Should there be footwear or a uniform associated with step?
As you visualize a step show, think about the many different styles and types of step that you have seen. There are high intensity steps, steps that are all about precision, steps that are extra simple, and ones that are intricate and complex. What do we call these steps? Should the differences between them be highlighted or emphasized within the art form? Would identifying universal movements and types of step help when it comes to the art form gaining a footing in the professional dance arena?
The closest thing to step on Broadway is the production STOMP. This performance showcases, a “unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy”. STOMP is a great show, no doubt, BUT IT IS NOT STEP! Don’t you think it’s about time form step, I mean real step, to hit Broadway?
As of now yes it is true that step has been seen in movies such as “Stomp The Yard”, but it is still impossible to name one professional stepper. We see all too often that step is considered to be a recreational art form that people don’t consider as an option professionally. The history of step is generally unknown and there is little to no emphasis placed on technique. How do we change this? What needs to happen for us to see step taken seriously and widely appreciated as an art form?
Let’s talk about it….
Great opener for a true discussion on the "state of step."
ReplyDeleteSince I have a lot to say, I will preface my comments as a dancer who has had the opportunity to not just dance with some of the best dancers in the world, but I've also had the blessing of creating with them. That said, while working with those who specialize in "Step" I have experienced some of the same positive feelings I've felt while working with professional tap dancers, ballet dancers and jazz/mondern dancers. The dance form has major value and has an incredible vibe to it when it's done with belief, passion and skill.
The terminology for step dance can be found in the somewhat private world of the African American Fraternities and Sororities. Their "steps" come from old traditional formations that symbolize various aspects of the African American struggle, as it were. The forms come mostly from the context the "Greeks" decide on. Southern black colleges and Universities are still the mecca for the best step dance in the USA. The reason why that statement holds true for me is because whenever I see,hear and feel step done on "Campus", I experience something special that is hard to feel anywhere else. Which goes to my thoughts about step on Broadway.
Let's say a young lady named, Shaameka, is a step dancer from the hood and is interested in performing step in a professional way - movies, videos, and, yes, on Broadway some day. She lives in Philly and needs to commute to NYC for auditions and so on. But wait, where does she audition for shows as a step dancer? When are step classes being taught by industry insiders who choreograph shows and videos? If a show or movie does come along, and she makes it in the piece, what does she ask for as a professional dancer (Stepper)? These questions can be answered in terms of every-other-dance form. Step Dance has yet to have the STRUCTURE the other dance forms have. The "structure" for step is in the Black College scene. Join the Greek organization, learn the steps and perform them (along with "Strolling") at Greek events. That's where step dance has its true structure.
Hip-Hop dance went through a structure thing 20 years ago. It was exclusive. Classes were taught, but it was mostly a Break Dance thing. The more technical stuff was hard to find.
Lastly, my advice to any dancer who specializes in step is this: focus on structure and performance. Teach classes and make reference to the black colleges in terms of the Greek origins of step.
Without structure, it will be hard to build the art form to the place where Shaameka can come to NYC or LA and take classes, network and audition with and for fellow step dancers.
It's that important.
Wyatt - Professional Entertainer
Hmmmmm, Wyatt, how can those of us who are not in the Greek world get access to this structure? Should or can we develop our own structure while still acknowledging where step came from? There is no doubt that African American Greek Organizations are credited for step being where it is! From what I know the Greeks do it in competitions etc but not to make a living. The Greek Organizations are mainly centered around community service (from what I know), so although stepping is a huge part of what they do it is usually to represent their organization rather than as professional dancers. What if you have a style different from what is seen in the greek organizations. I am sure that there would still be things to learn but you would have to take what the organization stands for as well as how they step. Can you talk a little more about the STRUCTURE that you are referring to?
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the state of step as a whole:
I am excited to see where step will go as it keeps its creativity and becomes more accepted institutionally. I think changes will come as those of us who love the dance take it seriously and work hard to do it in excellence and make sure we and the people we interact with are well informed about the dance.
STRUCTURE...For the sake of space, I will give my comments in bullet form. That way, you can get the most out of what I'm posting.
ReplyDeleteSUGGESTIONS OF STRUCTURE
* The candidates need a mission and or mission statement to "pledge" into e.i., "community service", "preserving step dance", etc.
* The Pledging process needs to be about mind conditioning (not a cult), physical conditioning, and Pedagogy (the art and science of teaching; methodology). Pedagogy is what Khalid went through at Funk U with the Noise/Funk show. What is the "Funk University" for step?
* Getting the dance on stages where Union Rules apply is where the consistant money will be made. Like the College environment, students are in a sense getting "paid" by earning their College credits. And also, joining a frat looks great on your resume'. So, in the real worl after college, a stepper's time needs to be valued in a similar way - "What do I get out of it?" is what the people should ask. That answer needs to be clearly defined.
That sums up structure to me. Each one of those bullets can be flushed out even more, but you get the gist.
Wyatt
Love it, we're on it!
ReplyDeleteStructure in the step culture is definitely something that we are working to create. We see it as one of the most important steps that need to take place to move step to the next level so we are in the process of making that happen. Thanks for the suggestions Wyatt. This helps us focus a little more on the exact direction we should be going.
ReplyDelete