Stepping is a historical form of communication and storytelling. It’s partly rooted in the experience of African American men working on the railroad. Today, fraternities and sororities perform step as a means of sending a message to the audience and some step routines are simply for entertainment. Like much African American music and dance, step relies on improvision, call and response, complex meters, propulsive rhythms and percussive attack. Stepping dates to the early 20th century, when Black veterans of World War I enrolled in colleges. Inspired by their military training, they brought to their dances a highly rigorous, drill like component and combined it with elements from other Black dances, just as today’s steppers often add hip-hop movements.

Westminster Community Charter School students, families and staff were treated to a rousing performance of “Drill, Step and Dance” as part of our annual Black History Month celebration. Student performances showcased each form of celebratory dance in addition to a musical performance featuring our school choir. Click here to watch the performance

Inspired by our students, we celebrate Black History Month by recommitting to a shared vision for a community full of equality and opportunity and strengthened by love and hope.

Westminster Community Charter School – The Heart of The Buffalo Promise Neighborhood