Arrive in anticipation, Leave in exhilaration: Step Afrika! Celebrates 25 Years with a Home Performance Series at Hartke Theater

“On its silver anniversary, the Company has more than earned it not just through its impressive concerts but through its tireless community outreach programs. A family-friendly performance this week and next celebrates the milestone as well as the stellar Company’s versatility as it performs step, hip-hop, and African dance, accompanied by a soul-rousing group of exceptional drummers and an otherworldly beatboxer… If you missed the production this week, catch it next, and bring the kids. Arrive in anticipation. Leave in exhilaration.”

– Alexander C. Kafka, DC Theatre Scene, JUNE 10, 2019

Step Afrika! Transforms ‘Stepping’ into Art Form

Written by D. Kevin McNeir, Senior Editor of The Washington Informer, and published on January 16, 2019

“The art of “stepping,” an exuberant form of communication and an integral component of African-American fraternities and sororities since the early 20th century, strongly resembles African foot dances like Gumboot which South African miners developed after authorities outlawed drumming.

This rich history served as the impetus for the dance company Step Afrika!, launched in December 1994 by Founder and Executive Director C. Brian Williams who “wanted to use the art form of stepping as a platform for artistic and cultural exchange.”

Twenty-five years later, Step Afrika! remains committed to that goal, evolving into a global phenomenon, one of America’s most celebrated dance companies, designated as D.C.’s official “cultural ambassador.”

They’ll kickoff their 25th anniversary season at the Strathmore on Sunday, Jan. 20 performing what Williams describes as “some of our most exciting works ever created.”

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“Whether performing in Haiti before 10,000 people or a small theater in Latvia for 250, it has been incredible to watch the people of the world connect with the artists of Step Afrika! almost as soon as we hit the stage,” he said. “In April, we’ll tour Ukraine for the first time in the Company’s history – already there’s tremendous excitement building there for our arrival.”

“We’ve had excellent opportunities to perform, experiment and dream and for that I’m eternally grateful,” he shared. “And while we travel the world, representing Washington, D.C. as a Cultural Ambassador, it’s always good to come home and perform for our family,” Williams added, pointing to the Company’s recent production, “Step Afrika!’s Magical, Musical Holiday Step Show,” which appeared on the stage of the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Northeast for 15, sold out performances.

VIEW THE FULL 2019 ARTICLE HERE