Stepping into Confidence
Written by gsgcnwiin, Programs/Events, on November 29, 2023
On November 11, 2023, Girl Scout friends and family joined Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) for a ground-breaking cultural stepping workshop with Step Afrika!.
Step Afrika! is a world-renowned dance company that focuses on the art and history of stepping. If you’re not familiar, stepping is a percussive, highly energetic art form that Step Afrika! shared was first developed through the song and dance rituals performed by African American fraternities and sororities. In stepping, the body becomes an instrument, using footsteps, claps, and spoken words to produce complex polyrhythms.
The event was filled with over 150 Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and many adults who were excited to learn all about stepping. To get things started, Girl Scouts and their families watched a 15-minute demonstration of what stepping is and how it is performed. Then, Step Afrika! dancers explained the historical and cultural relevance of stepping and how it is celebrated. After learning about the history, Girl Scouts were very eager to join Step Afrika! on stage to learn and practice beginner-level stepping techniques. Once they were confident with their movements, Girl Scouts followed along with the dancers from Step Afrika! in a performance, which was enjoyed by Girl Scout staff and families. At the very end, Girl Scouts and adults were given time to ask any questions to Step Afrika! in a Q&A session.
“I learned so much, I want to do this again,” said a Girl Scout attendee.
The stepping workshop was a great opportunity for Girl Scouts to broaden their cultural awareness and have fun doing so!