Schools

A Step Above: After-School Dance Program Focuses on Fun

The San Altos EDP Steppers practice their moves twice a week.

Stomp. Clap. Stomp. Stomp. Clap. These are some of the moves the San Altos EDP Steppers practice every Tuesday and Thursday.

“I like having fun and being able to do something and not being bored,” said fifth grader Alicia, who is the team captain.

The group of second through sixth graders is a part of the Lemon Grove School District's Extended Day Program. The step team began after site leader Davina Bowie, who was a member of step teams as a child and in high school, showed her students some moves.

Find out what's happening in Lemon Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Once I showed them one step, they just wanted to learn another and another,” she said. “I remember how much fun I had as a kid doing steps.”

Fifth grader Ayanna said she has enjoyed practicing the new moves her instructor has taught the team.

Find out what's happening in Lemon Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“She teaches us well,” Ayanna said. “She’s a great teacher.”

Some of the students, like third grader Megan, didn’t know how to do the rhythmic footwork before joining the team. More experienced students, like fifth grader Donyett, have learned how to “stomp and clap louder and stay in beat.”

“It’s lots of fun and it takes up our free time,” said Donyett, who joined the group after the first performance.

The step team has taught the boys and girls more than clapping and stepping, however.

Admittedly shy, Donyett said she has gained confidence.

EDP lead leacher Jessica Casillas said the students have gained confidence, discipline, and many other skills.

“I think it’s an awesome part of the program because of the team building and camaraderie it’s built between those students,” Casillas said. “They are super disciplined. They hold each other accountable to work their hardest.”

The group was formed this year, shortly after Bowie became the site leader of the San Altos School Extended Day Program.

Since its formation, the step team has grown from 10 to more than 30 members.  The school's Extended Day Program has approximately 40 students before school and 100 students after school. Everyone is invited to participate, Casillas said.

There are Extended Day Programs at every school site in the district. Altogether, the programs serve about 250 students in the morning and 850 students in the afternoon, Casillas said. She added that all of the sites “provide an equitable program” and encourage visual and performing arts.

San Altos Elementary School is the only site that has a step team, however, because of the site leader’s experience.

“Our site leaders bring their own special talents and spice it up that much more,” Casillas said. “She knew that she had this expertise and she shared it with her students.

“It’s really taken off. It’s kind of like a new culture at their school.”

So far, the group has held three performances for parents and teachers. All of the students are excited for many more performances.

“It’s fun,” said Bryson, a sixth grader. “You get to show people what you can do.”

Casillas said she is impressed with their rhythm and coordination every time she sees them perform.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to experience this and be a part of it,” Casillas said. “They’re just really proud of what they’re doing, and it’s great to see.”

What Is Stepping?

Stepping is a dance tradition created by African-American college students in the early 20th century. It remains popular today as a source of great pride and competition with fraternity and sorority step teams vying for titles.

Its rhythmic, percussive moves are rooted in its founders’ experience. The original steppers were black veterans of World War I who were inspired by their military training. As they enrolled in colleges, they brought the elements of rigorous drills together with black dance forms to develop stepping.  

The Baylor University Student Activities page provides an overview of this historic dance form and its modern interpretations.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here