Photo of STEP Team
Photo courtesy of @sbu_step on Instagram
BY: ISABEL MARZULLO, FEATURES EDITOR
“The goal of STEP as a club on campus is to increase the representation for minorities, as well as bring a creative element,” said Kendra Jeffery, a psychology major and STEP Team captain.
Stepping is an African-based tradition that uses different movements, words and sounds to convey loyalty to a group.
“It’s a different way of showing expression, the same way the dance team or choir [would],” said Jeffery. “It’s the expression of students and how they feel.”
As team captain Jeffery, along with co-captain Ronald Noel, lead practices and choreographed dances.
Along with weekly practices, Jeffery and Noel ensure time for team bonding; the most recent being a trip to Mt. Irenaeus last Sunday.
“It was a bonding experience we needed as a team; it helped take our relationship off campus,” said Jeffery.
In the past, the club has bonded over paint nights and created candy grams for holidays like Halloween and Valentine’s Day.
“We’re a small team, so we have a very close dynamic,” said Jeffery. “It’s just like a group of friends meeting up.”
STEP has spent their last few practices preparing for their performance at St. Bonaventure’s basketball game.
“[Right now] practices are running through the performance routine, [asking] ‘Is everything clean?’ ‘Can we do it at the right time and the right counts?’” said Jeffery.
Jeffery’s most memorable performance with STEP was last year during their Black History Showcase, she said.
“The team performed a new step that Ronald and I choreographed, and that was the first step we felt really proud of,” said Jeffery. “It was such fulfillment to see the video and that our practice paid off. It was such a heartwarming moment.”
Jeffery also added the team hopes to acquire new members in the future, along with providing individuals the space to feel safe.
marzulig22@bonaventure.edu
