One small step

    This week, groups all over campus are clapping their hands, stomping their feet and moving to the music in preparation for the 10th Annual Alpha Step-Off, hosted by the “Cold Blooded” Zeta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
    “When you think traditional steppers, you think members of the (National Pan-Hellenic Council), historically African-American fraternities and sororities,” Ronald Sickles, junior from Louisville, Ky., said. 
    Sickles, vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha and the chair of this year’s Step-Off, said the event gives non-traditional steppers the chance to bring their skills to the stage, as NPHC organizations do not compete.
    Three Greek councils are represented on Murray State’s campus:  the Interfraternity Council, the Pan-Hellenic Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. 
    “(The Step-Off) is a way to bring Greek unity among the different councils in the form of a fun event,” he said.
    The event, which is open to all IFC and PHC fraternities, sororities and independent organizations, benefits the Alpha Phi Alpha philanthropy, March of Dimes.
    Competitors have to prepare a seven to 10 minute step show with the help of a member from Alpha Phi Alpha. 
    The judges have not been chosen yet, Sickles said, but they are usually alumni from the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter or brothers who did not help prepare a team. Judging is based on enthusiasm, difficulty and precision.
     Sickle said last year’s event attracted about 700 audience members.            “Everybody is there: teachers, family, students, pretty much anybody you want to see is going to be there,” he said.
    The reigning champions, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Gamma Delta, will return to the stage again this year, along with Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Alpha Kappa Psi, Alpha Sigma Phi and Sigma Alpha Iota.
    Dolly Wisman, Alpha Gamma Delta member and senior from Louisville, Ky., urged students to attend the Step-Off.
    “It’s a whole new experience,” she said. “If you’ve never been, you need to come because it’s absolutely crazy.”
    She also stressed the importance of supporting Alpha Phi Alpha, their philanthropy and Greek organizations and independent groups in general.
    Wisman participated in last year’s show, with her sorority taking home the first place trophy. 
    “It was great just knowing that we had accomplished it together, as a team,” Wisman said. “We were very confident in our performance and grateful that we won.”
    Wisman said preparing for the show takes weeks of rehearsal and the step teams often rehearse four nights a week.
    “We have definitely put time in,” Wisman said. “I think every sorority does though.  We have all put our blood, sweat and tears into this competition.”
    The Alpha Step-Off is at 7 p.m. Thursday in Lovett Auditorium and doors will open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $7 and will be sold in the Curris Center Monday through Wednesday and at Lovett on Thursday.
    Contact Booth at jamie.booth@murraystate.edu.