On Nov. 26th, after classes, there was Step practice held on the first floor of The Academy For Young Writers.
Seventh grade stepper Sienna Bastida had this to say about Step.
“I quickly fell in love with Step. I’m in love with the smiles that come when we finish the step flawlessly and I hope to have a future Step team of my own and have more creative freedom with making my own steps.”
Step firstly came known to the African American Community as a way to speak out . They used Step as a way to talk and march about the pain they go through. Step is now seen all throughout the country from schools to dance studios and even professionally. Step came to AFYW with staff member Phoebe Mabry. She did Step throughout her college journey and took that leap to create a Step team here at AFYW in 2022. She taught steps of her own and took some from her personal experience. Phoebe told her team how Step dancing, or stepping, is a dance where the body makes rhythmic sounds using foot movements, claps, and other actions. It started as a way for African American fraternities and sororities to show pride and love. It also allowed people to express themselves and connect with others. Step mixes African traditions with modern culture and includes complex footwork, clapping, body slapping, and shouting.
Continuing with our interview , Captain Shalimar Cazales explained why she felt so happy and grateful for the team.
“I feel like being captain is a big responsibility and it gives me purpose. Everytime I walk into practice I feel glad to have this space to teach and be together with my steppers, it feels great.”
Co-Captain Julissa Napier followed along and said.
“Being able to be Co-Captain is a blessing. I love mentoring while teaching the middle schoolers especially. Seeing them having fun in practice , executing the steps , and just the joy is so nice to feel.”
