Stepping and Strolling

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) stroll together as part of a probate, a ceremony introducing new members. Members wear matching dresses in the AKA colors, Salmon Pink and Apple Green, as well as sunglasses and pearls, both symbols of the sorority.

The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) has many similarities to the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) such as basic terminology, life-long commitments, and the recruitment process. Of these similarities, stepping and strolling is a significant shared experience that bonds the Greek letter organizations. Stepping and strolling have alleged roots in South African "Gumboot" culture and were later incorporated in slave chants. Upon the creation of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), chants and songs became part of the initiation traditions and overtime stepping and strolling were added. The combination of the two became known as "Greek Shows," with the first Greek Show being held at Howard University in 1976. As this tradition developed, organizations created signature dance steps and moves to show pride in their fraternity or sorority.

Members of Omega Phi Beta's National Step Team the Soul Steppin' Divas are lined up performing at a step competition.

Multicultural Greeks later adopted stepping and strolling as a tradition, incorporating their diverse cultural dances such as Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. These dances, performed at New Member Presentations, Yard Shows (what Greek Shows are now known as), and NPHC/MGC gatherings, are meant to show the connection between members, celebrate their culture, and pay homage to their letters. Organizations such as Omega Phi Beta (ΩΦΒ) Sorority Inc. further popularized stepping and strolling with the creation of the National Step Team a.k.a. Soul Steppin' Divas, which was featured on the MTV True Life Series: I Am a Stepper, and the National Stroll Team a.k.a. Dream Team. When documenting the history of stepping and strolling in MGC, it is important to acknowledge the historical context to ensure that the practice does not lose its deep cultural significance.