Beyond the stage with Step Afrika!

Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go. As part of Step Afrika's three-day residency here at Virginia Tech, not only did they provide an electric performance for the general public, they also spent time in middle schools, with Virginia Tech classes in Virginia Tech residence halls with members of our wider community. And this was made possible because Step Afrika has a dedication to sharing the love and the history of their art form with all the communities they visit around the world. So looking at their residency, the first stop on Step Afrika's tour through Blacksburg was spending time with history students here at Virginia Tech. Through a hands-on experience, those students got to learn about stepping by doing, and then speaking with the performers about how they started their journey in the art form and what led them to this love of step. The company also had the opportunity to spend time with Blacksburg Middle School students who have their own step club at school. The students got to learn from professionals, perform for professionals, and also learn about what makes stepping important to the company and the things the artists bring to rehearsal and performance every day. One of the ways we try to meet people where they are is by providing free opportunities open to any skill level, and Step Afrika did a wonderful job leading a movement workshop for people of all ages across our community, instilling their love of step, teaching basic moves, and even creating an original step dance inspired by Hokie culture. Each season the center presents five to seven matinees for school audiences in our beautiful theater, completely free to participating schools. Step Afrika brought a performance like no other for elementary and middle school students in attendance. The air was electric and each student was on their feet dancing along with the performers on stage. The Center for the Arts provides every available opportunity for anyone in our community to engage with the arts, right up until the performance. Before Step Afrika took the stage, audience-goers had the chance to speak directly with the founder, executive director, and artistic director about the company. Step Afrika is largely credited with introducing this art form to the American theater. Virginia Tech's Living Learning Centers, located within our residence halls, provide wonderful opportunities for students to have direct, casual dialogue with artists. Step Afrika visited the Creativity and Innovation District and took part in their Friday Friends program, giving students direct face-to-face time with these amazing professional artists. The performers encouraged students to continue figuring things out, trusting what feels right, what they're good at, and what comes naturally. They reminded them that everything will fall into place. Our students are learning who they are, who they want to be, and how they may serve our community. The arts provide the window, the lens, and the door to explore identity. And we hope that by exploring who they are, and seeing how creativity opens doors wide, when they leave our performance hall and our engagement events, they'll have a new viewpoint on the world and be ready to fully engage in the values of Ut Prosim.