Step is a form of percussive dance that uses the whole body as an instrument through footwork, claps, and spoken word. The origins of step lie in Africa, and the dance is common for black fraternities and sororities, although any race can participate in stepping.

Recently, the step team at Township has emerged as a synchronized and talented group, after years of hard work and practice. The team has gained recognition from their performances at homecoming pep rallies, boy’s and girl’s varsity basketball games, and Spitfire performances. The Patriot Press interviewed the two captains of the 2017-2018 step team, Brianna Shelton and Jess Quartey-Papafio about the upcoming season.

Why did you join the step team?

Bri: My freshman year I had the chance to watch the step team perform and I really loved the way that they were in sync when they stepped.

Jess: I joined the step team because I thought it would be a great way to make new friends and to try something new for once.

What if your favorite aspect of being a part of the step team?

Bri: My favorite aspect of being a part of the step team is the bond that we form with each other. By the end of the year, we’re practically family because we have been through  several practices and performances with each other and we get to know each other really well throughout the year.

Jess:My favorite aspect of being on the team is that we get really really REALLY close. We laugh together, we cry together, sometimes we fight, but at the end of the day we are a family that I would call my sisters.

What is the hardest part of being captain?

Bri: The hardest part of being captain is finding a happy medium for everyone. With 19 members of the team, it can be hard to make decisions such as what steps or music should be included in our next performance that everyone agrees with.

Jess: The hardest part of being captain is trying to please everyone on the team.

What is the creation process for steps? How long does it take to create and teach the steps?

Bri: When creating new steps, I use trial and error. I put different movements together and keep the moves and sounds that stick. It only takes a short amount of time to create a step, because you can take inspiration from other steps by using the sounds and putting them to different movements. When teaching steps, I tell others to listen to and memorize the sound of the step first and then try to put movements to each sound. Once you have the sound memorized, it makes it easier to figure out what movement comes next.

Jess: When I create a new step I try listening or making up a beat that sounds good. I then a turn that into a step. If I get stuck I take bits and pieces of old steps and putting those together to create new steps. It would usually take me almost an hour to perfect the step.

What is the biggest difference you have seen in the team since you first joined?

Bri: When I first joined the step team, it was the first year that we were getting matching uniforms and gaining recognition within in the school. Our performance now not only include steps, but we have tried to incorporate more popular dance moves into our routines. We have even begun selling fan shirts which did really well.

Jess: The biggest difference I’ve seen is that we’ve gain a lot of respect. We were known as being the black group with crappy steps. Over the years we’ve upgraded tremendously. From new uniforms to more entertaining steps.