To kick off the Weis Center’s Spring 2023 season, Step Afrika!, a traditional stepping company, brought a lively, energetic performance that dazzled audience members of all ages. Beginning with the pre-show talk allowed spectators to gain a better understanding of the traditions of the performance they were about to see. This talk also emphasized the artform’s roots in the community of traditional African American fraternities and sororities. The sense of community carried through during the performance as audience members were involved in chanting and clapping along with the artists. The performance consisted of rhythmic chants and movement and instruments for some numbers. Step Afrika! did a fantastic job interacting with the crowd and immersing them in the stepping experience. As a viewer myself, I especially appreciated the specificity of rhythm and the synchronicity of movement between ensemble members. Overall, this was a stellar performance!
-Katherine Leschner, Class of 2023