“The tradition and performers embody the strength of an African American experience. The art form is an expression of excellence, discipline, joy, resilience, and triumph.”—NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson
Step Afrika! makes its Athens debut Friday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Hodgson Concert Hall. The 20-year-old company specializes in stepping, an intense and charismatic dance form practiced by Black American fraternities and sororities. Their performance is the only one on the UGA Presents season to promote patron participation: “Members of the audience are invited to clap, stomp, cheer and participate in call and response with the artists.”
Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Under Williams’s leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, as his company has toured more than 60 countries across the globe and been ranked as one of the top 10 African American dance companies in the US.
Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.
Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, focusing on teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding. The company reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year through a 50-city tour of colleges and theaters and performs globally as Washington, DC’s one and only Cultural Ambassador.
Step Afrika! has earned Mayor’s Arts Awards for outstanding contribution to arts education, innovation in the arts, excellence in an artistic discipline, and was inducted into the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Hall of Fame, the first dance company to earn this honor. Step Afrika! headlined President Barack Obama’s Black History Month reception and performed at the first ever Juneteenth Celebration at the White House. The company is featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture with the world’s first stepping interactive exhibit.
PERFORMANCE TALK
Join us for a free pre-performance talk in Ramsey Concert Hall from 6:45-7:15 pm.
SUPPORTED BY
Dr. Jane Huang and Dr. Philipp Torres
Janet Rodekohr
BUYING TICKETS IS EASY
Securing tickets for UGA Presents performances couldn’t be easier. There are three ways to choose from:
- Purchase tickets online 24/7 here.
- Call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (5 minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
You may also create your own series of three or more performances (10% off). UGA Presents single tickets start at just $25 with promo code PAC25 and UGA student tickets are $10. Parking is free.