Step Afrika! Makes History, Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for Largest Stepping Dance
268 Participants Unite at the National Building Museum for a Historic Celebration of Step Culture
Actress and Comedian Lala Milan Hosted Inaugural Step Classic
New York City, NY – February 16, 2025 – Step Afrika! has officially set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Stepping Dance, uniting 268 participants on February 15th to achieve this historic milestone. The record-breaking event took place during Step Afrika!’s Community Day at the National Building Museum in Northwest D.C., part of the Company’s inaugural Step Classic held from February 14-16 at the iconic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.
PHOTO CREDIT: PHELAN MARC MEDIA
The Community Day festivities brought together nearly 500 attendees from the DMV area and featured face painting, dance workshops, live demonstrations, reading areas, and expansive play zones for families and children. Step Afrika! dancers actively engaged with the community, leading face-painting sessions and teaching dance to children and families, making it an unforgettable day of culture and connection. Founded by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s first professional dance Company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, a highly energetic, percussive dance form deeply rooted in the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Black Greek-letter organizations.
Originating in the early 1900s, stepping is a powerful, synchronized art form where dancers use their bodies as instruments—creating intricate rhythms through a blend of claps, stomps, and spoken word. More than just movement, stepping is a form of storytelling and cultural expression, reflecting the values of leadership, unity, and community service upheld by Black fraternities and sororities.
The Step Classic, hosted by comedian, actress, and media personality Lala Milan, brought together top step teams from across the nation in a thrilling exhibition and cultural celebration. The event showcased powerhouse step teams including the Omega Lamplighters Mighty Light Team, Controlled Chaos, The ETA Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., QuaDrew Step Team, Tha S.W.A.G.G. Boiz, The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Taken By Surprise, and Dem Raider Boyz Step Squad.
“This moment is bigger than just breaking a record—it’s about honoring a tradition that has been at the heart of Black college life and culture for generations. The Step Classic was created to celebrate this legacy, and this achievement is a testament to the passion and commitment of our stepping community.”
– C. Brian Williams, Founder of Step Afrika!
PHOTO CREDIT: PHELAN MARC MEDIA
Host, Lala Milan, poses with Step Afrika! Artistic Director Mfonsio Akpan and Full-Time Step Afrika! Dancers With this historic milestone, Step Afrika! continues to lead the way in showcasing the cultural significance of stepping, ensuring that this uniquely African American art form remains a powerful force in the world of dance.
About Step Afrika!
Step Afrika!, the world’s first professional Company dedicated to the African American tradition of stepping, was founded in December 1994, by C. Brian Williams. Williams was an accomplished stepper who recognized the connections between stepping and African percussive traditions. The creation of Step Afrika! in partnership with South African and American artists, allowed Williams to explore this connection between stepping and African percussive traditions.
Stepping, a percussive dance form, originated within African American fraternities and sororities on US college campuses in the early 1900’s. This unique art form combines elements such as stomping, clapping, and spoken word chants or songs, often involving intricate rhythms and synchronized movements. These movements are choreographed and feature detailed footwork, handclaps, and body percussion. Over time, stepping has transcended its collegiate origins, capturing the hearts of a wider audience. It has evolved into a recognized professional art form and a competitive activity, with national and international competitions as regular highlights. In this evolutionary journey, Step Afrika! has played a pioneering role, elevating stepping from college campuses to grand stages of the world.
Step Afrika!’s mission is to preserve, expand, and promote an appreciation for stepping through professional performances and to educate, motivate, and inspire young people in and out of school through arts education programs that emphasize teamwork, commitment, and discipline. Today, Step Afrika! honors that mission with a touring Company of 19 full-time artists, recognized worldwide for its engaging performances and innovative arts education programs. The Company is one of the top 10 U.S. African American dance companies and D.C.’s largest African American arts organization.