Step Afrika! introduces Step Explosion, later renamed Step Xplosion, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION PRESS RELEASE

Published Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is pleased to announce today that the agency has forged a partnership with Step Afrika! the first professional worldwide company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Throughout August, Step Afrika! will offer a series of free performances and workshops at a number of DPR recreation centers around the city.

“Through the art form of stepping, the work of Step Afrika! is aligned to DPR’s goals to Move, Grow and Be Green,” said DPR Director Jesús Aguirre. “Movement through dance is a fundamental aspect of growth and development for the youth, and this positive experience leads to an avoidance of weight gain, higher self-esteem and a reduction of risk factors for disease.”

Stepping is an art form in which the body is used as an instrument to create rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and the spoken word. Founded 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! promotes an appreciation for the artistic caliber of stepping, the cultural diversity of the District, and is used as an education tool for young people.

“Step Afrika! first taught stepping on the corner of 7th and P Streets, NW, and I will never forget how much fun the students had dancing with the artists,” said founder and executive director, C. Brian Williams. “Since then, Step Afrika! has grown into one of the largest African-American dance companies in the USA today but we hold on tightly to our roots in DC. I have wanted to perform again in DPR centers, and I’m so happy to finally bring the company to centers all across DC. Plus, we want to help energize students for the upcoming school year.”

From mid-August, performances will be held at the following DPR facilities:
Benning Park Community Center, 1500 Southern Ave., SE, on Thursday, August 15, at 6 pm.
Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th St., NE, on Friday, August 16, at 6 pm
A performance for children attending camp at the Columbia Heights Community Center was held August 13.

Weekly Workshops (Learn to step, drum and dance)
Fort Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St., SE
Thursdays, August 22 through September 26 at 6 pm
Saturdays, August 24 through September 28 at 11 am

The Step Afrika! Step Explosion! tour culminates with the showcase event at the Raymond Recreation Center at 3725 10th St., NW, on Saturday, September 7, at 2 pm. The showcase is expected to attract eight stepping teams, which will highlight some of the best stepping that the Washington, DC, metro area has to offer.