3-day residency with Step Afrika!
Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Milwaukee is hosting a three-day residency with Step Afrika!, an award-winning African American dance company dedicated to the art of stepping, in partnership with MPAC Cultural Ambassador Donald Driver from January 18-20, 2023.
According to a press release, Step Afrika! was founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams and is the first professional dance company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. The company references Black fraternities and sororities, traditional West and Southern African dances, along with contemporary dance and art forms in their performances.
“So many people don’t really understand what fraternities and sororities is all about. It’s not just about stepping. It’s about changing the culture.”
-Donald Driver
The three-day residency has an educational component that includes curriculum and study guides that were created by Step Afrika! Students were invited to learn a routine from Step Afrika before the start of the show.
Roll Call showcase
Other activities include a Roll Call showcase with the Divine 9 Greek organizations within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Milwaukee, a student matinee performance for over 2,000 youth, and a public performance.
MPAC Vice President of Programming & Engagement Jared Duymovic said he and his team are constantly working to bring “the best to Milwaukee.”
“We’re engaged in the work of ensuring…young people have access to this material,” said Duymovic. “Real artistic work.”
Step Afrika! is part of the 2022/23 MPAC Presents: Dance Series.