In Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Week at the University of Utah, Step Afrika! performed at Kingsbury Hall on Monday, January 15, 2024. The theater was packed to capacity, and I must admit, I have never seen Kingsbury so full. Every seat was occupied by an enthusiastic and engaged audience member. Stepping, traditional West African dances, and the South African Gumboot were woven into the afternoon’s performance, resulting in an educational and culturally rich experience.
Step Afrika! distinguishes themselves as a professional company dedicated to the energetic, percussive, and polyrhythmic dance form known as stepping. Originating from African American fraternities and sororities in the early 1900s, stepping embodies grounded body positions, dynamic foot movement suggestive of tap dance, and the integration of hands, body, and voice to create intricate tempos and rhythms. The artists form a unique community of dance and music on the stage.
Courtesy of Step Afrika!
However, Step Afrika!’s performance surpassed traditional aesthetics by seamlessly blending in various dance styles, ranging from West African to more contemporary forms. What sets Step Afrika! apart is the sense of invitation extended to the audience. It goes beyond mere entertainment by inviting me, as an audience member, into their community of inclusion and passion for dance.
The West African section of the performance was undeniably the highlight for me. Positioned upstage and center, the energetic beat of the drums set the tone for a captivating display. Utilizing the entire space, the dancers formed a semi-circle. The choreography had a seamless transition of each dancer taking turns in the center before passing the opportunity to the next. The movements were characterized by explosive and fast kicks, elements of combat, and moments featuring long extensions, pointed toes, and intricate floor work. This combination of dance aesthetics resulted in a visually dynamic display of energy and motion. Despite this mesmerizing experience, a minor critique I have is the performance’s duration. I see a potential benefit from an intermission or selective editing of some pieces.
Step Afrika! offers a performance that transcends the boundaries of concert dance that many of us are familiar with. While I encourage you to explore Step Afrika! on various social media platforms, I wholeheartedly recommend seizing the opportunity to witness their live performance for an unforgettable encounter.
Wren Foster carries an unwavering passion for the art of dance, with a particular focus in ballet. Beyond practicing himself, he finds joy in writing his thoughts about ballet. Eager to inspire and foster a commitment to excellence, Wren shares his feedback to uplift and motivate individuals in the dance community toward reaching their highest potential.