Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Sunday, January 12, 2020, 5pm
The Music Center
$35-$75
Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Strathmore is proud to welcome back Step Afrika!, the first professional organization dedicated to the African American tradition of stepping. This performance begins with a showcase of the region’s finest step squads featuring lightning-fast footwork, percussive chants, and incredible synchronicity. In addition to Step Xplosion, Step Afrika! will showcase a portion of their new work, Drumfolk, commissioned by Strathmore. Drumfolk honors the heritage of step and places the evolution of this vibrant art form in its historical context. Tracing step’s roots to the African American percussive traditions of patting juba, hambone, ring shout, and tap, Drumfolk reflects on the harsh realities of the American South and celebrates the fortitude of enslaved Africans who practiced these transcendent musical forms.
Ideal for ages 8 and up. See our Strathmore Kids Tips.
Featured Step Teams
Dem Raider Boyz Step Squad, Eleanor Roosevelt High School (MD)
Cook Hall Step Team, Howard University (DC)
HYPE Queens (NC)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.(OH)
The Eclectic Steppers, Paint Branch High School (MD)
Please note that the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority team will no longer be participating in this year’s event. We apologize for the change.
Preshow Event: A Conversation with C. Brian Williams
4pm in Music Center Education Room 402
Williams will discuss the inspiration and creative process behind Drumfolk. Free with show ticket, but registration is highly recommended as space is limited. Register online.
The presentation of Step Afrika! was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Strathmore Kids Tips
About Ideal Ages We list ideal ages for many Strathmore Kids events to help families navigate our offerings, but recognize that all children are unique and respond to experiences differently. We invite you to explore the information provided to determine if the event is a good fit for your family.
Everyone Needs a Ticket! All attendees, including accompanying adults, must have a ticket for performances in the Music Center to help us manage attendance and be sure we don't go over our maximum allowed capacity.
Your Comfort Families with young children may feel more comfortable sitting no closer than the third row on the Orchestra and balcony levels due to the height of some levels in the Concert Hall. Please take this into consideration when selecting the seats that feel best for you and your family.