This Page is dedicated to the P.R.I.D.E. Divas. A group of dancers and steppers I coach who exhibit the qualities of Punctuality, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence! I have included information concerning the Step Team for your leisure. Below is practice time with the DIVAS before a performance. I am truly proud of them, and a step team performance that I thought was cool!
Welcome to the Dance and Step Club! If you are ready to show some school spirit and teamwork, then you have come to the right club. Everything that we do in will be geared towards students working together in unity without all the drama. Working together as a team shows that you have heart and the maturity to help others.
What is stepping? Stepping is a unique dance tradition created by African American college students. In stepping, the body is used as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and spoken word. The tradition grew out of the song and dance rituals practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities in the early 1900s. Stepping comes from a long and rich tradition in African-based communities that use movement, words and sounds to communicate allegiance to a group.
There will many activities in the club, so come with a sound mind and be ready to work. As you may know, one of the best ways (and most popular ways) to show that you have school spirit is by “stepping”. Working together on routines, advertisements for the club, and musical selection for the club will help make the team function at its best. Not only will there be “stepping,” but we will have projects, fund raising activities, team assignments, guest speakers, field trips, and many other ways to show Githens can strive for the best by working together. So, if you have other talents besides “stepping,” you can still be an asset to the Dance and Step Club.
Expectations
Be respectful of each other and your advisors Ms. Shepherd and Assistant: Mr. Sims.
Be on time (You will be given a calendar of when and where practices will be held) Practice times will be from 2:30-5:00 (Please have rides here by 4:45), Students will be given a practice schedule.
Have a positive mind
Wear tennis shoes and appropriate clothes for practice
Participate and show school spirit
Attend Practice (please inform advisors if you are unable to attend practice)
No cell phone use during practice unless you have permission from advisor
Consequences
Verbal Warning
Sit out of from practice w/ parental contact
Probation from performances and/or practice
Dismissal from the dance team and /or Office referral
Grading Policy: All students on the team are expected to keep satisfactory performance in their classes. Any student who receives lower than a “C” in any class will be put on probation from performing and/or practice and an Academic Contract will be given until that grade is a “C” or better. Progress reports/ Report Cards must be submitted for review to Mr. Sims when given by your teachers.
Grading / Behavior/ Attendance will be monitored by your advisors. Students are not only expected to behave in practice, but your conduct as future leaders outside of practice is crucial in remaining a part of the club.
Attendance: In order to progress, students have to practice. Any student who misses more than 2 unexcused practices will be on probation or lose their privileges to perform.
Behavior: Keeping a positive attitude is important in order to be an effective team. The Dance and Step Team is to encourage support for each other in every way. Any student who shows any negative attitude or defiance may lose their privileges to be a part of The Dance and Step Team and/or disciplinary action may be taken.
The Dance and Step Club Mission: The Dance and Step team is a school functioned club with the basis to promote unity and support in every positive aspect. Students’ goals are to be positive and understanding of each other’s differences and learn from each other in a stable environment to be positive leaders in the school. The Dance and Step Team will learn to function as a team through: teamwork, professionalism, dedication, and school spirit.
Performances and Practices
All practices are CLOSED to parents and non-participating students. Only step-team members are allowed at step practice!
No jewelry (thick chains, watches, earrings other than studs) are permitted.
Warm-up stretches are required before practicing. The Dance and Step Team will stretch and warm-up (6 minutes) before practicing. You can also come-up with your own stretching routines as a group.
Inappropriate behavior, vulgarity, profanity, and disrespect towards any teammates, sponsor, or coaches will not be permitted.
All step team members need to wear appropriate clothing during practices/ performances and sneakers.
If you feel you are unable to commit or devote your time to scheduled practices and performances, you may want to think twice about joining this team. We need all members to attend all scheduled practices and performances. You are expected to be on time for all practices/ performances. Missed practices cannot be made before a performance.
Upcoming Performances: